Walking Dead #1 Black Label vs White Label - an Answer! UPDATED 2/4/14 2 2

[Sensei Ryan]

 

Even funnier is I'm looking for a low grade black label...so I will agree with you this time...

 

I accept the new information that has been put before me.

 

 

 

 

No need to agree with me.

 

Agree with reality:

 

9.8-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESK013-Image-Comics-THE-WALKING-DEAD-1-1st-Rick-Grimes-CGC-9-8-NM-MT-2003-/131304179595?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9256c78b

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-CGC-9-8-Black-Mature-Reader-Label-/131552877070?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1ea1299a0e

 

 

9.6-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walking-Dead-1-CGC-9-6-10-03-Image-Comics-First-Printing-RARE-HIGH-GRADE-/151715735475?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2352f667b3

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-CGC-Certified-9-6-Kirkman-Moore-Image-First-Ever-/231584755334?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35eb86ee86

 

 

9.0-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-cgc-9-0-1st-print-Oct-2003-Image-/271922691442?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f4fdafd72

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-CGC-9-0-1ST-PRINT-NO-RESERVE-/131545338382?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1ea0b6920e

 

 

Raw-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-First-Print-Rare-/252004256969?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aac9fccc9

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-First-Print-NM-Rare-1st-RICK-GRIMES-/261966230948?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cfe6775a4

 

 

Ouch. Looks like the "white labels" have actually been going for a little more. Fortunately, there's thousands upon thousands of both labels to go around. That will always ensure there will never be any significant or sustained differences in pricing either way.

 

 

There's a reason why this thread was buried on page 30.

 

-J.

 

First off, congrats on the amazing sig line - I'm envious beyond belief! I don't even want to hazard a guess on what that Cap 1 cost

 

Secondly, this thread was also created to compile data on the differences in the quantities of the white/black labels, not just to determine value of each.

 

Thirdly, I think you'd need more than 1 example to compare (for the 9.8's in particular) to make a case about there not being a difference in end prices In the example you provided, though, you are correct in the 'end sale' result.

 

After a quick search of the 450+ items that come up with 'walking dead 1 cgc 9.8', I saw 12 white labels (9.8's, 9.9, 9.6's) and 1 black label 9.4. Clearly, there are not thousands of each available (graded) on eBay at the moment - only the white label is in abundance on there (at lease in regard to the 9.8's graded).

Edited July 23, 2015 by Sensei Ryan

[Iceman399]

 

Even funnier is I'm looking for a low grade black label...so I will agree with you this time...

 

I accept the new information that has been put before me.

 

 

 

 

No need to agree with me.

 

Agree with reality:

 

9.8-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESK013-Image-Comics-THE-WALKING-DEAD-1-1st-Rick-Grimes-CGC-9-8-NM-MT-2003-/131304179595?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9256c78b

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-CGC-9-8-Black-Mature-Reader-Label-/131552877070?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1ea1299a0e

 

 

9.6-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walking-Dead-1-CGC-9-6-10-03-Image-Comics-First-Printing-RARE-HIGH-GRADE-/151715735475?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2352f667b3

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-CGC-Certified-9-6-Kirkman-Moore-Image-First-Ever-/231584755334?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35eb86ee86

 

 

9.0-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-cgc-9-0-1st-print-Oct-2003-Image-/271922691442?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f4fdafd72

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-CGC-9-0-1ST-PRINT-NO-RESERVE-/131545338382?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1ea0b6920e

 

 

Raw-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-First-Print-Rare-/252004256969?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aac9fccc9

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-First-Print-NM-Rare-1st-RICK-GRIMES-/261966230948?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cfe6775a4

 

 

Ouch. Looks like the "white labels" have actually been going for a little more. Fortunately, there's thousands upon thousands of both labels to go around. That will always ensure there will never be any significant or sustained differences in pricing either way.

 

 

There's a reason why this thread was buried on page 30.

 

-J.

 

First off, congrats on the amazing sig line - I'm envious beyond belief! I don't even want to hazard a guess on what that Cap 1 cost

 

Secondly, this thread was also created to compile data on the differences in the quantities of the white/black labels, not just to determine value of each.

