Coverless ASM #2

[Mac Man]

Okay, a friend of mine (ha! ha! No, really!) bought a copy of ASM #2 that was without its cover for $65. He asked me my opinion whether this was or was not a good deal, and I'm thinking he got hosed by someone looking to make a quick buck.

 

Now, I could be TOTALLY wrong here. Its just been experience from some of my LCSs that coverless comics do not sell for more than a couple dollars rarely seeing anything past the $10 mark. I personally will not buy a comic w/o a cover- that's an essential part of it for me. So I didn't sound like a total jerk, I told him that while I thought it was a little high a price, I wasn't sure. He's really new to hobby (also having taken a long sabbatical from collecting) and is still re-learning the ropes.

 

So, am I totally wrong here? Do you have some good news I can bring him to feel better over this purchase of his? Or, did he just have his first expensive lesson on fair trading and knowing how to grade?

[Sid]

If it's complete $65 for that book doesn't seem too bad. I'm sure you can grab a cover sometime.

[ft88]

Coverless is still collectible. I had an issue 2 with a missing page and was able to find a beat to heck issue for about $80 and then later sold it for $100 without the page.

 

Two things: Is it complete and is it in pretty decent shape? If the pages are white I could see someone needing the centerfold or the 1 page Marvel pinup just for parts. Or its a pretty decent read. If its a ratty coverless with tape on it, then I'd guess $25 for it.

 

Ed

[Mac Man]

Well, he's coming to visit and will be bringing all of his stuff so I can help 1. show him some of the basics of grading and 2. grade his stuff. From what I heard, the pages are creamy to tan, all corners blunted to some extent, a few 1/4" tears along the edges, and some stress signs near the staples.

 

And to be fair, I totally fessed up to him that there are just some defects that bother some collectors more than others- missing covers being my #1 problem (more than a page missing on the inside!). Hopefully, when I take a look at it, it won't be in too bad of shape. It just kills me b/c I had just told him my LCS has a TON of the first ASMs in FR/GD but fully intact for about $100 a piece. Oh well.

 

Thank for the thoughts!

[rjpb]

Condition is still a major factor even with a coverless book - a ratty, tan coverless copy will have less value than a decent OW one. Coverless GA can go for a pretty high percentage of 2.0 value if they aren't otherwise thrashed. Some people are content with a photocopy of the cover if they can't find the real thing.

 

As for the ASM #2 - I wouldn't know what the FMV is - but for books is worth over $100 in 2.0 - the day when you could pick up a coverless copy for $10 is pretty much gone.

[Point Five]

I'd throw out a wild guess of $30-45 for the value. I think he overpaid a bit, but not the end of the world.

[50 Cent #II (1st)]

I don't think he did too bad. If he's patient he'll probably come accross a copy that has a cover and is missing a inside page for cheap... then $$$.

[HouseofComics.Com]

The pct. recently discussed on the GA board was 25% minimum and that puts the value of this ASM 2 over $75! It's ASM 2!

 

He did fine. There are so many passionate fans that have been priced out of the market and they will take a coverless to save $250 or more. It's the only way they can own one.

[Sid]

The pct. recently discussed on the GA board was 25% minimum and that puts the value of this ASM 2 over $75! It's ASM 2!

 

He did fine. There are so many passionate fans that have been priced out of the market and they will take a coverless to save $250 or more. It's the only way they can own one.

 

Would a SA book be in the same league as the GA books though?

[HouseofComics.Com]

When it's ASM 2, I'd think so. There's actually more demand for ASM 2 than most GA books.

[Mac Man]

Well, again, the feedback is appreciated. I was just concerned since he went to a show with about $500 in hand, wide-eyed, and not really sure the difference between a GD and a FN. And I guess since I'm responsible for getting him back into the hobby I felt sort bad.

[HouseofComics.Com]

He's going to have a great time with the hobby. And yes, a grading tutorial ASAP will really help him out.