I know someone who has just inherited 1,500 comics

[Architecht]

Can you guys offer any advice on valuation and selling?

 

I swear there were previous threads on this, but I can't find them at the moment.

 

It's mostly 1980's era stuff, all in bags and boards. He's not able to judge the condition yet, so he kind of needs start to finish advice on taking steps to catalog, get a sense of condition, get a sense of rarity, find a good appraisal service, get some second opinions, etc..

 

Thanks in advance! I'll just point him at this thread to see what you guys come up with.

[Ze-man]

Getting an Overstreet price guide , and grading guide is the best start for him. He can learn about grading and rarity and or value of what he has.

 

Ebay is a good barometer to gauge what he has, and what similar condition will sell for.

 

Tell him to not get too exxcited though based on what era books he has. There might be some of worth, but not many.

[Zonker]

Sounds like a scam to me!

[plady69]

I just started scanning and re-grading 19 boxes worth of Marvels, DCs and Indpendents from that same era to put up on these boards. Action has been slow and I am below Overstreet for the most part. This stuff is pretty common and it might be better to try and sell at at local comic show or flea market. It will sell on EBay but very cheap! My two cents...

[nearmint]

My two cents...

 

SOLD!

[jokersrevenge]

I thought you were like the guy in matrix, how come you can't pull up a thread......my confidence is shaken..is this really happening?

[MK Ultra]

Can you guys offer any advice on valuation and selling?

 

I swear there were previous threads on this, but I can't find them at the moment.

 

It's mostly 1980's era stuff, all in bags and boards. He's not able to judge the condition yet, so he kind of needs start to finish advice on taking steps to catalog, get a sense of condition, get a sense of rarity, find a good appraisal service, get some second opinions, etc..

 

Thanks in advance! I'll just point him at this thread to see what you guys come up with.

 

Perhaps you could recommend some issues to be graded so they have an idea, and then they can sell graded and raw issues to see what's better.

[divad]

Can you guys offer any advice on valuation and selling?

 

It's mostly 1980's era stuff ...

 

Pick out all of the indy titles, load the rest in the pick-up, and dump it into the Chicago River . . .

 

 

[Architecht]

I thought you were like the guy in matrix, how come you can't pull up a thread......my confidence is shaken..is this really happening?

 

Well, I found some stuff:

 

http://boards.collectors-society.com/sho...rue#Post1502555

 

http://boards.collectors-society.com/sho...rue#Post1432147

 

http://boards.collectors-society.com/sho...true#Post498972

 

But none of this really looked like the kind of comprehensive treatment that might be most helpful.

 

I was looking for a comics version of this:

http://boards.collectors-society.com/sho...e=0#Post1408886

[divad]

I thought you were like the guy in matrix, how come you can't pull up a thread......my confidence is shaken..is this really happening?

 

But none of this really looked like the kind of comprehensive treatment that might be most helpful.

 

I was looking for a comics version of this:

http://boards.collectors-society.com/sho...e=0#Post1408886

 

We're not as sharp as coinees . . .

[MK Ultra]

Here you go, I just replaced coin with comic, Numismatic with ephemra, and Red Book with Overstreet. Voila

 

 

with What You Need to Know: Inherited comic Collections

By Michael Parrish (pendragon1998)

23 September 2006

 

 

Summary:

 

In this article I address some of the common questions presented by novice collectors who have recently acquired (often via inheritance) a collection of comics. I discuss immediate issues with the care, handling, and storage of the collection and go on to talk about valuation, appraisals and some options to consider for the sale of such a collection. I conclude with an annotated list of print and online resources that will help the collector better understand and maintain their collection.

 

 

Introduction:

 

Here on the Collector’s Society forums, we often get the following sort of question from new members:

 

“My relative recently passed away and left us their comic collection. We don’t know much about comics. Can anyone tell us (a) if they’re valuable, (b) how we should handle them, and © how to go about selling them?”

