Panda2 Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 Hi all, First time on the Board. I was looking at a Mad #5 Gaines Pedigree CGC 9.6 in an upcoming ComicLink auction, and was surprised to see the staples appear to be right through the front cover: - https://www.comiclink.com/auctions/item.asp?back=%2FAUCTIONS%2FSEARCH.ASP%3FFocusedOnly%3D1%26where%3Dauctions%26title%3Dmad%26ItemType%3DCB%23Item_1610951&id=1610951&itemType=0#detail Is this normal to have comics graded like this even though it appears to have been a pretty serious printing defect? I appreciate any thoughts and insight you might be able to offer. Many thanks Panda2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revat Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 Might affect appearance and resale value, but not the actual grade Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowGradeBronze Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 There are a number of 'defects' or issues that are not punished by a lower grade due to their origin in the manufacturing process. As you read and research these boards you will become familiar with them. Welcome by the way, and hope you enjoy all the cool threads on here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazyboy Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 On 8/17/2022 at 10:32 AM, Panda2 said: the staples appear to be right through the front cover Oh, you just meant they aren't centered on the spine. Yeah, that's no big deal. But you might not want to look here or here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engr62 Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 The staples are like this on my Fantastic Four #188. Based on the appearance of the book, I don't think they affected the grade CGC assigned. jokiing 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theCapraAegagrus Posted August 18, 2022 Share Posted August 18, 2022 On 8/17/2022 at 11:32 AM, Panda2 said: Is this normal to have comics graded like this even though it appears to have been a pretty serious printing defect? Manufacturing defects are allowable up to 9.8 in grade. So yes, this is normal because I wouldn't consider it a, "pretty serious defect". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCOComics Posted August 18, 2022 Share Posted August 18, 2022 Nothing to be concerned about. It's fairly common. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panda2 Posted August 18, 2022 Author Share Posted August 18, 2022 Thanks everyone this is super helpful. I have been collecting for years but just now getting into high grade books so obviously a lot to learn! On a related note, is the misalignment between the cover and the interior (ie white showing along the top and right side) also considered an acceptable thing? I guess I always thought that mint meant mint. Cheers and thanks again! Panda2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KirbyTown Posted August 18, 2022 Share Posted August 18, 2022 (edited) On 8/17/2022 at 10:32 AM, Panda2 said: Hi all, First time on the Board. I was looking at a Mad #5 Gaines Pedigree CGC 9.6 in an upcoming ComicLink auction, and was surprised to see the staples appear to be right through the front cover: - https://www.comiclink.com/auctions/item.asp?back=%2FAUCTIONS%2FSEARCH.ASP%3FFocusedOnly%3D1%26where%3Dauctions%26title%3Dmad%26ItemType%3DCB%23Item_1610951&id=1610951&itemType=0#detail Is this normal to have comics graded like this even though it appears to have been a pretty serious printing defect? I appreciate any thoughts and insight you might be able to offer. Many thanks Panda2 Hi Panda, that Mad is gorgeous! Imperfect staple placement in this era isn't a defect at all, more so the rule. The only consistency with old comics is their inconsistency. When looking at any particular issue it's often helpful to go straight to the top (like you've already done here) and see what's being allowed. If you see defects present in a 9.8 then you can assume they're allowed for that issue all the way down, and you may be surprised at what's allowed. If you're interested, try searching the Heritage Auction sold items and look for 9.8 CGCs. You'll see 9.8 defects you never imagined were acceptable. The best one can hope for regarding the condition of any comic is going to be whatever condition the comic originally appeared in. The ideals we imagine don't apply when they never existed. There are exceptions to this, and those copies are sometimes the ones for which 9.9 and 10 are saved. Edited August 18, 2022 by KirbyTown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panda2 Posted August 18, 2022 Author Share Posted August 18, 2022 Thanks I appreciate it. I guess my concern is that I haven’t yet figured out whether fraud is a thing in higher end books, and when contemplating spending a decent amount of cash, better safe than sorry. I did note that it’s a recent grading with a new pedigree label etc. I love the old early Mads. Really appreciate all the feedback/advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panda2 Posted August 18, 2022 Author Share Posted August 18, 2022 No no no, I just keep reading about books being switched out. Irrational fear I guess I just don’t know if it is/how common it might be. Call me a cautious noob:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