 

Thirdly, I think you'd need more than 1 example to compare (for the 9.8's in particular) to make a case about there not being a difference in end prices In the example you provided, though, you are correct in the 'end sale' result.

 

After a quick search of the 450+ items that come up with 'walking dead 1 cgc 9.8', I saw 12 white labels (9.8's, 9.9, 9.6's) and 1 black label 9.4. Clearly, there are not thousands of each available (graded) on eBay at the moment - only the white label is in abundance on there (at lease in regard to the 9.8's graded).

 

Don't even bother with him you are wasting you time. He has his mind made up on just about everything in the collecting community and nothing commands a premium when it comes to comics.

[bffnut]

I'm pretty confident that there are not thousands (slabbed or raw) of black labels available.

 

Ouch. Looks like the "white labels" have actually been going for a little more. Fortunately, there's thousands upon thousands of both labels to go around. That will always ensure there will never be any significant or sustained differences in pricing either way.

 

 

There's a reason why this thread was buried on page 30.

 

-J.

 

Hey all,

 

I am collecting some data to try and suss out the true amount of black and white label Walking Dead #1s - or a close approximation thereof. To do this, I would like a large sample size to analyze, and to avoid duplication I am collecting information on graded issues only.

 

So, if you could, what I need from you is your Certificate ID, the color of your label, and your grade. I don't really need the grade, but extra data to analyze never hurts! You are more than welcome to provide a picture, too - in fact, I think it would be preferred.

 

Thanks so much!

Jim

 

Here are some pictures of the difference:

 

UPDATE: 2/04/2014

 

So you don't have to search thru the thread for the answer, it lies below. I will keep this updated as long as I am allowed, as new data comes in:

 

How rare is black label Walking Dead #1?

 

Here is the information used to determine the answer:

 

Data:

white - 201

black - 44

 

 

