Question about grading a book with a detached cover 1 1

[flying_bison]

Hi.  I have asked this question in several different places, but the answers I get are inconsistent and seem more like speculation.   I'm hoping that somebody out there can speak from experience or at least CONFIDENTLY to the question of what happens when a comic is submitted to CGC with a detached cover.  I have an ASM 129 that has a detached cover.   The inside of the book is probably a 9.6.  Beautiful, GREAT condition.  Really clean staples, etc.  The cover is okay, but worn.  Probably a 5.0 cover.  Here is my question:

If I submit the book, what will CGC do?  1) Some people tell me it will get a green label (qualified) and the higher grade (in this case, probably a 5.0 ish).  2) Others tell me, it will get the blue label and an overall downgrade (probably 2.5 here) and a notation of a detached cover.  3) Still others have suggested that I can request which of those two options I prefer (green or blue label) and that CGC will honor my request.   I would like a blue label.  Can anyone tell me the hard cold facts here about how this actually works.  If I am going to get a green label, I do not want to send it in.   THANK YOU!!

Edited August 14, 2022 by flying_bison
Add pics

[zzutak]

Let's begin by defining terms.  A book's "otherwise" condition grade is its grade aside from (or ignoring) the detachment defect.

A lightly worn book with a cleanly detached cover is eligible to receive a Universal (Blue Label) Grade as high as 4.0/4.5.  I've seen a very small number of higher Blue Label certifications over the years, but I suspect these may be one-off deviations from well-established CGC standards (so I definitely would not count on receiving one).

 

A book with a detached cover should have an "otherwise" condition grade of at least 4.5/5.0 to be eligible for certification with a Qualified (Green Label) Grade.  Qualified Grades are awarded at the discretion of the CGC Grader; they cannot be requested by the submitter.  Hence, if your book has an "otherwise" condition grade of 4.0 or less, it should be awarded a Universal (Blue Label) Grade (automatically, without you explicitly requesting it).

 

In former times, a submitter could request that his/her book receive a Universal Grade, even if that book was eligible to be certified with a higher Qualified Grade.  I suggest you contact CGC to verify that the "old" policy has not changed.  I hope this helps. 

Edited August 14, 2022 by zzutak

[zzutak]

Thanks for adding the pics, Bison.  In my opinion, the condition grade of your book is not high enough to be eligible for certification with a Qualified (Green Label) Grade.  I'm confident you'll get the label color you're looking for (although there's nothing to be lost by requesting Universal (Blue Label) certification). 

Edited August 14, 2022 by zzutak

[flying_bison]

I'm new to this, so still trying to figure out how it works, but I really wanted to thank the people who replied, especially zzutak for encouraging me to move my question into this chat forum...and for your VERY THOUGHTFUL and THOROUGH response.  Thanks!

[theCapraAegagrus]

On 8/14/2022 at 6:42 PM, flying_bison said:

1) Some people tell me it will get a green label (qualified) and the higher grade (in this case, probably a 5.0 ish).  2) Others tell me, it will get the blue label and an overall downgrade (probably 2.5 here) and a notation of a detached cover.  3) Still others have suggested that I can request which of those two options I prefer (green or blue label) and that CGC will honor my request.   I would like a blue label.  Can anyone tell me the hard cold facts here about how this actually works.  If I am going to get a green label, I do not want to send it in.   THANK YOU!!

The reason that you got different answers is because it's not possible to say what CGC will do for certain in this situation. The most plausible outcome is that you get a low-grade Universal label, but the other outcomes are still possible.

[DoctorWyoming1]

I thought I would just continue this thread as my topic is similar. 

First, thanks to any boardie who may have put this up for sale. Second, I wonder what sort of grade this might get if one were able to request a blue label. 

The book looks great to me, happy to have saved 100s on what a blue label 9.2 would have cost me...

 

[sergex23]

From the other thread "a lightly worn book with a cover detached at a single staple will have a Universal Grade of 7.0 to 7.5"

https://boards.cgccomics.com/topic/201549-an-in-depth-comparison-of-green-label-and-blue-label-grading/#comments

[sergex23]

On 8/14/2022 at 6:42 PM, flying_bison said:

If I submit the book, what will CGC do?  1) Some people tell me it will get a green label (qualified) and the higher grade (in this case, probably a 5.0 ish).  2) Others tell me, it will get the blue label and an overall downgrade (probably 2.5 here) and a notation of a detached cover.  3) Still others have suggested that I can request which of those two options I prefer (green or blue label) and that CGC will honor my request.   I would like a blue label.  Can anyone tell me the hard cold facts here about how this actually works.  If I am going to get a green label, I do not want to send it in.   THANK YOU!!

According to zzutak's excellent analysis, I would say that you should expect a blue universal label in the 2.0-3.0 range.  Another option would be to hold out until you can find a nicer cover and marry the two book together  It's a common enough book that you may find just a cover for sale one day.