PICTO GRADING STANDARDS

10.0 GEM MINT (GM)
The pinnacle of comic perfection! Flawless in every way, with razor-sharp corners, vivid colors, and a pristine spine. Only microscopic printing defects allowed. Paper is fresh, white, and as crisp as the day it was printed. A collector's ultimate prize!

9.9 MINT (MT)
Nearly perfect, with only the tiniest of printing flaws. Bright, reflective inks and flawless corners make it hard to spot any imperfections. An extraordinary find for high-grade collectors!

9.8 NEAR MINT/MINT (NM/MT)
A true gem, just shy of perfection. Minor printing flaws keep it from a 10.0, but the vibrant colors and sharp corners ensure outstanding eye appeal.

9.6 NEAR MINT+ (NM+)
A near-perfect treasure with subtle virtues elevating it above NM. Bright inks, clean staples, and a flawless spine make this an incredible addition to any collection.

9.4 NEAR MINT (NM)
High-grade with minimal flaws. Vibrant colors, sharp corners, and a tight spine make it a go-to grade for collectors seeking both quality and value.

9.2 NEAR MINT- (NM-)
Close to perfection, with only faint signs of wear. Bright, fresh, and an excellent example of collectible comics.

9.0 VERY FINE/NEAR MINT (VF/NM)
Outstanding eye appeal with minimal flaws. Slight bends or faint stress lines may appear, but overall, it’s still a striking copy.

8.5 VERY FINE+ (VF+)
A stunning comic with minor virtues that make it pop. Inks are sharp, and any flaws are almost unnoticeable.

8.0 VERY FINE (VF)
Excellent quality with a hint of wear. Small imperfections like slight corner blunting or subtle stress lines keep it from higher grades, but it still shines on the shelf.

7.5 VERY FINE- (VF-)
A solid example for collectors, with minor defects that slightly detract from its overall appeal.

7.0 FINE/VERY FINE (FN/VF)
Above average, showing minor wear but retaining strong colors and structure. A great balance between quality and affordability.

6.5 FINE+ (FN+)
A sharp copy with noticeable virtues that elevate it slightly above Fine.

6.0 FINE (FN)
Well-preserved with some signs of use. Blunted corners and minor wear are present, but the comic still holds its value.

5.5 FINE- (FN-)
Displays minor wear with small flaws like creases or slight color breaks, but remains an above-average collectible.

5.0 VERY GOOD/FINE (VG/FN)
Well-loved but still vibrant. Slight creases, minor stains, and small spine splits might appear, but it’s a solid, collectible comic.

4.5 VERY GOOD+ (VG+)
An attractive copy with noticeable virtues despite moderate wear.

4.0 VERY GOOD (VG)
Shows moderate wear but remains a great choice for collectors seeking affordability and readability.

3.5 VERY GOOD- (VG-)
A readable, collectible copy with notable signs of use like creases and slight discoloration.

3.0 GOOD/VERY GOOD (GD/VG)
Displays significant wear, but the story and art remain intact. Perfect for readers and restoration projects!

2.5 GOOD+ (GD+)
A solid choice for budget collectors, with wear that adds character to the book.

2.0 GOOD (GD)
A well-used "reader copy" with heavy wear, possible detached cover, and signs of age.

1.8 GOOD- (GD-)
Still readable, but heavy wear and defects detract from its overall value.

1.5 FAIR/GOOD (FR/GD)
Well-worn and scuffed, but the story survives. Collectors may value it for rarity or restoration potential.

1.0 FAIR (FR)
Heavy wear and significant defects, but all pages are intact. Often a starting point for restoration.

0.5 POOR (PR)
Beyond worn, with missing pages or covers. Often sought for parts, restoration, or its historical significance.

COVERLESS COMICS
Even without a cover, these can be treasures! Collectors prize them for key issues, restorations, or as affordable ways to own a piece of history.