id - grade - color

1266002 - 9.8 - white

5884001 - 9.8 - white

20418502 9.8 white

22362001 9.8 white

79182012 - 9.8 - white

109844001 - 9.8 - black

110345002 - 9.8 - black

113915004 - 9.8 - white

129296015 - 9.8 - white

140573002 - 9.8 - white

142193005 9.6 black

142379001 9.4 white

144970011 - 9.8 - black

146321020 - 9.8 - black

154026025 - 9.8 - white

154946001 - 9.6 - white

165995005 - 9.8 - white

167232001 - 9.8 - white

170953001 - 9.6 - white

176156006 - 9.6 - white

177498001 - 9.8 - white

178638010 - 9.8 - white

180529005 - 9.8 - white

182175002 - 9.6 - white

186693002 - 9.8 - black

186798001 - 9.6 - white

187124001 - 9.6 - black

189794002 - 9.6 - white

191516002 - 9.6 - white

191821001 - 9.6 - black

191970001 - 9.6 - white

192488001 - 9.6 - white

193861001 - 9.4 - white

194079001 - 9.8 - white

195496001 - 9.4 - white

197225001 - 9.6 - white

197449001 - 9.6 - white

197644001 - 9.4 - white

197644002 - 9.8 - white

197759001 - 9.6 - black

197855002 - 9.4 - black

198629002 - 9.4 - white

198760005 - 9.4 - black

198872001 - 9.8 - white

198923002 - 9.8 - white

198967001 - 9.8 - white

199787001 - 9.4 - white

200322007 - 9.6 - white

202176002 - 9.4 - white

202875001 - 9.6 - white

203216001 - 9.8 - white

203420002 - 9.8 - white

203658001 - 9.8 - white

204153001 - 9.6 - white

204501001 - 9.8 - black

204530001 - 9.8 - white

204895001 - 9 - white

205393001 - 9.4 - white

205791001 - 9.6 - white

206059009 - 9 - black

206222001 - 9.4 - white

206258001 - 9.4 - white

206267001 - 9.8 - white

206456001 - 9.8 - white

206563012 - 9.6 - white

206563013 - 9.8 - white

206563015 - 9.8 - white

206563016 - 9.9 - white

206729018 - 9.6 - white

207421001 - 9.8 - white

207506001 - 9.4 - white

208527001 - 9.4 - white

209169001 - 9.8 - white

209397001 - 7 - white

209413001 - 9.6 - white

209503001 - 9.6 - white

209755001 - 8.5 - white

209755002 - 9.6 - white

209786001 - 9.4 - white

210256001 - 9.8 - white

210616001 - 9.6 - white

210873001 - 9.8 - white

211206001 - 9.6 - white

212003001 - 9 - black

212599001 - 9.6 - white

212649001 - 9.6 - white

212759001 - 9.8 - white

213227001 - 9.6 - white

213833001 - 9.8 - white

215514001 - 9.8 - white

217348001 - 9.2 - white

217873001 - 9.8 - white

218075004 - 9.6 - white

218796001 - 9.6 - black

219205001 - 9.4 - white

219268003 - 9.6 - white

219401001 - 9.4 - white

219649001 - 9.9 - white

220014001 - 9.4 - white

220168001 9 white

220205001 - 9.6 - white

220374001 - 9.8 - white

221709001 - 9.8 - white

615771001 - 9.6 - white

615780003 - 9.8 - black

628194007 - 9.6 - white

709176017 - 9.8 - white

709182012 - 9.8 - white

709414007 - 9.2 - black

723222007 - 9.6 - white

744351002 - 9.6 - white

749317002 9.8 white

771997001 - 9.4 - white

783141003 - 9.4 - white

797804003 - 9.6 - black

808607002 - 9.8 - white

905937002 - 9.8 - white

930193013 9.8 white

930821003 9.2 white

938958010 - 9.8 - black

945967001 - 9.6 - white

952169001 - 9.8 - white

955469001 - 9.2 - white

956195018 - 9.8 - white

957831001 - 9.6 - white

966396001 - 9.9 - black

968161006 - 9.8 - black

975877003 - 9.8 - white

975877004 - 9.6 - white

976122007 - 9.8 - black

976122010 - 9.8 - white

985729009 - 9.4 - white

991934004 - 9.4 - white

994664002 - 9.9 - white

1006423009 - 9 - white

1011229007 - 9.4 - white

1015106004 - 9.8 - black

1019293020 - 9.2 - white

1020211001 - 9.9 - white

1024487001 - 8.5 - black

1027451008 - 9.6 - black

1032371007 - 9.8 - white

1032371008 - 9.8 - black

1039822001 - 9.6 - white

1054779004 - 9.8 - white

1055026002 - 9.8 - white

1055107007 - 9.8 - white

1056971002 - 9.8 - white

1072637001 - 9.8 - white

1074787001 - 9.2 - white

1075564016 - 9.8 - white

1075766002 - 9.8 - black

1076175004 - 9.6 - white

1076238002 - 9.8 - white

1076401004 - 9.6 - black

1091638001 - 9 - white

1091638002 - 9 - black

1091638006 - 9.8 - white

1091754001 - 8.5 - white

1092733001 - 9.8 - white

1092999002 - 9.8 - white

1094188002 - 9.8 - white

1094188003 - 9.8 - black

1094428002 - 9.8 - white

1096294001 - 9.2 - white

1096294002 - 9.8 - black

1096874002 - 9.8 - black

1098734001 - 9.4 - white

1100308001 - 9 - black

1100551001 - 9.8 - white

1101018001 - 9.8 - white

1103146001 - 9.8 - black

1104801013 - 9.6 - white

1105049002 - 9.8 - white

1105086001 - 9.8 - white

1107254001 - 9.8 - white

1107526004 - 9.8 - white

1107956001 - 9.9 - white

1108057001 - 9.4 - white

1108376001 - 9.6 - black

1108586004 - 9.8 - white

1109516002 - 9.8 - white

1109742004 - 9.6 - white