 

 

 

This “What You Need to Know” post is geared at helping the novice collector get a basic understanding of how to handle an inherited collection. It is not intended to give a complete introduction to the hobby of ephemra (comic collecting). What it is intended to do is help a beginner get an idea of the approximate value of the comic collection they’ve inherited, take proper care of it while assessing it, and avoid being taken advantage of when the time comes to sell the collection.

 

In this hobby, a little bit of basic knowledge can get you a long way. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous dealers out there who make large sums of money by buying valuable comics from ignorant sellers for ridiculously small prices. There are also many dealers and collectors who are honest, do their best to educate beginners, and would never dream of ripping someone off. By taking the time to read this article, you are better preparing yourself to understand what you’ve actually got in your hands and how to sell it if that’s your goal.

 

NOTE: For the purposes of this article, I am assuming that the collection consists mainly of US comics.

 

 

Immediate Care and Handling of the Collection:

 

Don't clean the comics:

The first thing almost any collector will tell a novice is, “Don’t clean your comics – ever!” This is very good advice. Many new collectors make the mistake of cleaning their ‘dirty’ comics with cleaners (e.g. a dry cloth, q-tips, simple soap, or jewelry cleaner). Cleaning a comic without knowing exactly what you are doing will damage the comic’s surfaces and drastically lower its value. Most experienced collectors prefer what they call ‘original surfaces’ on their comics, which is to say, they like to look at a comic and see that it has never been cleaned or polished. Old comics are just that – old – and ought to look like that.

 

Proper handling:

comics, though made of various metals, are not anywhere near as durable as most people think. Generally speaking, you should handle your comics as little as possible. Always hold your comics by their edges (rims) between your thumb and forefinger. Avoid touching the faces of the comic, as fingerprints will leave substances that eventually will etch the prints into the surface of the metal itself. Wearing a simple pair of cotton gloves is a great way to protect them from fingerprints. Do not speak over a comic and certainly don’t cough or sneeze over one. The little droplets of moisture from a sneeze can end up spotting a comic badly over the years. Smoke can damage comics, so avoid smoking around them. Generally speaking, it is best to just leave your comics in the holders they are already in, as careless removal is an excellent way to put a nasty scratch on an otherwise nice comic. If your comics are in albums with plastic ‘slides’, do not remove the slides for a better look; they can create small abrasions on a comic if not removed properly. Essentially, avoid letting friction, moisture, and chemicals contact your comics and you’ll be okay.

 

Storage:

comics should be stored in a dry, cool area, preferably away from places subject to wide swings of humidity or temperature. Don’t stick them in a cedar chest, as some woods release chemicals that can damage comics. You may want to purchase some manner of holders to better protect your comics. There are a number of products on the market that are designed to hold comics. Because this article is intended for a beginner who has come across an existing collection, I’ll just address a few basic options.

 

Glass Jars - - At the most basic level, a simple glass jar makes for a decent holder if all you’re storing is a lot of low-grade comics, such as a hoard of wheat cents. There’s just no reason to go out and spend a lot of money for that sort of collection. The glass is inert, but you run the risk of damaging the comics by banging them into each other. This isn’t a problem if your comics are already well-circulated, but it wouldn’t be a good idea to store a lot of nicer comics in a jar. Cost: minimal

 

comic Tubes - - The next step up the ladder in bulk storage would be plastic comic tubes. These rigid tubes come in a variety of comic diameters and generally hold about as many comics as a regular bank roll for that denomination. These are great for storing bulk quantities of mid-grade comics but they become cumbersome if you want to look at your comics on a regular basis, as you need to repeatedly dump out the tubes to find what you’re looking for. This is obviously not an issue for long-term storage. Also, tubes do still allow some degree of comic-on-comic contact, which can lead to wear with repeated dumping and refilling. Cost: ~$0.35/tube, with bulk discounts

