Step 2: Grading
Grading Scale
- 10.0
- 9.9
- 9.8
- 9.6
- 9.4
- 9.2
- 9.0
- 8.5
- 8.0
- 7.5
- 7.0
- 6.5
- 6.0
- 5.5
- 5.0
- 4.5
- 4.0
- 3.5
- 3.0
- 2.5
- 2.0
- 1.8
- 1.5
- 1.0
- .5
Once logged into the CGC processing system, magazines are placed into clear barcoded sleeves and separated from their submission invoices. This ensures complete impartiality and anonymity during grading, as all paperwork identifying the submitters has been separated from the magazines themselves.
Before any grading is performed, each magazine is examined by a CGC Restoration Detection Expert. If any form of restoration work is detected, this information is also logged and made available to the grading team. Next, a pre-grader ensures that the magazine is complete and records the presence of inserts and other enclosures. CGC notes inserts when present — if not noted specifically on the label, it should not be assumed that a particular insert is attached or enclosed within the encapsulated magazine. When supplemental regional or specialized feature content is included, it is noted as a variant on the certification label.
The pre-grader logs the important characteristics that may affect a magazine’s grade. Some examples of this would be "a corner crease — does not break color," "a 1/4" inch spine split" and so forth. If applicable, he enters any necessary information under "Graders' Notes" and assigns his grade, and the magazine is passed to another grader. When the next grader examines a magazine, he is unable to see the previous grader’s grade, so as to not to be influenced by it.
This process is repeated for each magazine in a submission, and then collectively they reach the Grading Finalizer, a senior member of CGC’s grading staff. The Finalizer conducts a final restoration check of each magazine before determining his own grade. He then reviews all graders’ notes and previously assigned grades. If all are in agreement, the Grading Finalizer assigns the final grade. If there is disagreement among the graders for any magazine, it is reviewed by other Grading Finalizers until a final consensus is reached.
Once an entire invoice has been graded in this way, magazines are forwarded to the Encapsulation Department for sealing.
Newsstand and Subscription Editions
Graders will also note whether a magazine is a Newsstand Edition or a Subscription Edition. Subscription Editions may have mailing addresses printed directly on the magazine or will have an address label attached. In some cases, Subscription Editions may have had their labels defaced, removed or partially removed, which in turn may affect the grade assigned.
Signatures on Magazines
Signatures will only be authenticated by CGC when they are autographed in the presence of a CGC Authorized Witness or employee under the guidelines of the CGC Signature Series. Signatures that have not been witnessed may receive a Qualified designation or an appropriate Universal grade.
Step 3: Encapsulation >