CGC Magazines
Posted on 1/2/2020
In 2009, Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®), the world’s leading comic book certification company, introduced grading and encapsulation services for magazines, starting with Sports Illustrated and Playboy. Today, CGC Magazines certifies most of the industry’s best-known titles, including Newsweek, Time and TV Guide, as well as comic magazines such as Wizard, Marvel magazines and Vampirella.
Every magazine graded by CGC is reviewed by knowledgeable professionals who conduct a comprehensive examination of both individual magazines and entire collections. Because CGC graders do not buy or sell collectibles, the team’s sole focus is on providing magazine collectors with an unbiased opinion of quality and authenticity.
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CGC Magazines uses a 10-point grading scale that is based on the industry standard that CGC established for comic books, concert posters and other paper collectibles. The CGC grade appears on one of a number of labels, the colors of which differentiate a CGC Universal Grade from CGC grades assigned with any qualifiers or special considerations, such as conservation, restoration and autographs.
See the different CGC labels >
Magazines are also eligible for the CGC Signature Series, a certification service that assures signatures are 100% authentic. Signed collectibles are highly-sought after, which makes signature authenticity a concern. With CGC Signature Series, collectors can have their magazines signed by artists, writers and celebrities in the presence of a CGC witness. The authenticity of the signature is then 100% certain, and the magazine receives the iconic CGC Signature Series yellow label.
Learn more about CGC Signature Series >
After grading, magazines are encapsulated in a tamper-evident holder along with the CGC certification label. Engineered from heavy gauge archival plastic and completely transparent, the CGC Magazines holder is designed for long-term preservation and optimal display.
CGC Magazines Dimension Requirements
CGC grades most magazines that fit within the following dimensions: 11-1/2” tall x 8-7/8” wide x 1/2” thick. Magazines that are larger than these dimensions cannot be certified, as they will not fit in the CGC Magazines holder. In addition, magazines with severe overhangs, hard covers or jeweled covers cannot be encapsulated.
Magazine Certification Services and Fees
| Grading Tiers and Services | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Modern | Magazines 1975 to date valued at $400 or less | $25 |
| Vintage | Magazines pre-1975 valued at $400 or less | $37 |
| High Value | Magazines valued $1,000 or less | $85 |
| Unlimited Value | Magazines of unlimited value | 4% of Fair Market Value ($150 minimum) |
| ReHolder | A magazine in a CGC holder is encapsulated in a new CGC holder. The grade assigned to the magazine should not change, unless any damage occurred post-encapsulation, in which case the grade will be adjusted accordingly. To qualify, the magazine must still be encapsulated in its original CGC holder. Max value: $1,000 | $20 |
| ReHolder - Unlimited Value | A magazine in a CGC holder is encapsulated in a new CGC holder. The grade assigned to the magazine should not change, unless any damage occurred post-encapsulation, in which case the grade will be adjusted accordingly. To qualify, the magazine must still be encapsulated in its original CGC holder. Max value: Unlimited | $50 |
| Imaging | Digital imaging for magazines submitted under any of CGC’s grading and service tiers. Consists of accurate high-resolution images of the front and back of the magazine, shown encapsulated in its CGC holder. Applies to all magazines on the form. Not available for on-site services. | $5 |
Ready to Submit?
If you’re not already a member, join CGC to get full submission privileges and other great benefits. Paid memberships start at just $25 per year! Then, complete CGC’s simple and easy-to-use online submission form to let us know what collectibles you will be submitting and which services you would like.
Go to the CGC submission form >
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