 

comic Flips - - Saflips (commonly referred to as simply ‘flips) are flexible, rectangular Mylar holders which fold over to create two ~2”x2” square spaces to place comics in. Each space is sealed shut on three sides, with the fourth side (along the inner side of the fold) open. Flips are useful for storing comics which you need to have easy access to, but are not without limitations. Each time a comic is placed in, or removed from, a flip, it is subject to friction. Flips can accumulate bits of dirt or dust which can damage comics as they slide against the particles. For these reasons, I dislike using flips and rarely use them myself. Regardless, they remain very popular in the hobby. Cost: ~$6.75 - $9.00 per 50, with bulk discounts

 

Cardboard 2x2s - - Another good storage option for large numbers of mid- and higher-grade comics, is the classic cardboard 2”x2” holder. These holders consist of a rectangular piece of cardboard, scored for easy bending down the center, with viewing windows covered in Mylar. The comic is placed inside, and then the holder is folded over the comic and stapled shut. Some holders contain an adhesive layer in lieu of using staples; I do not recommend those due to issues with glue outgassing and eventual failure of the adhesive. The 2x2s can then be placed in special boxes or temporarily into vinyl sheets (though these are not recommended for long-term storage). These are perhaps the most popularly used holders in the hobby. Be sure that the holders you buy do not contain damaging PVC. Cardboard 2x2s are my personal preference for bulk storage of mid-grade and higher collections. I recommend using a flat clinch stapler with these. Cost: $2.50-$3.00 per 100, with bulk discounts

 

There are a number of other storage options out there. For especially nice comics, there are more expensive (and nicer) holders like Kointains, Whitman 2x2 styrene capsules, and Air-Tites (my personal favorite). Many collectors use specialty albums for holding their best comics, such as the popular Dansco line of albums. I do not recommend using the cheap cardboard albums sold in many book stores, as they don’t show the comics well and some may actually damage the comics. For a beginner dealing with an established collection, however, the options above should suffice for now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

comic Holders:

 

Back row, left-to-right: Simple glass jar; Air-Tite capsule in card-style mount; three cardboard 2x2 holders

Front row, left-to-right: Four comic tubes (square type); Whitman 2x2 styrene capsule; comic flip (open)

(Photograph © 2006 Michael Parrish. All rights reserved.)

 

 

 

Slabs and Third-Party Graders (TPG):

 

Some comics you run across may have been quasi-permanently encapsulated in rectangular plastic holders commonly called ‘slabs’. comics of moderate to high value are often sent off to third-party graders (TPGs) where expert numismatists evaluate the comics for authenticity and attribute to them a grade. Slabbed comics are subject to a guarantee that the comic within is (a) authentic, (b) the year, mint, and variety described on the label, and © of the grade indicated. There are a number of TPG companies out there, but the ‘big three’ – and the only ones I recommend you buy or do business with, at least initially – are NGC, PCGS, and ANACS (links provided below). These three companies provide a guarantee of their grading and warranty their service. One additional note on slabs: the plastic they’re made of has a tendency to be easily scratched, so take normal precautions to avoid doing so if you have any in your collection.

 

 

Avoid PVC-containing comic Holders:

 

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, was a common ingredient in older flips. At the time, few people realized that when PVC breaks down it releases acids that create a scummy green deposit on comics, eventually causing permanent damage. Vinyl holders and Zip-lock-style baggies are similarly inappropriate for long-term storage. Today, most modern comic storage media are PVC-free, and many of these products are prominently labeled as such. When buying storage holders such as flips or cardboard 2x2s, make sure they are labeled as being PVC-free, or are made from materials such as styrene or Mylar, which are inert. In some cases, you will find old collections still being stored in PVC-containing holders; in those situations, the best thing to do is ask for further instructions at one of the discussion boards on how to safely remove PVC. Bottom line: avoid PVC-containing storage materials.

 

 

What's The Collection Worth?

 

How are comics Valued?

