Frequently Asked Questions

For a list of collectibles accepted by CGC in the UK, click here.

Due to the fragile nature of comic books, CGC does not offer a grading guarantee. However, CGC does offer the following guarantee: a) CGC guarantees that two or more comic professionals will review every comic book submitted for grading. b) CGC guarantees its holder to be free of defects. Defective holders will be replaced at no charge, except when it is determined (at CGC's sole discretion) that the holder was subjected to abuse, or if damage is the result of storage in a hazardous environment. c) CGC guarantees that all books it certifies are authentic, as described on the CGC grading label.

The CGC grading standard was developed by taking a consensus of grades assigned to a variety of comic books by a nationwide pool of experts that included comic book dealers and leading collectors. CGC realizes that comic book grading is an art that develops from years of experience, and while a consistently applied standard of grading eliminates much of the subjectivity and risk, grading itself is NOT an exact science and remains subjective. That's why it is reasonable to expect that slight variances may exist between CGC grading standards and the standards of some dealers and collectors. CGC strives to consistently apply the most accurate grading standard to assure that the grades of comic books are properly represented to the widest possible audience.

CGC does grade magazine-size books but does not grade treasury-size books.

CGC does perform pressing, dry cleaning or any similar treatments for comic books. To learn more, visit the website CGCcomics.uk/ccs or call +44 (0) 20 3968 3848. Please note that pressing and/or dry cleaning performed incorrectly or on a comic book exhibiting certain flaws — such as slightly brittle pages, weak spine, cover wear at staple and/or other defects — can damage the comic book and lower its grade.

CGC does not certify sealed poly-bagged books. To have a poly-bagged book certified by CGC, you must remove the book from its poly-bag or send written approval authorizing CGC to remove it. The words “Poly-bag removed” appear on the CGC label.

CGC has a number of technologically advanced security measures built into its holders. Once a comic is certified, any future attempt to open the holder will be visibly evident.

You should always return a label of any opened certified book. This helps keep the CGC Census accurate. The CGC Census is a detailed database of all the comic books we have graded and their respective grades, and it has become an important resource in assessing the availability of certified comic books.

A pedigree is an exceptional and widely known original owner collection. CGC considers the following criteria when determining Pedigree status of a collection: The collection must be original owner. The collection must be of vintage material. The collection must consist of a considerable number of comics. The collection must be high-grade. For detailed information, please visit our Pedigree resources page.

Yes, CGC attends the major comic cons. At these shows, CGC representatives are available to answer your questions and take submissions.

View a list of events and shows that CGC will be attending

CGC does grade autographed books. If a book is signed without a CGC authorized representative witness present, it will receive a Qualified label (green), and will receive a Qualified grade. No authentication of signature is provided for books that do not have a CGC Signature Series label.

The prestigious CGC Signature Series label (yellow) is applied to comic books that have been signed by someone of significance to the comic, under the direct observation of a CGC authorized representative witness. The signatures are authenticated by CGC and the labels indicate who signed the book, the date it was signed and, in some cases, the location of where it was signed.

Unfortunately, if the signing is not witnessed by someone authorized by CGC, then the signature cannot be authenticated for the Signature Series label. Testimonials, photographs, and video recordings are not accepted.

Yes. Restored comic books are eligible for the CGC Signature Series Restored label, which is yellow with a purple bar across the top. The degree of restoration and details of the work performed are noted on the label. As with all CGC Signature Series books, the signing must be witnessed by a CGC authorized representative.

Most signings are prearranged. Any signing where a CGC authorized representative witness is in attendance is eligible. This includes comic book conventions and public signings, such as ones that occur at comic book stores. In select instances, CGC may accept signed books directly from the signer/publisher.

If you are already a CGC Authorized Dealer, it may be easier than you think! Contact CGC Customer Service

CGC can arrange for an authorized facilitator to acquire signatures on behalf of customers.

When a submission is received by CGC’s London office, it is opened by trained staff under security cameras. Each collectible is entered into CGC’s proprietary system and assigned a unique identification number and barcode that will track it throughout every stage of the grading process. Relevant submission information, including a description of each book, is entered into a proprietary computer tracking system.