1109815002 - 9.6 - white

1110345002 - 9.8 - black

1110547006 - 9.8 - white

1110580001 - 9.8 - white

1115011001 - 9.4 - white

1118624001 - 8.5 - white

1125435001 - 9.8 - white

1125635001 - 9.9 - white

1125845001 - 9.4 - black

1126235001 - 9.8 - white

1126506001 - 9.8 - black

1127144001 - 8.5 - white

1127144002 - 9.2 - white

1127200004 - 9.8 - white

1127646001 - 9.6 - white

1129133001 - 9.2 - white

1129425003 - 9.4 - white

1132829003 - 9.8 - white

1134187001 - 9.6 - black

1134505003 - 9.8 - black

1134935015 - 9.8 - white

1135714001 - 9.8 - white

1136103001 - 9.4 - white

1136174005 - 9.8 - white

1136548001 - 9.8 - white

1136573003 - 9.6 - white

1139044001 - 9.8 - white

1157530001 - 9.8 - white

1158624003 - 9.6 - white

1158869001 - 9.8 - white

1158966002 - 9 - white

1159072001 - 9.8 - white

1159103001 - 9.2 - white

1159103002 - 9.4 - white

1160002001 - 9.6 - black

1160052001 - 9.2 - white

1160739001 - 9.2 - white

1162492001 - 9.4 - white

1164646001 - 9.8 - white

1164781002 - 9.4 - white

1164802001 - 9.6 - black

1165456001 - 9.8 - white

1165603001 - 9 - white

1166249001 - 9.8 - white

1166279001 - 9.8 - black

1168178001 - 9.8 - white

1169901001 - 9.4 - black

1169913001 - 9.8 - white

1171102001 - 9.6 - white

1174823001 - 9.6 - white

1174897001 - 9.6 - white

1178313001 - 9.2 - white

1190500001 - 9.8 - white

1196894007 - 9.8 - white

1196901001 - 9.8 - white

1196966001 - 9.8 - white

1197833001 - 9.8 - white

1197943001 - 9.6 - white

1199022003 - 9.8 - white

1199231001 9.8 white

1217281001 9.8 white

1980335001 - 9.8 - white

 

 

 

 

 

Here is how I came about the answer:

 

 

To solve this problem, I had to freshen up on Binomial Distributions. This happens when data can go one of two ways, for example: yes or no, right or wrong, and in this case black or white. I used the follow two sites to re-educate myself:

 

http://www.sigmazone.com/binomial_confidence_interval.htm

http://books.google.com/books?id=m8rYUEWQx00C&pg=PA360&lpg=PA360&dq=binomial+distribution+margin+of+error&source=bl&ots=qG0eP3IPrb&sig=LbOZI4bceo6Pdoou8x9FBiIvdGQ&hl=en&sa=X&ei=SJ9_Upr2G8WqkAf6pICYDQ&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=binomial%20distribution%20margin%20of%20error&f=false

 

One of the things you can do with statistics is make statements about very large populations of data with a comparatively small amount of data. Businesses do this everyday when they do things like quality control. For example, instead of testing every item off of a production line, they grab random samples and test those. If they grab enough of them, they can be reasonable certain of the quality of all they items they produce.

 

So the first thing I wanted to was see if I had a large enough sample size (n). According to the text I read, you can calculate the sample size needed if you have a preliminary estimate for the proportion (p) that you are testing. This is the formula:

 

n = p (1 - p) (z / E)^2

 

where

p = proportion of interest

n = sample size

E = maximal error of estimate

z = z value for desired level of confidence

 

I initially found 132 different labels, of which 20 were black labels, so I did have an estimate: 15.15%. Using this calculation, I plugged a few numbers to see what maximal error I could have with a sample of only 132, using a desired level of confidence of 95%. Turn out it is 6.12%.

 

n = p (1 - p) (z / E)^2

n = 0.1515 (1 - 0.1515) (1.96 / .0612)

n = 131.8481

 

*z = 1.96 for 95% confidence

 

Now that I felt okay with my sample size, I needed to figure out how to calculate a confidence interval. What is a confidence interval? Well, remember that we testing a small group of data to make a reasonable estimate of the whole population of data. In statistics, this estimate is given as a range with a level of confidence. For example, "I am 95% confident that the true answer falls between 15 and 20." This is the range in which the real answer lies.

 

While not perfect, a formula used to calculate a confidence interval for binomial distributions is below. It makes a few assumptions which I will not go into (since I don't feel I can appropriately explain them), but it is a good approximation according to the text. With the current data:

 

Confidence Interval =

= p +/- z (sqrt ( p (1 - p) / n ))

= 0.1796 +/- 1.96 (sqrt (0.1796 (0.8204) / 245))

= 0.1515 +/- 0.0505

 

This means that we can be 95% confident that the true proportion of black labels falls between 13.15% and 23.77%. When multiplied by the population (7266), that gives a range of 956 to 1654.

