CGC Grading
Want your comics graded and encapsulated by CGC? We’ve got you covered.
We work with our Cartel Partner, Bear Maximum, a CGC Grading Authorised Dealer, to handle all the legwork from secure, insured shipping to expert support and discounted rates through our group submission programme.
Whether you’re grading modern comics, vintage classics or high value keys, we make the process easy and cost effective.
What is Comic Book Grading?
Grading involves assessing your comic’s condition and sealing it in a tamper proof case, known as a slab, with an official CGC grade. It’s a trusted way to preserve value, display your collection and potentially increase its worth.
Why CGC?
Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) is the world’s leading third party grading service for comics, cards, games and more. With regular in-house signings, expert graders and access to JSA signature authentication, CGC is the industry gold standard.
Pricing & Services
We offer a range of pricing tiers based on the value and age of your comic, including:
Modern Comics (1975 to Present)
Vintage (Pre 1975)
High Value and Unlimited Tier Submissions
JSA Signature Authentication
Cleaning and Pressing options through Comic Press
Specialist services like sticker or restoration removal
All prices include insured shipping to CGC, grading fees and return shipping to the UK.
Pricelist summary
CGC Grading Costs
All prices include packaging and postage to CGC, CGC administration fee and return postage to Bear Maximum. Return postage to customers will be at cost using their preferred service.
Value Prior to Grading & Encapsulation (£300 or less)
Modern (1975 - Present) - Optional Cleaning & Pressing Costs Below
Cost
£35
Value Prior to Grading & Encapsulation (£300 or less)
Vintage (Pre-1975) - Optional Cleaning & Pressing Costs Below
Cost
£46
Value Prior to Grading & Encapsulation (Up to £750)
High Value - Optional Cleaning & Pressing Costs Below
Cost
£100
Value Prior to Grading & Encapsulation (Unlimited)
Unlimited Value - Optional Cleaning & Pressing Costs Below
Cost 4.8% of Fair Market Value (FMV)
min £120 (covers up to a value of £2,125)
JSA Signature Authentication
Additional Service to Authentic Unwitnessed Signatures
Cost Per Signature
£24
Cleaning & Pressing - Provided by Comic Press
Price is based on sale in condition prior to the service being provided and includes shipping to Bear Maximum once your book has received the service
£0-£250
£17.50
£251-£500
£22.50
£501-£1,000
£27.50
£1,001-£2,500
£32.50
£2,500+ Please contact info@comicpress.co.uk
Specialist Services - payable on top of cleaning and pressing charges
Sticker Removal*
£5
Restoration Removal *
£20
Other Services
Slab Cracking without Clean & Press*
£5
*if required please email hello@collectorcartel.co.uk in advance
Return Postage Costs
Up to 3 books:
Tracked 150 - £3.45
Tracked & Signed 150 - £4.95
Special 750 - £13.45
Special 1000 - £16.45
Special 2500 - £23.45
4-15 books
Tracked 150 - £6.80
Tracked & Signed 150 - £8.30
Special 750 - £18.35
Special 1000 - £21.35
Special 2500 - £28.35
16+ books
Tracked 150 - £10.55
Tracked & Signed 150 - £13.29
Special 750 - £21.35
Special 1000 - £24.35
Special 2500 - £31.35
How to Submit
To submit your comics, just fill out the short form on our partner site. Once accepted, you’ll receive an invoice and simple instructions for sending your books.
Click here to visit Bear Maximum and start your CGC submission
(We recommend bookmarking it for future use)
FAQs
What's the whole Grading process?
- Complete Our Simple Submission Form
Your journey starts with our straightforward online form—just let us know what you’d like to submit. - Receive Acknowledgment & Invoice
We’ll be in touch promptly with an acknowledgment and an invoice showing the total cost along with payment instructions. - Payment & Sending Your Books
After payment is received, we’ll provide you with the postal address to send your book(s) safely to us. - Cleaning & Pressing Enhancements (Optional)If you opt for our cleaning and pressing service via our trusted partner, Comic Press, your book will be carefully treated before grading. You’ll receive before and after photos, so you can see the visible improvements for yourself.
- Batch Submission & Cost Savings
We typically send books to CGC every 4-6 weeks in larger batches—this helps keep your submission costs down. We’ll confirm as soon as your books have arrived and are logged in. - Waiting Period at CGC There’s usually a bit of a wait at this stage; once your books are with CGC, it’s typically 12-16 weeks before they return. We’ll keep an eye on progress, but updates are limited while in the grading queue.
- Grading Results Update When the grades are ready, we’ll give you the option to find out immediately what your books achieved—though there’s no pressure if you’d rather wait for the reveal!
- Safe Return to You
Once your freshly graded books are back with us, we’ll be in touch to arrange secure, tracked return postage right to your door.
Can I include Pressing & Cleaning into the grading services?
Yes you can!
We've written a helpful (we hope!) article to explain the whole process including Pressing & Cleaning. You can read it here