 

comics are classified first and foremost by the year and mint of origin. comics are minted at a number of mints located around the country and the absence or presence of mint marks on a comic determines which is the mint of origin. Some comics also have additional varieties from a given year and mint, distinguished by changes in design or materials made in mid-production. This results in some comics being more rare than others and rarity generally correlates with value, with rarities being more valuable than common issues. The Overstreet (see below) is a great source to better understand these concepts.

 

Within a particular year, mint, and (possibly) variety, comics are graded on a scale ranging from 1 (barely identifiable) to 70 (perfect in all respects). Grades are assigned based on the amount and position of wear on the comic’s surface. comics in lower conditions are generally valued less than comics in higher states. This is why you might see two comics of identical year, mint, and variety being valued at vastly different prices. comics which show evidence of cleaning or polishing are typically valued at much lower prices than equivalent comics which have not been cleaned; collectors prize comics which show original surfaces and deride comics which do not.

 

In some circumstances, comics acquire a layer of toning, which is the result of a very thin layer of oxidation on the comic’s surface as a result of chemical reactions with the immediate environment. Depending on the conditions in which the layer was deposited, toned comics may display beautiful coloration. Some collectors find this particularly appealing and may be willing to pay premiums for attractively toned comics.

 

Finally, comics may also derive all or part or their value from the precious metal content (e.g. silver or gold) of their very composition. Heavily worn comics may have lost all collectable value, while still retaining their intrinsic metal value; comics in this category are commonly referred to as ‘junk’ (e.g. junk silver) and have their own niche in the bullion speculator’s market.

 

 

Evaluating Your Collection:

 

When you evaluate your collection, you will find it essential to have a basic understanding of the rarity and condition of the comics you own. There are a number of books written with precisely this task in mind. The most popular and useful book for beginners is the Overstreet (full reference listed below). I highly recommend that all beginners own this book, as it will give the reader enough information to separate out the common, low-value comics in a collection from the much more valuable choice pieces. The Overstreet is cheap (less than $15.00) and easy to use.

 

 

Note on the Overstreet:

 

While the Overstreet represents an excellent introduction into ephemra, there is a common misconception among beginning collectors that its prices are representative of the market. While the Overstreet’s prices are approximately accurate relative to each other they are rarely accurate in regards to the current market value of a given comic. Due to today’s rapidly shifting markets, a printed guide like Overstreet is simply incapable of being up-to-date in terms of what price you can buy or sell comics at. It will, however, give you a broad idea of what comics are valued higher or lower than others.

 

 

 

I suggest that you sit down with your comics at a clean, well-lit table. Remember the notes in the Proper Handling section, lest you damage the comics through careless handling. Break the comics down into their denominations and series. Working one series at a time, use the Overstreet to determine rarities and conditions of your comics. Overstreet prices are somewhat inaccurate, but they will provide you with some idea of relative values. With some practice and attention to detail, you will soon be grading your comics with some degree of confidence. Be sure to catalog your collection as you work; take notes of year, mint, variety/type (if any), grade, and estimated value. You may find this to be a good time to place comics in holders if they’re unholdered, or if their holders have aged poorly. Labeling each holder with a unique number might make things much easier to keep track of later.

 

 

Appraisals:

 

Before you walk into a dealer’s shop to have your collection appraised, I cannot over-emphasize how much in your best interest it is to go in with your own (educated) idea of what your collection is worth. This means going through your collection and trying to come up with a grade for each of your pieces and then doing the necessary research to determine an approximate price. Skipping this essential step can result in your becoming another sad story like the following one related by user SarasotaFrank:

 

“Customer brings in a quantity of Indian Cents in so so (sic) condition. Dealer examines every one and tells the customer they aren't worth much, but he'll pay a buck a piece.

 

 

After the customer leaves, the dealer extracts the 72, 73 and 77 which were in the lot.”

 

 

 

For those of you who aren’t cringing yet, that dishonest dealer just bought those three cents, worth over $1,500.00 in low-to-mid-range condition, for $3.00!