 

 

 

The best answer that statistics can provide is a range, with a level of confidence in that range. With the data and means available, I am 95% confident that the true proportion of black label Walking Dead #1s fall between 13.15% and 22.77% of the print run. When multiplied by the population (7266), that gives a range of 956 to 1654.

 

Edited July 23, 2015 by bffnut

[bffnut]

Thank you!

 

Bring this thread back to life!!! BFFNUT rocks for doing it!

 

 

PSS - this is a zombie thread...meaning it cannot die!!! No headshots here, my friends!

[Jaydogrules]

 

Even funnier is I'm looking for a low grade black label...so I will agree with you this time...

 

I accept the new information that has been put before me.

 

 

 

 

No need to agree with me.

 

Agree with reality:

 

9.8-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESK013-Image-Comics-THE-WALKING-DEAD-1-1st-Rick-Grimes-CGC-9-8-NM-MT-2003-/131304179595?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9256c78b

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-CGC-9-8-Black-Mature-Reader-Label-/131552877070?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1ea1299a0e

 

 

9.6-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walking-Dead-1-CGC-9-6-10-03-Image-Comics-First-Printing-RARE-HIGH-GRADE-/151715735475?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2352f667b3

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-CGC-Certified-9-6-Kirkman-Moore-Image-First-Ever-/231584755334?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35eb86ee86

 

 

9.0-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-cgc-9-0-1st-print-Oct-2003-Image-/271922691442?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f4fdafd72

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-CGC-9-0-1ST-PRINT-NO-RESERVE-/131545338382?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1ea0b6920e

 

 

Raw-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-First-Print-Rare-/252004256969?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aac9fccc9

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-First-Print-NM-Rare-1st-RICK-GRIMES-/261966230948?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cfe6775a4

 

 

Ouch. Looks like the "white labels" have actually been going for a little more. Fortunately, there's thousands upon thousands of both labels to go around. That will always ensure there will never be any significant or sustained differences in pricing either way.

 

 

There's a reason why this thread was buried on page 30.

 

-J.

 

First off, congrats on the amazing sig line - I'm envious beyond belief! I don't even want to hazard a guess on what that Cap 1 cost

 

Secondly, this thread was also created to compile data on the differences in the quantities of the white/black labels, not just to determine value of each.

 

Thirdly, I think you'd need more than 1 example to compare (for the 9.8's in particular) to make a case about there not being a difference in end prices In the example you provided, though, you are correct in the 'end sale' result.

 

After a quick search of the 450+ items that come up with 'walking dead 1 cgc 9.8', I saw 12 white labels (9.8's, 9.9, 9.6's) and 1 black label 9.4. Clearly, there are not thousands of each available (graded) on eBay at the moment - only the white label is in abundance on there (at lease in regard to the 9.8's graded).

 

Actually, I've done the identical analysis three other times over the last couple of years and it has been identical the same every time...ie, no "premiums" either way (and there are more than just "one or two" examples for comparison sitting right there for anyone to see on ebay, not just the 8 I used). The myth of there being a "premium" for the black label is primarily promulgated on these boards and has never been supported by anyone with any actual sales data. As a matter of fact, a boardie just recently had to drop the price of his black label below the most recent white label sales to even sell his book here (*edit I see that it was you, congrats on that sale!). And for the record, I currently count about eight black labels for sale on ebay (not counting the other dozen or so in the closed listings). To say that either "version" of the book is "rare" or that one consistently sells for more than the other is patently incorrect. The actual data speaks for itself.

 

Thanks for the ups on my sig line by the way. As for the cap 1 price, let's just say I'm down exactly one arm and one leg. But so worth it.

 

-J.

[retrothecollector]

 

Even funnier is I'm looking for a low grade black label...so I will agree with you this time...

 

I accept the new information that has been put before me.

 

 

 

 

No need to agree with me.

