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Accuracy of Gerber and Overstreet Scarcity Designations
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Started by esquirecomics,

319 posts in this topic

esquirecomics

esquirecomics

Posted
Posted

I would be interested in hearing both anecdotal and statistical evidence of whether the scarcity ratings created by Gerber and those utilized by Overstreet (not sure if they are the same) continue to remain accurate, and the degree to which that may or may not be the case.

 

Obviously, one of the consequences of CGC is that we can better track the existence of specific books and thereby ascertain a clearer idea of at least the minimum number of copies that might exist for a book. Of course, the CGC census cannot be interpreted literally since we do know that books have been resubmitted in an attempt to secure a higher grade or had restoration removed and resubmitted for a blue label.

 

Thus, for example, last time I checked More Fun #52 had 19 copies listed on the census. My recollection, though I don't have Gerber's Photo Journal in front of me, is that they estimated 20 copies existed. That estimate would seem too low, though I know for a fact that at least two of the copies listed in the census are the same book, i.e., the CGC 5.5 I own that previously was a CGC 6.5 PLOD.

 

Mark

Esquirecomics.com

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skybolt

skybolt

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It's really hard to figure out when most GA collectors don't bother to submit their books for grading. For instance, Wonder Woman #3 has only 8 graded copies in the CGC census. I currently own the 3rd highest copy, which is only a 6.5. If everyone submitted their books to CGC, is it possible that the number of books graded would increase by 10 or 20 times, I just don't know. The census for this comic, and other GA books I own (All Winners #2 CGC 8.0, All Select #3 CGC 7.0, etc.) hasn't budged in the last 2 years. confused-smiley-013.gif

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Rip

Rip

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Posted (edited)

Gerbers Scarcity ratings a very hit and miss. Some "7" books are harder to get than some 8's and some 8's are harder to get than 9's.

 

There are a lot more copies out there on most ALL of those 8 and up books.

 

Some of those "Gerber No Shows" can be found with a little hard work.

One common example is Flash 56. Another book that IS tough to find is Cat-Man 13.

 

I would use it as a rough guide but not a truly accurate one.

I remember at one time I used to keep track and trade notes of various hard to find golden age books. I had notes on all of the Suspense Books and a few various other titles.

 

4 is harder to find than 3. gossip.gif

Edited by Rip
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esquirecomics

esquirecomics

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That is certainly true when speaking of GA books in general. Of course, I would venture to guess that WW #3 is probably a Gerber 4 or 5 (someone correct me if I am wrong), which would mean that the number of copies in existence would/could be triple digits and above. Thus, 8 certified copies does not accurately reflect the true census, neither does it support a re-evaluation that perhaps the book should have been, for example, a Gerber 8.

 

However, with respect to the key valuable books, say within the top 20 on the Overstreet list of 100 most valuable GA books (though I don't want to limit this discussion to that list), for the most part many of those books have been either slabbed OR we generally know of their existence, i.e., Action #1, Superman #1, Det 27. We know of, by fact or at least rumor, the high grade copies of these books that remain unslabbed, in addition to the number of the slabbed copies. So we can - perhaps - assess whether the Gerber and Overstreet scarcity designations remain accurate.

 

I am counting on the obvious vast expertise and long time experiences that permeates this GA board! 893applaud-thumb.gif

 

Mark

Esquirecomics.com

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skybolt

skybolt

Posted
Posted
Gerbers Scarcity ratings a very hit and miss. Some "7" books are harder to get than some 8's and some 8's are harder to get than 9's.

 

There are a lot more copies out there on most ALL of those 8 and up books.

 

Some of those "Gerber No Shows" can be found with a little hard work.

One common example is Flash 56. Another book that IS tough to find is Cat-Man 13.

 

I would use it as a rough guide but not a truly accurate one.

I remember at one time I used to keep track and trade notes of various hard to find golden age books.

 

What is your opinion on the percentage of GA books graded (especially in 6.0 and better)?

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skybolt

skybolt

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Another problem with Gerber is the condition factor. A book may be given an 8 but have multiple HG copies (due to its collectability back then), while a book given a 6 may have more copies out there but less in HG since it wasn't considered a key, and preserved properly 30 years ago.

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nearmint

nearmint

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I can only relate my personal experience with a few books. 10+ years ago, when Joe Rainone(whatever happened to him?) was selling the Charles Strong collection of Nedors, I purchased three books based solely on their Gerber Scarcity index. They were Exciting #30, Fighting Yank #5, and Thrililng #33. I don't have my Gerber in front of me, but I believe all three had a GSI of 8(one of them may have been a 7).

 

All these years later, the Exciting #30 and Thrilling #33 remain not only the highest graded copies, but the only graded copies of each book. The Fighting Yank is one of two graded. These books just never come up.

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esquirecomics

esquirecomics

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Where can I purchase a copy of the latest Gerber book? I've been collecting GA books for the past 2 years, so I'm sure this book would help.

 

If you are referring to the two volume Photo Journal, I bought my through Amazon.com, although I think there is an ad in the CBG that is less money.

 

Or were you referring to a different book?

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skybolt

skybolt

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Where can I purchase a copy of the latest Gerber book? I've been collecting GA books for the past 2 years, so I'm sure this book would help.

 

If you are referring to the two volume Photo Journal, I bought my through Amazon.com, although I think there is an ad in the CBG that is less money.

 

Or were you referring to a different book?

 

Whichever one that lists the Gerber scarcity numbers.

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esquirecomics

esquirecomics

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do a search, the gerber high scarcity books have been shown before (also i believe there to be a thread for the no shows as well!!!!)

 

Well I don't want to repeat what has already been done. We can just keep this thread to discussion. My relative inexperience with the boards has been revealed! foreheadslap.gifnews.gifconfused-smiley-013.gif

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