 

I related this story to make you aware of the difference a little bit of education can make. If the customer had made a $15 investment for a Overstreet (see Books, below) they would never have made such a horrible deal. I’m not saying that all dealers are crooks, nor that they’re all out to get you, but simply taking the time to have a basic understanding of what you have and what it’s worth prior to going in for an appraisal could be the difference between getting the money to buy a new bike, and getting the money to buy a new car.

 

That said, after doing your research, you should have an idea as to whether you have anything that might be valuable. I would suggest posting a photo of your comics here, on the US comics forum, and asking the board members what they think about your comics. This board has many knowledgeable people who are eager to take a look at anyone’s comics and offer their opinions.

 

If you still think you’ve got something valuable, it might be a good idea to go in and talk to a comic dealer. Most will be able to appraise the value of the piece and let you know whether it may be a good candidate for sending off to a TPG for certification and protection in a slab. TPGs (see below) will professionally grade, holder and guarantee your comic for a fee. Often TPG graded comics are easier to sell and may bring somewhat higher prices. The dealer may also simply offer you a price on some or all of your collection. Be aware that it’s not uncommon for a dealer to want to ‘cherrypick’ your collection; that is, to selectively purchase only the better comics, leaving you with only the common, lower value comics which can be harder to sell on their own.

 

Before going into a dealer’s shop, communicate with him or her over the phone whether you are interested in potentially selling your comics to them or if you’re simply interested in getting a price. Dealers value their time – it’s their business – and will frequently charge a fee for simple appraisals with no option to buy, particularly if the collection is large. Fees may range from $30.00 - $50.00 (possibly hourly). Sometimes dealers will not charge a fee if they’re offered a chance to buy the comics. Be clear with your dealer what you and they expect from the appraisal. I don’t know that I would trust the dealer to take the comics out of your sight. It’s rare, but swaps have been known to occur (this is also true with the occasional mall jewelry store switching out diamonds for fakes during ‘free’ cleanings, by the way).

 

Multiple appraisals are probably a good idea, although you may run into fees and/or impatient dealers by doing this. Judge your personal situation and act accordingly. Be aware that a dealer’s best offer can be expected to be below retail price for your comics, possibly by a substantial percentage; dealers are, after all, entitled to make a profit. Avoid dealers who put pressure on your to sell immediately and thoughtfully evaluate appraisals which differ significantly from your own detective work.

 

Finally, if you have determined that you have a truly valuable collection – something worth many thousands, you may want to consider working with an auction house. Heritage Auction Galleries is a well-known house, but consider discussing the topic on one of the discussion boards (listed below) if you find yourself considering auctioning your comics. Photos of your comics (the larger and better-quality, the better) can be easily posted on the boards to help the users evaluate your comics.

 

You may have noticed that I did not discuss selling the collection yourself. This option involves much more of a personal investment in terms of time, work, and self-education, but the potential benefits may be worth it, depending on your personal situation and level of interest. Potential sales venues might include eBay, local comic shows, comic clubs, and dealers, and even the sales forums on comic discussion forums. The topic of (essentially) becoming a comic dealer is beyond the scope of this article, but more information can no doubt be obtained by asking questions on one of the discussion forums below. I will, however, mention that in order to make the most of any online sales attempts, it is essential to be able to image your comics well (see comic photography link below). Another option, for the less internet-savvy sellers is to find a reputable dealer who would be willing to consign your collection for you on eBay (or elsewhere) for a mutually agreed upon fee or percentage.

 

The best advice I can give you is not to be a motivated seller. Take your time and make sure you’ve thought through any decisions to sell. If other heirs are in a hurry to take their cut of an estate’s comics, try to convey to them that the most profit can be gained though an educated and carefully thought-out approach to selling.

 

Consider Becoming a Numismatist!

