tim_jr

It may not be recognized as a Gaines file copy since someone could tamper with the label. Please correct me if my assumption is wrong, but you have no certificate of authenticity. Books sold as a "Gaines File Copy" all came with a Certificate of Authenticity where the book was ranked by condition/grade by Bob Overstreet. That certificate was also initialed by Bill Gaines, Russ Cochran, and Bob Overstreet. As written on the certificate, it "should always be kept with the comic book" to prove it is a Gaines File Copy. Those Certificates of Authenticity came with the comic books and picto-fiction magazines. Unlike other pedigree copies, there is no writing, e.g. Crippen D, to prove its pedigree status. It's all about the Certificate of Authenticity. Moreover, there are ordering documents for file copies back when those copies were originally sold and each would have come with the certificates. I am about 99.9% sure the Shock Suspenstories books came with a Certificate since (based on my memory) they were on that ordering document. (FYI-The lower ranked copies were owned by the Gaines family. The higher ranked copies were sold together as complete runs of a title; however, middle ranked copies were sold as individual file copies. Knowing its rank on that Certificate is part of its value.) Not including the Certificate may not be the seller's fault. Back in the day, CGC would throw away those Certificates of Authenticity thinking its word was enough. Now, at least CGC makes an effort to recognize history and return the certificates. (Knock on wood. I've got an EC pedigree book at CGC right now and hope the documentation will be returned, but I digress.) For hardcore EC collectors, the designation by CGC will not be enough. Besides that Certificate of Authenticity, it also needs the original Mylar bag with computer print out sticker listing the title, issue number, and rank. It's very picky...but pedigrees are expensive and we want them how they were originally sold. P.S. I just double checked and Shock Suspenstories #18 was on the ordering document from Russ Cochran. The same goes for MAD #1-23. Both SSS #18 and MAD #1-23 should have a Certificate of Authenticity. I'd post the pictures, but cannot on a tablet for some reason. Maybe I'll remember later when I am back on my computer. Good luck!!! Please tell us if CGC allows you to keep the pedigree status on your book.

My wish list for writers/artists to participate in a CGC signing: -Alan Moore -Alex Ross -Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird -Adam Hughes -John Romita Sr -Joshua Middleton -Garth Ennis -Lucio Parrillo -Jeff Lemire -J.S. Campbell -Geoff Johns -Brian Bolland

Thank you to everyone posting updates. I have checked this forum constantly to keep track of potential pressing or grading dates for my books...Finally, my turn to update! My books were received on 12-05-20 and were just changed to received on 01-24-20.