Comic Book Grading Scale: What CGC 9.8, 9.6, and 9.4 Mean

<p>Use the comic book grading scale to compare condition before you buy, sell, or submit a book for grading.</p><h2>How the CGC comic book grading scale works</h2><p>CGC uses an industry-standard 10-point scale. The number describes the book's condition after a professional review. A higher grade means fewer visible defects. The grade is an opinion of condition, not a promise of market value.</p><h2>CGC grades collectors see most often</h2><table><thead><tr><th>Grade</th><th>CGC term</th><th>What it means</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>9.8</td><td>NM/M</td><td>Nearly perfect, with negligible handling or manufacturing defects.</td></tr><tr><td>9.6</td><td>NM+</td><td>Very well preserved, with several minor defects.</td></tr><tr><td>9.4</td><td>NM</td><td>Very well preserved, with minor wear and small defects.</td></tr><tr><td>9.2</td><td>NM-</td><td>Very well preserved, with some wear and small defects.</td></tr><tr><td>9.0</td><td>VF/NM</td><td>Very well preserved, with good eye appeal and several minor defects.</td></tr><tr><td>8.5–7.5</td><td>VF range</td><td>Above-average to attractive books with moderate or accumulated small defects.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>These descriptions follow CGC's published comic book grading scale. The full scale runs from 0.5 Poor to 10 Gem Mint.</p><h2>What changes between a 9.8, 9.6, and 9.4?</h2><p>The difference is usually small, but it can affect buyer confidence and price. Check the front and back covers, spine, corners, page quality, and any color breaks or other defects. A 9.6 is not a failed 9.8. It is a separate condition assessment. A 9.4 can still be an excellent book for a collection.</p><h2>Raw comic or graded comic?</h2><p>A raw book has no third-party grade. You estimate its condition from photos or an in-hand review. A graded book has been reviewed, authenticated, and encapsulated by a grading company. The holder and label make the grade easier to verify, but the grade does not set a guaranteed resale price.</p><p>Before you buy, compare the grade with the issue, variant, signature details, page quality, restoration status, and the seller's photos. For examples, browse our <a href="/collections/graded-comics">graded comics</a> and review the listing details for each book.</p><h2>Should you submit a comic for grading?</h2><p>Start with condition, demand, and your collecting goal. If the book has a strong chance of meeting your minimum grade, the submission cost may make sense. Read our <a href="/blogs/collector-notes/how-to-submit-comics-to-cgc">CGC submission guide</a> before you pack a book. CGC grades a submitted book after its own review, so a home estimate is only a starting point.</p><h2>Sources</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.cgccomics.com/grading/grading-scale/">CGC Grading Scales</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cgccomics.com/grading/grading-process/">CGC Grading Process</a></li></ul>