 

Agree with reality:

 

9.8-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESK013-Image-Comics-THE-WALKING-DEAD-1-1st-Rick-Grimes-CGC-9-8-NM-MT-2003-/131304179595?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9256c78b

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-CGC-9-8-Black-Mature-Reader-Label-/131552877070?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1ea1299a0e

 

 

9.6-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walking-Dead-1-CGC-9-6-10-03-Image-Comics-First-Printing-RARE-HIGH-GRADE-/151715735475?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2352f667b3

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-CGC-Certified-9-6-Kirkman-Moore-Image-First-Ever-/231584755334?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35eb86ee86

 

 

9.0-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-cgc-9-0-1st-print-Oct-2003-Image-/271922691442?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f4fdafd72

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-CGC-9-0-1ST-PRINT-NO-RESERVE-/131545338382?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1ea0b6920e

 

 

Raw-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-First-Print-Rare-/252004256969?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aac9fccc9

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-First-Print-NM-Rare-1st-RICK-GRIMES-/261966230948?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cfe6775a4

 

 

Ouch. Looks like the "white labels" have actually been going for a little more. Fortunately, there's thousands upon thousands of both labels to go around. That will always ensure there will never be any significant or sustained differences in pricing either way.

 

 

There's a reason why this thread was buried on page 30.

 

-J.

The 9.6's are both white labels. Just sayin'

 

Also there is an abundance of #1's to buy, but not thousands to go around. Maybe a hundred or less. There's only roughly 7000 copies. Maybe if all of them where available then your statement may hold true. I know you were probably exaggerating. I get it.

[retrothecollector]

I only count 17 #1's on ebay.

[Jaydogrules]

 

Even funnier is I'm looking for a low grade black label...so I will agree with you this time...

 

I accept the new information that has been put before me.

 

 

 

 

No need to agree with me.

 

Agree with reality:

 

9.8-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESK013-Image-Comics-THE-WALKING-DEAD-1-1st-Rick-Grimes-CGC-9-8-NM-MT-2003-/131304179595?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9256c78b

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-CGC-9-8-Black-Mature-Reader-Label-/131552877070?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1ea1299a0e

 

 

9.6-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walking-Dead-1-CGC-9-6-10-03-Image-Comics-First-Printing-RARE-HIGH-GRADE-/151715735475?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2352f667b3

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-CGC-Certified-9-6-Kirkman-Moore-Image-First-Ever-/231584755334?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35eb86ee86

 

 

9.0-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-cgc-9-0-1st-print-Oct-2003-Image-/271922691442?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f4fdafd72

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-CGC-9-0-1ST-PRINT-NO-RESERVE-/131545338382?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1ea0b6920e

 

 

Raw-

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-First-Print-Rare-/252004256969?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aac9fccc9

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-First-Print-NM-Rare-1st-RICK-GRIMES-/261966230948?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cfe6775a4

 

 

Ouch. Looks like the "white labels" have actually been going for a little more. Fortunately, there's thousands upon thousands of both labels to go around. That will always ensure there will never be any significant or sustained differences in pricing either way.

 

 

There's a reason why this thread was buried on page 30.

 

-J.

The 9.6's are both white labels. Just sayin'

 

Also there is an abundance of #1's to buy, but not thousands to go around. Maybe a hundred or less. There's only roughly 7000 copies. Maybe if all of them where available then your statement may hold true. I know you were probably exaggerating. I get it.

 

Indeed they are. This is the black label 9.6 sale I meant to link: (as you can see, still same general price range as some of the white labels, if not slightly less)

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Walking-Dead-1-Oct-2003-Image-CGC-9-6-/281718988938?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4197c2a08a

 

-J.

[Guardian Comics]

I only count 17 #1's on ebay.

 

I just counted it...whether it be in lots or individual sales there are 35 copies of WD #1 for sale on the Bay...29 are white labels and 6 are black.

 

Then looked at CL and between Sales Pending and available it's 7 white and 1 black.

 

To suggest there are thousands of black labels to select from, is absolute and complete BS. The print run is just over 7k, and I would hazard a guess there isn't even 1,000 black labels still in existence.

 

When all I used to do was buy and sell WD comics, every single one of my black labels sold for more than its white label counterpart. And a black label was always the version most requested.

 

Jim

[Jaydogrules]

I only count 17 #1's on ebay.

 

I just counted it...whether it be in lots or individual sales there are 35 copies of WD #1 for sale on the Bay...29 are white labels and 6 are black.

