How do I verify a CGC graded comic?

Enter the certification number from the CGC label into the lookup — it opens CGC's official cert verification at cgccomics.com/certlookup showing the book, grade and grader notes.

How much does comic grading cost in 2026?

CGC Modern is $28 per book (8–12 month turnaround), Economy $35, Standard $65, Express $130 and Walkthrough $700+. Pressing adds $15–30. CBCS runs slightly cheaper.

Is it worth getting my comic graded?

Only when the expected graded value clears fees, shipping and possibly pressing with margin — and when you can afford to have the book gone for months. A 9.8 changes everything; a 9.2 often loses money. Run the calculator with honest odds.

Free comic grading tools · no signup

Comic Grade Check

Know before you slab. Verify any CGC or CBCS book, see what grading really costs in 2026 (including pressing), and run the math on whether your comic is worth the fee — and the 8–12 month wait.

Tool 01Live · Free

CGC Cert Lookup

Enter the cert number from any CGC slab and verify it against CGC's official database — book, grade and grader notes.

Tool 02Live · Free

CBCS Verification

Verify CBCS-graded books the right way — we copy your serial and open CBCS's site, plus the QR-code route for newer slabs.

Tool 03Live · Free

Worth-Grading Calculator

CGC tiers, pressing, shipping, selling fees and honest 9.8 odds — the expected value of slabbing, before you commit a book for months.

AI grade estimateComing soon

Photo in, grade range out

AI pre-grading for comics — photograph the cover and spine, get an estimated grade range before you pay CGC and wait a year. In development; the waitlist hears first.

One email at launch. No spam.

Start with the two free checks

Buying a slab? Verify the CGC cert or the CBCS book first. Grading a raw book? See the real 2026 costs and turnarounds — CGC's cheapest tier takes 8–12 months — and whether CGC or CBCS fits your book.

FAQ

CGC or CBCS?

CGC 9.8s sell for more; CBCS is cheaper and accepts some signatures CGC won’t. Full comparison here.

What is pressing?

A $15–30 pre-treatment that flattens dents and spine rolls — often the difference between 9.4 and 9.8. The calculator includes it.

Is comic grading worth it?

For key issues and pristine moderns, often yes. For readers and mid-grade commons, the fee plus a year of waiting usually isn't. Run your book through the calculator.