 

While this article is geared toward someone who has inherited a collection and is planning on selling it, I’d like the reader to consider another possibility. Become a comic collector yourself! The field of ephemra – comic collecting – is a rich and fulfilling one for those willing to put in the time and effort to learn about their hobby. If you have been looking through your collection with increasing appreciation for the history and sheer artistic beauty inherent in comics, perhaps you should reconsider selling right away. Many of us in the collecting community were launched into the hobby by the gift of a particular comic or collection of comics. Passing down comics from one generation to the next is a great way to feel connected with those who have come before us and those who will continue beyond our own time on this earth. Not to mention: this hobby is just plain fun! I hope you’ll take a moment and consider turning your inherited collection into the beginning of your own great collection. Joining a local or national comic club can be a great way to start. Thanks for taking the time to read this article.

 

 

Resources:

 

Below are a series of resources that the beginning collector should find useful in their quest for knowledge.

 

 

comic Supplies:

 

In a previous discussion thread, message board members voted on online comic supply companies that they’d had good experiences with. The top three companies are listed below:

 

(1) JP's Corner

(2) Brent-Krueger

(3) Brooklyn Gallery

 

My personal favorite out of that bunch is JP’s Corner. These websites are excellent places to purchase any of the supplies mentioned in the article above, as well as any other comic collecting supplies you might need.

 

 

Books:

 

Below you will find a list of several recommended publications which as a beginner, you will find useful as you examine your new collection. I highly recommend that, at the very least, you purchase a copy of the Overstreet (below). It is quite inexpensive and will provide a solid beginning to your education. Beyond these books are a number of different publications which are oriented towards advanced collectors learning about various specific areas of collecting. For starters, however, the following books should get you off on the right foot.

 

The Official Overstreet: A Guide Book of United States comics 59th Ed., 2006 (updated yearly)

by R. S. Yeoman, edited by Kenneth Bressett. Whitman Publishing, LLC. ISBN: 0-7948-1946-X

$14.95 (US) MSRP

The famous ‘Overstreet’ is the classic beginners’ comic book. It describes (basic) grading standards for all United States comic series and provides indications of which comics represent ‘key dates’ (i.e. disproportionately valuable issues) for each series. Prices are generally accepted as being fairly inaccurate due to the volatility of the market, but they should give you an idea of relative value between comics. I consider this a must-have for anyone beginning in the hobby.

 

The Official Blue Book: Handbook of United States comics 64th Ed., 2007 (updated yearly)

by R. S. Yeoman, edited by Kenneth Bressett. Whitman Publishing, LLC. ISBN: 0794820476

$12.95 (US) MSRP

The ‘Blue Book’ is a general guide to help get an idea of what price dealers are paying for new acquisitions.

 

Photograde: Official Photographic Grading Guide for United States comics 19th Ed., 2005

by James F. Ruddy. Zyrus Press. ISBN: 0974237159

$14.95 (US) MSRP

The Photograde books go into much more detail as to how comics are properly graded. I would recommend this to a somewhat more advanced beginner collector, as someone just breaking into the hobby might find it overwhelming until they get their feet wet. I’d suggest looking at this book in a bookstore prior to purchase to see if it’s right for you.

 

The Official American Comic Association Grading Standards For United States comics 6th Ed., 2005

by Kenneth Bressett. Whitman Publishing, LLC. ISBN: 079481994X

$14.95 (US) MSRP

Like the Photograde books, this series goes into much more detail as to how comics are properly graded. I would recommend this to a somewhat more advanced beginner collector, as someone just breaking into the hobby might find it overwhelming until they get their feet wet. I’d suggest looking at this book in a bookstore prior to purchase to see if it’s right for you.

 

 

Internet References:

 

Collector’s Society

NGC-sponsored discussion forums. (My personal favorite)

 

Collector’s Universe

PCGS-sponsored discussion forums.

 

Heritage comic Auctions

Very useful for gathering pricing info for higher-dollar comics.

 

eBay’s comics Section

A potential sales venue, as well as a place to get an idea for current market value for comics.

 

What You Need to Know: Online Resource Review: comic Photography Technique

A previous article by me wherein I compile an annotated collection of online references on the subject.

