eastcoaster

Sure, CGC does have it's own rules and there are many results of these rules out there. My issue with this thread was the notion that the spine ticks must be OK in 9.8 because CGC is applying it's own mysterious grading criteria. This goes against 99.99% of all the comics they graded, the collective expectation of a 9.8 (which certainly does exist), the decades old Overstreet guide that they've aligned with, and common sense for a mint conditon anything. You are correct that I have my own 9.8 definition but it's informed by all of the above. I accept your right to be an outlier and define a 9.8 however you want. You'll be able to buy many more 9.8s (aka 8.5s) than everyone else!

Not actually that subjective. If you make a list of rules for a grade, you can check if the rule got violated. E.g., more than one spine tick measuring 1/16 can be spotted and measured with a ruler. Sure there is some eye of the beholder in the final but many things can be objectively measured and used to grade. It's very simple... multiple large spine ticks is not a 9.8. If you believe otherwise, buy our 9.8s with spine ticks!

Very insightful.

Feel free to elaborate. I interpret it as no matter the grade still inspect the book carefully to make sure it matches your expectation. I agree but still think a 9.8 grade should put boundaries on the defects. I.e., not 10 terrible spine ticks or a missing cover.

Many people said that they didn't think it was anywhere close to a 9.8 but buy the book not the grade, giving a clear error a pass.

Yes.

Ask CGC! They must have a remedy for such mistakes.

The seller was a normal collector so I doubt he had more than one graded.

My plan is to return it.

I personally would pass because of the rip in the UPC but if you don't care and the price is right have at it! It will be hard to sell unless you find a like-minded buyer.

Get close up pics. What kind of grade are you in the market for?

Thank you for all the discussion. I hope to get this sorted out.

It is only subjective within limits. It's pretty clear to most people that when those limits are broken then you are into error territory. E.g., cover missing cannot be a 9.8. There is no value to a grading system if it cannot produce self-consistent results (I acknowledge some wiggle room is allowed). Like a previous poster said, 99.9% of 9.8s would not have these spine ticks and probably 99.9% of collectors would not consider it a 9.8 so I think it's very reasonable to say an error was made whether we know the exact grading criteria or not.

The defects are very prominent in person. Hard for me to accurately assess online. I am not really too sure about the fraud angle. I simply want to return it and move on.

True, I think it is bad for the integrity of the grading system for them to let copies like this be out there.

Sure I get it but assigning the right label is pretty important.

I will try the eBay return route as I am not satisfied.

Well, you're a better man than I if you can still enjoy a bum purchase.

They have money and can buy one, which is what I read they do.

Still applies. If you buy art as an investment and find out it's fake and worthless, you can't just appreciate it for what it is.

Right so if 99.9% of 9.8s would not have spine ticks like the one I showed why is it hard for people to see it's an error instead of just saying their grading is subjective and unknowable??? Lol

Doesn't really apply. If you pay $25,000 for a new car and you find out the engine has serious malfunctions, you are not going to lower your expectations and appreciate it for what it is.

Probably not but overall I am getting an education in the grading industry.

That is one remedy but if they regraded it an 8.0, their initial grade must have been an error... it can't be a 9.8 and 8.0. This error cost money so a remedy could be to offer a 9.8 book I was satisfied with.

Is there a CGC remedy to a mistake?