CGC’s London office sends submissions with insurance coverage (based on the submitter’s declared value) to CGC headquarters in the US for authentication, grading and encapsulation. Upon arrival at CGC headquarters, the submission’s status is updated, and the collectibles are separated from the submission paperwork so that CGC’s graders never know the submitter's identity, which ensures impartiality.

Collectibles that are determined to be authentic are graded according to CGC’s grading standards and encapsulated in CGC’s secure, tamper-evident holders designed for long-term preservation. They are then rechecked for accuracy and quality, imaged and returned to CGC’s London office, again with insurance coverage based on the submitter’s declared value.

CGC headquarters is a secure 6,000-square-meter purpose‐built facility with two large vaults, a staff of armed guards and more than 150 security cameras. CGC’s London office also has extensive security measures in place to protect books in its care.

All submissions are opened under security cameras and each book is immediately assigned a unique identification number that is used to track it throughout every stage of the grading process. All books are fully insured while in CGC’s possession and are handled only by trained staff.

CGC will discuss the details of each transaction only with the original submitter to provide complete confidentiality for all parties. CGC will not release any information concerning the certification of your comics without permission. As part of CGC's internal processes, complete anonymity is also ensured by a system of internal checks and balances. Comics receive generic barcoding upon receipt and CGC’s separate receiving department does not convey any information about the submitter to the graders. Therefore, the comic owner’s identity is also completely unknown to CGC graders.

No. CGC does not buy, sell or appraise books to maintain their independence. CGC is focused on providing expert and impartial assessments of authenticity and grade.

CGC does not buy or sell comic books and do not have a financial interest in the comic books that they certify. In fact, CGC employees are prohibited from buying and selling comic books commercially.

CGC uses different colored labels to easily demarcate each grade category. CGC labels can be blue, green, purple or yellow, or a mixture of colors. Click here to view the full description of each label.

The CGC holder is designed to securely hold your comic book and provide years of protection from many environmental hazards. All of the materials used inside the CGC holder are tested and proven to be archival-safe, and the holder is designed to be the first line of defense in a prudent plan for storage. CGC’s research and design team created a holder that is truly unique and unrivaled for its protection and preservation of comic books.

Anyone can submit to CGC with a free account. In addition, paid members will receive more benefits. Associate and Premium members receive a 10% discount on CGC grading and comic book pressing, and Elite members receive a 20% discount on CGC grading and comic book pressing. Premium and Elite members also receive a $150 annual credit that can be used instantly for any service, including grading, pressing, CGC Signature Series and shipping fees. Click here for details.

If you have a paid CGC account you can submit to Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), Numismatic Conservation Services (NCS), Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) and the CGC divisions, CGC Comics and CGC Cards. If you have a Free CGC account you can submit only to CGC Comics and CGC Cards.

Yes. This credit expires one year from the day it is issued.

The CGC Premium and Elite membership levels offer a £120 credit as an additional benefit. This credit will be automatically applied to your submissions until it is exhausted. There is no need to request that CGC apply this credit. This credit may cover grading, shipping, handling, CGC Pressing services, CGC Signature Series, etc., as applicable.

Yes. CGC grading credits can be applied to CGC Pressing services as well as all CGC grading fees, shipping, handling, CGC Signature Series, etc., as applicable.

No. Your membership is valid for submissions of your collectibles ONLY. You may not submit on behalf of any third party.

No. The credit is only valid for the member to whom it was issued.

Because of the benefits you received with your membership, a prorated refund is generally not available. However, if you have signed up for auto‐renewal and have not used any grading credits that you may have received, you may cancel your membership within 30 days of auto‐renewal to receive a refund of your membership fees. Contact CGC Customer Service at submissions@CGCcomics.uk or + 44 (0) 20 3968 3848 for more information.

CGC’s headquarters is a secure 6,000-square-meter purpose‐built facility in Sarasota, Florida, USA. In the UK, Certified Collectibles Group – International UK Limited (CCG UK), an affiliate of CGC, operates a submission office in Bloomsbury, London.

CGC may be contacted by post, telephone or email in the UK, through Certified Collectibles Group – International UK Limited (CCG UK)

Certified Collectibles Group – International UK Limited
69 Southampton Row, Second Floor
Bloomsbury
WC1B 4ET
London
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3968 3848
Submissions@CGCcomics.uk

CGC Collector members may submit their books directly. Join today!

Once you are a member, you can schedule an appointment to drop off your submissions at CGC’s London office, or you can ship your submissions to CGC’s London office.