 

 

Reputable Third Party Grading Companies:

 

NGC – Comic Guaranty Corporation

 

PCGS – Professional comic Grading Service

 

ANACS – American Comic Association Certification Service

 

 

Acknowledgements:

 

Thanks to TomB, JamesEarlyUS, and cpm9ball for taking the time to review this article and contribute their thoughts on it.

 

This article is copyright © 2006 by Michael C. Parrish. All rights reserved. if you wish to duplicate this article, please contact Michael via the private message feature of this forum.

[Architecht]

I thought you were like the guy in matrix, how come you can't pull up a thread......my confidence is shaken..is this really happening?

 

But none of this really looked like the kind of comprehensive treatment that might be most helpful.

 

I was looking for a comics version of this:

http://boards.collectors-society.com/sho...e=0#Post1408886

 

We're not as sharp as coinees . . .

 

 

[Ares]

Can you guys offer any advice on valuation and selling?

 

I swear there were previous threads on this, but I can't find them at the moment.

 

It's mostly 1980's era stuff, all in bags and boards. He's not able to judge the condition yet, so he kind of needs start to finish advice on taking steps to catalog, get a sense of condition, get a sense of rarity, find a good appraisal service, get some second opinions, etc..

 

Thanks in advance! I'll just point him at this thread to see what you guys come up with.

 

Tell him to Try PGX.. i hear there are a great Grading company.

Many people use them and they are experts at restoation detection!

[Sal]

honestly, he's got two choices;

 

spend a lot of time learning about grading, then use Overstreet combined with eBay completed auction listings to identify books with a FMV over $10, then parcel these out on eBay, or here, while donating the bulk of the books to an accredited national charity for the tax break;

 

or

 

take them to a local convention and sell them in bulk to a dealer for ~12 cents a book, no questions asked.

 

[Jeffro.]

I thought you were like the guy in matrix, how come you can't pull up a thread......my confidence is shaken..is this really happening?

 

He knows Kung Fu.

[ft88]

Since most are probably not worth much money, I'd sell them in bulk on ebay. If they are bagged and boarded and have even just a few minor keys, some folks can get excited thinking that there might be some gems. Take digi pictures of 20 comics at a time and sell them as a lot. He'll get $600 for 1800 books which is $400 more than a typical dealer would pay. No muss no fuss.

 

If they were 1970's or before it'd be worth the time to go through each one or get additional help from a knowledgable person.

[Rocketeer]

...dump them on craigslist and save the Ebay fees,...some rummy will think they are worth something,..he might get 25 cents a piece if he's lucky,...

[Rocketeer]

Since most are probably not worth much money, I'd sell them in bulk on ebay. If they are bagged and boarded and have even just a few minor keys, some folks can get excited thinking that there might be some gems. Take digi pictures of 20 comics at a time and sell them as a lot. He'll get $600 for 1800 books which

 

...$3.00 a piece for 80's drek!!!,...c'mon,....

[valiantman]

Since most are probably not worth much money, I'd sell them in bulk on ebay. If they are bagged and boarded and have even just a few minor keys, some folks can get excited thinking that there might be some gems. Take digi pictures of 20 comics at a time and sell them as a lot. He'll get $600 for 1800 books which

 

...$3.00 a piece for 80's drek!!!,...c'mon,....

 

Ummm, $600 divided by 1,800 = $0.33 each.

(The old, "3 for a $1" estimate)

[Rocketeer]

Since most are probably not worth much money, I'd sell them in bulk on ebay. If they are bagged and boarded and have even just a few minor keys, some folks can get excited thinking that there might be some gems. Take digi pictures of 20 comics at a time and sell them as a lot. He'll get $600 for 1800 books which

 

...$3.00 a piece for 80's drek!!!,...c'mon,....

 

Ummm, $600 divided by 1,800 = $0.33 each.

(The old, "3 for a $1" estimate)

 

ooops,..nevermind,...yeah,..that sounds about right,....