 

Then looked at CL and between Sales Pending and available it's 7 white and 1 black.

 

To suggest there are thousands of black labels to select from, is absolute and complete BS. The print run is just over 7k, and I would hazard a guess there isn't even 1,000 black labels still in existence.

 

When all I used to do was buy and sell WD comics, every single one of my black labels sold for more than its white label counterpart. And a black label was always the version most requested.

 

Jim

 

Kirkman himself has gone on the record specifically disputing your "guess" and your personal and anecdotal experience is in direct contrast with what we see in publicly available sales data. (thumbs u

 

-J.

[James J]

I like walking dead comics.....

[Jaydogrules]

I like walking dead comics.....

 

 

+1!

 

-J.

[IntoAnother]

I like walking dead comics.....

 

Understatement of the year coming from James.

 

[bffnut]

I only count 17 #1's on ebay.

 

I just counted it...whether it be in lots or individual sales there are 35 copies of WD #1 for sale on the Bay...29 are white labels and 6 are black.

 

Then looked at CL and between Sales Pending and available it's 7 white and 1 black.

 

To suggest there are thousands of black labels to select from, is absolute and complete BS. The print run is just over 7k, and I would hazard a guess there isn't even 1,000 black labels still in existence.

 

When all I used to do was buy and sell WD comics, every single one of my black labels sold for more than its white label counterpart. And a black label was always the version most requested.

 

Jim

 

Kirkman himself has gone on the record specifically disputing your "guess" and your personal and anecdotal experience is in direct contrast with what we see in publicly available sales data. (thumbs u

 

-J.

 

This is true. Kirkman has publicly said that he thought that there were less white labels than black labels. However, ask anyone who has sold enough copies of Walking Dead #1 to have significant sample size (more than 20 or 30) and they will tell you what Jim just did: white lables outnumber the black labels. This is not just confirmation bias, as my analysis provides empirical evidence.

 

As far as price difference - you cant just look at what is on sale in eBay right now. You would have to look at trending data. When I first considered doing this, I did not think it would be possible because the prices were swinging around to wildly. However, I think the baseline has settled around $2k, and you can probably do an analysis now.

 

Anecdotally, most sellers will tell you black labels fetch a premium. I tend to believe people who have sold a significant amount of them (like Jim). I've only sold on black label and one white label, and I was able to sell my black label for 50% more than the baseline. I think that is an extreme example, though. I also sold it during the middle of the season, which is a better time to sell WD than in the middle of the summer.

[HarveySwick]

You guys are not going to win an argument with him.

[ZGagnon]

I think I've just purchase the 7th Walking Dead #1 I've owned... and all whites.

[Guardian Comics]

I only count 17 #1's on ebay.

 

I just counted it...whether it be in lots or individual sales there are 35 copies of WD #1 for sale on the Bay...29 are white labels and 6 are black.

 

Then looked at CL and between Sales Pending and available it's 7 white and 1 black.

 

To suggest there are thousands of black labels to select from, is absolute and complete BS. The print run is just over 7k, and I would hazard a guess there isn't even 1,000 black labels still in existence.

 

When all I used to do was buy and sell WD comics, every single one of my black labels sold for more than its white label counterpart. And a black label was always the version most requested.

 

Jim

 

Kirkman himself has gone on the record specifically disputing your "guess" and your personal and anecdotal experience is in direct contrast with what we see in publicly available sales data. (thumbs u

 

-J.

 

This is the best quote in the thread. Everything said in it is absolute 100% fact. To argue anything else is irrational, because it means you are arguing just to argue. And from what I've seen from your posts, that is 100% fact as well.

 

 

 

But in all seriousness, when I talked to him about this years ago he told me he was guessing/approximating what the numbers were. Kirkman doesn't know the exact proportion. For that matter, no one else does either. No one ever counted them. There is no one for him to ask. They had no idea anybody would ever give a in the future.

 

But it's pretty darn obvious to anyone with a clear rational mind there are less black versions than white. It doesn't matter if you're looking at registry pics, the sales forum, eBay, etc.... there have always been less black versions. Always. And it's been consistently like that for YEARS. Not for a few days here and there, but consistently for YEARS. People who don't see that are either owners of the white version trying to carnival bark, or people who have not followed the book and done their research.

