It is an unfortunate truth that the established back issue grading system is misleading to new comers. Both ‘Good’ & ‘Fair’ are low grades. For this reason we have provided the chart below. If you are unsure what to expect from grades like VFN+ and G-, just refer to the chart. All you need to remember is that 100% is brand new while 5% has been through the washing machine. Everything else comes in steps between.
The best way to use this chart is to think of it as top middle and bottom. This enables even a layman to visualise the condition of the comic.
Top – High grade collectable items
Near Mint (NM) = 100%
Very Fine Plus (VFN+) = 90%
Very Fine (VFN) = 80%
Very Fine Minus (VFN-) = 75%
Fine Plus (FN+) = 70%
Middle – Minor damage & wear apparent but still sound comics
Fine (FN) = 65%
Fine Minus (FN-) = 55%
Very Good Plus (VG+) = 50%
Very Good (VG) = 40%
Very Good Minus (VG-) = 30%
Bottom – Beaten damaged worn and abused comics
Good Plus (G+) = 25%
Good (G) = 20%
Good Minus (G-) = 15%
Fair (Fair) = 10%