William-James88

The back is actually straight at the top (not jagged), not sure what would create that jagged looking effect with the dust shadow.

The back is where the bigger issues are, it seems. Not sure exactly where this would fall. There isn't a piece missing at the bottom left of the cover, the cover is simply not printed on that small section.

Wow Comics 52 4 in census

Here's my single best comic. The best part is I found it raw locally.

I have quite a few, but here's my best one

Oh man, speaking of OCD

The second one is a normal 9.8. So if you don't find it nice enough then as others have said, you might look into collecting 9.9 or 10. The first one is not (or more likely no longer) a 9.8. You could return it, but only mention that you could not see that tear in the pics. Saying it's not a 9.8 may not work in your favor if paypal reviews the case.

Its not a rare book so if I were you, I would just send it back saying the damaged case was not in the description and buy another one.

People have the right to collect however they like, including being ocd about it. It's hard to say that's not the case when you see stuff like this on these boards: He called 9.6 a low grade.

9.0-9.2 would be surprised if higher.

What would there be to restore?

4.0

Assuming the top is fine, 9.0

Best thing to do at this point would be to send to CGC and have the grade set in stone. Was the dirt/soiling removed after your clean? Also, if he is deducting 1.0, does that mean he thinks it would be a 6.0 withput the split?

Yup, 3.0

I estimate a 3.0. I too fear trimming.

4.0

Same

Same. DC Silver age is really not popular. Marvel clearly won that decade and since collectors only have so much income, you end up with a lot of DC silver age on the market that is just remaining there unsought and unbought (I am specifically speaking of mid grade examples here, which is what I assume is being purchased from an older gentleman). It is weird that he said no keys and sends you an image of a key. But if that's his only key, I'd say your $10,000 could be better put elsewhere. I just worry that it's money you'll have to work extra hard to get back and may not be worth your time.

Yes, it does. The default grade of new books bought on the news stand are 9.2. That's as far as the price guide goes and that's the grade which accepts all kinds of bindery defects, like your colour break. Not saying it's the average grade, just saying that's the kind of grade you can expect (9.2 or higher). Your disappointment is the reason there are entire businesses around preordering books with a guaranteed 9.8. If you wanted a guaranteed 9.8, you have to purchase a guaranteed 9.8. If not, you're just rolling the dice in the high grade game. here is an example of places that let you preorder 9.8s, you'll see you pay a heavy premium https://mutantbeavercomics.com/

HAHA, that's what I was going to say

There was as a good looking comic I was looking at and the description said a term I was unfamiliar with: "Very small amount of silverfish damage to the top right edge of the cover" So, what is silverfish damage and is it like staining and waterdamage where it just can't be accepted at grades beyond 7.0 (nomatter how minute it is)

The seller put it as VF. So not a big difference, but I was wondering how it would be seen when graded. Thanks for your answer.

Yeah, that would be allowed, even at a 4.0 (in my opinion). What is hurting the grade the most is simply the amount of wear all across it (especially the spine). I had a Fantastic Four #5 that looked as beat up as this and it came back 3.0. And a press wouldnt really help since there's nothing bringing the grade down that a press could fix.