oldrover

It needs a press.

You're gonna wanna change that grade now. LOL

Fair, 1.0. The coupon is not the only problem. Even if the coupon were there, this would probably be a 1.5-1.8 IMHO.

Not sure what you're referring to there. But you're right about that line between purple and white.

The pressing will help the top edge of the cover.

The M in Magneto is now gone, dammit.

Honestly, I can't recall if I bought it restored or not... but I just get that vibe... perhaps one of y'all could quantify my in-depth analysis a bit more.

Oops... LOL... well, I'd think YOU wouldn't shy away from it... certainly if the implement was a pencil.

I stabbed a hideous ASM13 hoping for a grade not starting with a decimal point , and got a 1.0. The slab now makes it a $300 book... might go up when the movie comes out. This book is the opposite. Looks good, but has issues.

If that’s the consensus, I might not slab it. It could get a better price unslabbed because of how it presents.

Also, the front cover would be helped by a press. But since the back cover has issues, does it even matter?

Then I'm thinking GD 2.0-2.5.

1.0. Pains me to say it. Great book...

I’d send the photo, if not the book, to somebody who might be able to clean it. It’s a 4.5 (EDIT: or higher!) if you can get it clean. Otherwise... man, I have no idea. I guess GVG, but that’s a shame for that cover to grade so low. I don’t collect Archie... I’m assuming the book is valuable enough that spending money to improve its grade would be worthwhile.

It's not just the cash level... it's also the difference between the sale price of raw versus slabbed at the same grade. There are other factors as well. Key, non-key... do you want to enjoy it versus sell it.... and high grade is a huge factor. I've got a Captain America 117 that's probably in Fine condition. It's a key, and a great book... but on eBay a slabbed FN and a raw FN recently sold for exactly the same dough... $130. The GPA average at 6.0 is $160. I probably won't slab it. If it were in VF or better, darn straight I would.

Apropos of nothing, I looked on eBay to see if it was there... and found this great alternative for $7.95... Frankenstein #20 Photocopy Book LOL The kicker? Check the back cover...the book he photocopied it from... ...had water damage. LOL

I'd agree with 2.0. Also with the water damage... have a few of those from a stash acquired from my attorney BIL as part of an estate sale. And they can look like this. But I don't necessarily agree with avoiding it if your major worry would be resale... in my experience selling the water damage books, it really depends on what book it is. A non-key will take a big hit. But a key IMHO will hold its value. I'd wanna see that back cover, though. If there's water damage on the back, then you can just assume there are stains throughout and act accordingly price/offer-wise. Just my 2 cents... if it's even worth that. LOL

Yeah. That’s a dishonest BS move. Return it.

I’ve had books come back higher, lower, and exactly the same as what I (and others here) expected. It is what it is.

Do you have the original photo you can share? I ask because I’ve sold some books with water stains, and while I didn’t specifically mention the stains on all the listings, you can clearly see the stains in the scans. IMHO if it was clearly visible on the listing, the seller disclosed it to you. OTOH, if the photo is not clear, like your scan is, then absolutely return it.

No sir... its flaws didn’t seem to me the type that pressing would address. EDIT: Oh, and here's the scan...

You, sir, are the only one who nailed it. Came back as a 5.0!!!! Never have I been more happy to be wrong. LOL

And the grade is... 5.5. Hey, I'm glad it wasn't less!!! EDIT: And here's the scan...