I don't have a ton of experience with this, but it looks like a classic case of "recessed staple" defined in CGC's book. A manufacturing-related issue characterized by staples centered on the spine, but below the bend. According to the same book, recessed staples range from 8.5-9.6. These seem pretty deeps, so start at the lower end. The way a recessed staple goes lower is if there is torn paper caused by the recess, then it can go down to 7.0. I don't see much tearing, but it's hard to see fine details. I'm a little concerned about this discoloration along the inner bottom edge of the front cover. They love to jump on a discoloration issue & ding a book below what you expect. I would say worst case scenario 6.5/7.0. Best case 7.5/8.0. Sometimes these big keys seems like they get the benefit of the doubt, so I would be more optimistic than pessimistic. Still waiting (a long time) for my copy to come home.