jokiing

16 minutes ago, James J Johnson said:

I thought of that but here's my logic. CGC slabbed, it's not only more liquid, drawing a bigger pool of bidders, and optimal $$$ results based on the label grade, but it's a sure sale. Buyer submits it, gets a 3.0 or 3.5, the seller is going to get a return if he called it a Fine or something of that nature.. Also, IMO, you list a 129 CGC graded 3.5 that presents like a 7.0, and mention how nice it is except for a very small moisture damaged area, the bidding will go well above 3.0/3.5 levels. I see this all the time on ebay. Either way, I think he'll get about the same price on ebay with reduced risk because it's CGC slabbed.

Good logic with all opinions.... Thanks!... Not making it easy... but I'm leaning towards Bomber-Bob's advice....

1 hour ago, Bomber-Bob said:

Regarding getting it graded, it's a tough call. There is no doubt you can sell it just the way it is. If put in auction, you can advertise it as not pressed/cleaned and possibly get an 'opportunity' premium . Some people like projects. If you get it cleaned, pressed, and graded, it will sell for exactly the FMV of the grade on the label, maybe less because of the eye appeal. You are also gambling on how CGC will grade it. I have a feeling CGC will not be kind to this stain. If it were my book, I would sell it raw in auction. Minimally, this is the quickest route .

Thanks guys, for the advice.... I'm old school and was mainly collecting in the early 70's thru late 90's.... so the process of slabbing comics is a somewhat new concept.  It is a tough call whether or not to have it graded. My initial thought was to sell it raw. One of the lowest slabbed copies that I saw sold on ebay was a 3.5  for $480. Any ideas what range CGC could grade my copy? That's the few hundred dollar question.... Taking the stain and cost of slabbing into consideration I'm thinking a raw sale might be my best option....

15 minutes ago, JollyComics said:

Have it graded. Sell it then use the money to buy the upgraded book.

Is it really worth getting professionally graded? As Bomber-Bob mentioned, it is a key book with value, but with the damage being so obvious, what would be the advantage? If the book was rare and not easily found with a high grade I would not hesitate to have it graded. I'm not arguing against having the comic graded,  I just don't have enough experience, regarding pro grading, to know what would be the upside to doing so.

Paper is flat, no ripples.... not sure what stained it.... and interior pages appear unaffected. Overall, in pretty good condition.

Just out of curiosity, how much of an investment am I looking at to have it cleaned and pressed? ...and as a restoration, how does that affect it's overall value?

Considering that the stain on the front cover is minimal and there is no other damage I think you make a good point. For what it is, not worth the expense to end up with a restored book. Thanks. 

Water stain affecting edge of front and back cover. Internal pages not affected.

Pages and cover are flat.

Is this something that can be fixed?

Thanks, Joe