PGM Strange Tales #178

[jaeldubyoo]

How do you grade something like this? Would it be considered extensive restoration?

 

I found this a few years ago at a comic shop and snatched it up without taking it out of the bag (uh oh), thinking I had a bargain.

 

 

Later, after I took it out of the bag, I saw the tape. Not very noticeable from the front, but very obvious from the back. It had tape at the staples, both inside and outside. And I noticed the both staples were replaced. From what I can determine, the tape was unnecessary. I saw no evidence of weakness at the staples, rust migration, or that there was a popped staple. I think it was a collector that was obsessed with reinforcing the staples. And as Luck would have it, I also purchased another comic at the same time that had the same exact problem. I have nobody to blame except for myself for not taking the precaution of taking it out of the bag and looking more closely.

 

 

[Mutant Manatee]

I don't think CGC would consider it restoration, they would just note the tape and downgrade it significantly.

 

I agree with your opinion that it was most likely a collector that decided to reinforce the staples. (ill-advisedly) Too bad, ST #178 is one of my all-time favorite books.

 

Probably not worth slabbing in its current state, in my honest opinion.

[jaeldubyoo]

What about the staple replacements?

 

It's more a question about restoration, rather than whether it's worth grading. This is certainly not one I would even consider getting graded. I have others that I would get graded, but not this one.

[Mutant Manatee]

What about the staple replacements?

 

Do you think the staples were replaced with different staples? If so, then yes, they would probably consider that restoration.