 

 

[Sam I am]

I like walking dead comics.....

 

Understatement of the year coming from James.

 

Said while he plays on his WD pinball machine.

[Jaydogrules]

I only count 17 #1's on ebay.

 

I just counted it...whether it be in lots or individual sales there are 35 copies of WD #1 for sale on the Bay...29 are white labels and 6 are black.

 

Then looked at CL and between Sales Pending and available it's 7 white and 1 black.

 

To suggest there are thousands of black labels to select from, is absolute and complete BS. The print run is just over 7k, and I would hazard a guess there isn't even 1,000 black labels still in existence.

 

When all I used to do was buy and sell WD comics, every single one of my black labels sold for more than its white label counterpart. And a black label was always the version most requested.

 

Jim

 

Kirkman himself has gone on the record specifically disputing your "guess" and your personal and anecdotal experience is in direct contrast with what we see in publicly available sales data. (thumbs u

 

-J.

 

This is true. Kirkman has publicly said that he thought that there were less white labels than black labels. However, ask anyone who has sold enough copies of Walking Dead #1 to have significant sample size (more than 20 or 30) and they will tell you what Jim just did: white lables outnumber the black labels. This is not just confirmation bias, as my analysis provides empirical evidence.

 

As far as price difference - you cant just look at what is on sale in eBay right now. You would have to look at trending data. When I first considered doing this, I did not think it would be possible because the prices were swinging around to wildly. However, I think the baseline has settled around $2k, and you can probably do an analysis now.

 

Anecdotally, most sellers will tell you black labels fetch a premium. I tend to believe people who have sold a significant amount of them (like Jim). I've only sold on black label and one white label, and I was able to sell my black label for 50% more than the baseline. I think that is an extreme example, though. I also sold it during the middle of the season, which is a better time to sell WD than in the middle of the summer.

 

I've also had dealers tell me that they've sold just as many blacks as whites and have also said there was no significant or consistent "premium" yielded either way.

 

Anecdotal experience is fine and dandy but the publicly available sales data doesn't lie and speaks for itself. This isn't about "winning an argument". It's about pointing out what is readily observable in the open market, every single day of the week, and across all grades, by anyone who cares to look at it with an un-biased eye. But since we know some people will choose to believe whatever they want in spite of actual facts and sales data, I don't hold out much hope for that being possible.

 

-J.

[Jaydogrules]

I only count 17 #1's on ebay.

 

I just counted it...whether it be in lots or individual sales there are 35 copies of WD #1 for sale on the Bay...29 are white labels and 6 are black.

 

Then looked at CL and between Sales Pending and available it's 7 white and 1 black.

 

To suggest there are thousands of black labels to select from, is absolute and complete BS. The print run is just over 7k, and I would hazard a guess there isn't even 1,000 black labels still in existence.

 

When all I used to do was buy and sell WD comics, every single one of my black labels sold for more than its white label counterpart. And a black label was always the version most requested.

 

Jim

 

Kirkman himself has gone on the record specifically disputing your "guess" and your personal and anecdotal experience is in direct contrast with what we see in publicly available sales data. (thumbs u

 

-J.

 

This is the best quote in the thread. Everything said in it is absolute 100% fact. To argue anything else is irrational, because it means you are arguing just to argue. And from what I've seen from your posts, that is 100% fact as well.

 

 

 

But in all seriousness, when I talked to him about this years ago he told me he was guessing/approximating what the numbers were. Kirkman doesn't know the exact proportion. For that matter, no one else does either. No one ever counted them. There is no one for him to ask. They had no idea anybody would ever give a in the future.

 

But it's pretty darn obvious to anyone with a clear rational mind there are less black versions than white. It doesn't matter if you're looking at registry pics, the sales forum, eBay, etc.... there have always been less black versions. Always. And it's been consistently like that for YEARS. Not for a few days here and there, but consistently for YEARS. People who don't see that are either owners of the white version trying to carnival bark, or people who have not followed the book and done their research.

 

 

Got any actual publicly available sales data to back up any of your blanket assertions and speculation?

 

Didn't think so.

 

-J.