PGM X-Men 17 (vol 1) - “And None Shall Survive!” 1 1

[tmac100]

This has always been one of my favorite covers, but it’s been very hard to find a raw copy that looks good.  Because of the black and red cover, every crease and spine tick is becomes glaringly obvious.  And the colors are often faded.

I found this copy that looks great.  A few non color breaking spine ticks, and some small scuffing on the top right corner and bottom left of the front cover.  After a clean and press, based on that I’d guess at least an 8.5.

However, the book does have some tanning that is visible on the back cover and the interior covers.  I’m not sure how that impacts the grade of this book.

Thoughts?  Thanks for looking 

 

[marvelmaniac]

Slightly blunted corners, small color breaking crease at the top left corner, color loss/scrape at top edge/right corner, recessed upper staple with a couple of color breaking spine ticks, cover wrap is not completely centered, small ding on the lower/outer edge of rear cover, moderate tanning/discoloration of rear cover edges, spine, and edges of interior pages.

As the book sits right now, IMO...FN+ 6.5

Not sure how lenient CGC is these days, IMO, if all of the discoloration is able to be cleaned/removed, probably a VF - 7.5, by the grading standards I use (Overstreet/Heritage), the two color breaks mentioned at the top edge/corners will prevent this from being a VF 8.0.

VF 8.0 - An unnoticeable 1/4" crease is acceptable if color is not broken. 

7.0 FINE/VERY FINE (FN/VF):  Back to Top
An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with outstanding eye appeal. A small accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear beginning to show, possibly including minor creases. Corners may be blunted. Inks are generally bright with a moderate reduction in reflectivity. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. Minor foxing. The slightest spine roll may be present, as well as a possible moderate color break. Staples may show some discoloration. Slight staple tears and a small accumulation of light stress lines may be present. Slight rust migration. Paper is cream to tan. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present.

6.5 FINE+ (FN+):  Back to Top
Fits the criteria for Fine but with an additional virtue or small accumulation of virtues that improves the book's appearance by a perceptible amount.

6.0 FINE (FN):  Back to Top
An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with no significant creasing or other serious defects. Some accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear apparent, with minor to moderate creases. Inks show a significant reduction in reflectivity. Blunted corners are more common, as is minor staining, soiling, discoloration, and/or foxing. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. A minor spine roll is allowed. There can also be a 1/4" spine split or severe color break. Staples may show minor discoloration. Minor staple tears and a few slight stress lines may be present, as well as minor rust migration. Paper is tan to brown and fairly supple with no signs of brittleness. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present. Centerfold may be loose.

[tmac100]

On 4/19/2024 at 1:43 PM, marvelmaniac said:

Slightly blunted corners, small color breaking crease at the top left corner, color loss/scrape at top edge/right corner, recessed upper staple with a couple of color breaking spine ticks, cover wrap is not completely centered, small ding on the lower/outer edge of rear cover, moderate tanning/discoloration of rear cover edges, spine, and edges of interior pages.

As the book sits right now, IMO...FN+ 6.5

Not sure how lenient CGC is these days, IMO, if all of the discoloration is able to be cleaned/removed, probably a VF - 7.5, by the grading standards I use (Overstreet/Heritage), the two color breaks mentioned at the top edge/corners will prevent this from being a VF 8.0.

VF 8.0 - An unnoticeable 1/4" crease is acceptable if color is not broken. 

7.0 FINE/VERY FINE (FN/VF):  Back to Top
An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with outstanding eye appeal. A small accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear beginning to show, possibly including minor creases. Corners may be blunted. Inks are generally bright with a moderate reduction in reflectivity. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. Minor foxing. The slightest spine roll may be present, as well as a possible moderate color break. Staples may show some discoloration. Slight staple tears and a small accumulation of light stress lines may be present. Slight rust migration. Paper is cream to tan. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present.

6.5 FINE+ (FN+):  Back to Top
Fits the criteria for Fine but with an additional virtue or small accumulation of virtues that improves the book's appearance by a perceptible amount.

6.0 FINE (FN):  Back to Top
An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with no significant creasing or other serious defects. Some accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear apparent, with minor to moderate creases. Inks show a significant reduction in reflectivity. Blunted corners are more common, as is minor staining, soiling, discoloration, and/or foxing. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. A minor spine roll is allowed. There can also be a 1/4" spine split or severe color break. Staples may show minor discoloration. Minor staple tears and a few slight stress lines may be present, as well as minor rust migration. Paper is tan to brown and fairly supple with no signs of brittleness. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present. Centerfold may be loose.

I think CGCs grading standards are very different from Overstreet's.  I pulled these copies of 8.5's (and an 8.0) from sales on the Heritage site (I always find that comparing my copy to previously CGC graded one is a huge help).  Other than the tanning, these have many more defects.  It's just the tanning that I can't gauge the impact of.

X-Men #17 (Marvel, 1966) CGC VF+ 8.5 Off-white to white pages.... | Lot #17850 | Heritage Auctions (ha.com)

X-Men #17 (Marvel, 1966) CGC VF+ 8.5 White pages.... Silver Age | Lot #12126 | Heritage Auctions (ha.com)

X-Men #17 UK Edition (Marvel, 1966) CGC VF+ 8.5 Off-white to white | Lot #11959 | Heritage Auctions (ha.com)

X-Men #17 (Marvel, 1966) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages.... | Lot #11678 | Heritage Auctions (ha.com)

[asteroid-comix]

6.5. 

[scburdet]

tanning is pretty dark. I'd cap it at 7.0

[Semicentennial]

7.5

[FoggyNelson]

Fine+ (dark)