To schedule an appointment to drop off at the London office:

Contact CGC at +44 (0) 20 3968 3848 or at Submissions@CGCcomics.uk. You must schedule an appointment to submit in person.

To arrange a shipment to the London office:

The submitter is responsible for selecting the carrier and level of insurance. CGC is not liable for losses or damage to books in transit. Shipments should be addressed to:

Certified Collectibles Group – International UK Limited
69 Southampton Row, Second Floor
Bloomsbury
WC1B 4ET
London, United Kingdom

Note: Submissions sent through the mail must be delivered to CGC’s London office during normal business hours.

To arrange a shipment from the London office:

Fill out the UK Return Shipping Form, which can be found here. Make sure to:

• Enter all information requested in the form.
• Select your own carrier (which requires a completed shipping label) or authorize CGC to arrange shipping and insurance by Malca-Amit according to the rate table in the form (recommended).
• Make sure you sign your form.
• Include the completed form with your submission.

Note: If a UK Return Shipping Form is not included with a submission, CGC will hold the books at its London office for pick-up.

Payments to CGC are accepted by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, electronic transfer and cheque. CGC has online payment portals to make it easier for clients to pay securely by credit card. To learn more, click here.

Many CGC Authorized Dealers also accept submissions from the public.

Submissions to CGC’s London office from customers located outside of the UK may be subject to import duties upon arrival in the UK. Customers are responsible for all costs, including any import duties, incurred when shipping to CGC’s London office. (CGC covers all shipping costs between its London office and its US headquarters.)

CGC’s London office will not ship submissions to customers in the EU. Customers located outside of the UK will need to make their own arrangements to pick up collectibles from CGC’s London office.

EU customers may consider submitting directly to CGC’s US headquarters. For more information, visit NGCcoin.com (for coins), PMGnotes.com (for paper money) or CGCcomics.com (for comics, trading cards, magazines and posters).

To access submission forms, simply log in, click on the profile symbol (head icon) in the upper right corner of the website and click on "My Submissions." Select the appropriate form for your location and collectible type.

CGC’s grading fees are generally based on a book's fair market value and the submitter's desired turnaround time. For a comprehensive list of all CGC grading tiers, service tiers, fees and requirements for submissions made to the London office, click here.

CGC grading tiers are primarily organized based on the book’s value and, in some cases, the book’s type. The higher-priced tiers offer higher maximum value limits while the lower-priced tiers have lower maximum value limits. You can choose the appropriate tier based on the book's value, the desired turnaround time and any special tier requirements. For a comprehensive list of all CGC grading tiers, service tiers, fees and requirements for submissions made to the London office, click here.

If CGC determines that a comic book's value likely exceeds the maximum value allowed under the selected tier, CGC may move the collectible to a higher tier and adjust the conservation or grading fees accordingly. It is important that you assign an accurate value to the collectibles that you submit to CGC.

If chosen, CGC provides digital imaging of the cover of items submitted under any of its grading and service tiers for £4 per item. This consists of accurate, high-resolution images (sent by email) of the front and back of the collectible, shown encapsulated in its CGC holder. It applies to all collectibles on the form. So, when selecting this service, and if you do not wish this service to apply to all your collectibles, simply submit the collectibles you wish to have imaged on one form and the ones you do not wish to have imaged on a separate form.

Please do not send COAs into CGC along with your books. We will not need them and cannot guarantee that they will be returned along with your submission.

The CGC company websites offer a free Submission Tracking resource that enables you to check the status of your submission as it makes its way through the certification process. The Submission Tracking tool is the quickest and easiest way to see that your submission has been received, whether it has been graded and when it is on its way back to you. Grades are available to view online when a submission's status is "Shipped." 

Customer Service representatives do not provide the grades of submissions over the phone.

To access Submission Tracking, simply log in to your account by clicking "Sign In" at the upper right of the CGC website and then clicking on "My Submissions" under your profile symbol.

If you remove your collectible from its CGC holder, you can return the label to CGC so that the collectible is no longer counted in the CGC Comics Registry. This helps to make the CGC Comics Population Report more accurate. Please note that removing a collectible from its CGC holder will void any guarantee provided by the company. If you would like it to be re-encapsulated by CGC, it would need to be submitted for grading as a raw (ungraded) collectible.