Staple Missing - No Holes / Never Present when Book Printed 0

[Pickledude]

So I have a fairly unique question for the forum boards.  I have a Fantastic Four #57 that is missing the top staple.  - Now, to qualify this statement.  The staple did not break, fall out, etc.  It was NEVER in the comic.  There are no holes on ANY of the pages, including the cover, around/where the staple SHOULD have been placed when the comic was printed.

So my question is this:  Does this affect the grade determined for the book?

Other than the staple missing, the book is virtually flawless.  I haven't ever seen one in this condition.  It is beautiful. 

Obviously, the answer to this question will determine whether I submit the book.

Thanks in advance!

[theCapraAegagrus]

On 3/7/2023 at 4:58 PM, Pickledude said:

So my question is this:  Does this affect the grade determined for the book?

As a known MFG defect, this keeps it from grading above 9.8, which is exceptionally rare anyways.

[MattTheDuck]

Coincidentally, my FF #50 was manufactured without a bottom staple.