Tom Luxsox Coins

Slabbed Special

Comic Book Collectors' Dilemna--to Slab or not to Slab?

Do you collect comics for fun or profit? Well if you're like most collectors, it's a little of both. Regardless, if you think that one day you may sell some or all of your comics (and it seems many of us do) you may want to learn more about "slabbing." Slabbing is the process of having your comics professionally graded, and then encased between two sheets of hard plastic (some sources identify this plastic as "Barex", but there's some controversy as to what type of plastic it is). A special paper that prevents acidification is tucked into the comic as part of this process. Slabbing protects the comic from weather extremes, mositure, dust, and all the other things that can decrease a comic's value.

Collectors both love and hate slabbing--there is no middle ground. First, here's why they love it. Slabbing protects a comic indefinitely (no one knows for how long exactly, as the process is so new). Once slabbled you don't have to worry that your prized Superman, Batman, X-Men, Spiderman, or Archie comic will lose its value, or any of its "eye appeal." That's a big plus! Also the slabbing company (Comics Guaranty, LTD or CGC is the major one, although there are others) will grade your comic as part of the process. Grades are on a .5 to 10-point scale with .5 being poor and 10 being Mint. When you're looking to value and/or sell your comics it's a great advantage to have it graded. It's much easier to sell a comic if you can say it's a CGC 6.0, instead of "in my opinion it's in Fine condition." I know this from personal experience and from talking to other sellers, including those selling comics, for my book eBay PowerSeller Secrets.

Now, here's why some collectors hate slabbing. Once a comic is slabbed you can't read it! You can't take it out from between the plastic that encases it without destroying the seal that the grading company puts along the top of the case. Once that seal is broken the grade is no longer guaranteed. That makes sense because if you take it out you may change its condition somehow, thus reducing its grade. (Although I think most collectors would be careful enough not to harm their comics.) So if you are going to slab a comic you have to get used to the idea that forever it will be encased between plastic sheets. You'll still be able to see its front and back covers but you won't be able to page through it. That's a tough thing to get used to. Also, slabbing ain't cheap. Depending primarily on the comic's age it can easily set you back $50 once you figure in shipping and insurance. And here's something that's not discussed all that much: the cases get scratched easily, and when light hits those scratches your beautifully encased comic doesn't look so hot. New cases aren't as expensive as the original ones if the comics don't have to be regraded, but you still have to pay for shipping and insurance to CGC and back.

There are more pros and cons to this slabbing business but those are the main ones.

My advice? Slab Golden Age comics that are worth at least $150. (Because more modern comics are cheaper to slab, you may consider slabbing one of those if its current value is $100 or so.) It's worth the cost in the long run and at $150, a comic is a pretty valuable investment, which will likely appreciate over time. There's great peace of mind that comes from knowing your comic will not lose any value after you slab it (barring a change in market conditions, of course). If you want to be able to read your comic, you can also search the web for a PDF version of it. These are available from newsgroups devoted to the hobby. Or you can buy one of those printed compilations of old comics.

Enjoy your hobby! Comics are a snapshot of American pop culture, just like magazines or fashions. Besides they can bring back some great memories.

About the Author

Brad Schepp is the author of 14 books including the bestselling eBay book, eBay PowerSeller Secrets. He has worked as an editor for several Fortune 500 companies including McGraw-Hill and Time Warner. He's a graduate of Rutgers College.

Brad's latest books are eBay PowerSeller Million Dollar Ideas, and How eBay Really Works. The second edition of eBay PowerSeller Secrets will be out this November. You can order Brad's books through the website he shares with his lovely wife and coauthor Deb, www.bradanddeb.com, or through retailers such as Amazon.

Ben Hogan Autographed Check (PSA Slabbed) $493.64 Ben Hogan Autographed Check (PSA Slabbed) Ben Hogan Autographed / Signed Check (PSA Slabbed)

Roberto Clemente Autographed Cut JSA Slabbed $1701.98 Roberto Clemente Autographed Cut JSA Slabbed This is a cut that has been hand signed by Roberto Clemente. The autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by JSA.

Willie Mays Autographed Postcard PSA/DNA Slabbed $140.53 Willie Mays Autographed Postcard PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a postcard that has been hand signed by Willie Mays. It has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Walter Johnson Autographed Photograph PSA/DNA Slabbed $2467.13 Walter Johnson Autographed Photograph PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a Photograph that has been hand signed by Walter Johnson. The autograph has been certified authentic and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Ted Williams Signed Cut Jsa Slabbed $268.66 Ted Williams Signed Cut Jsa Slabbed TED WILLIAMS SIGNED CUT JSA SLABBEDEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Jimmie Foxx Autographed Postcard PSA/DNA Slabbed $1843.93 Jimmie Foxx Autographed Postcard PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a Postcard that has been hand signed by Jimmie Foxx. The autograph has been certified authentic and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Willie Mays Autographed Photo PSA/DNA Slabbed $112.14 Willie Mays Autographed Photo PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a Photograph that has been hand signed by Willie Mays. The autograph has been certified authentic and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Signed Aaron Photograph - Vintage PSA DNA Slabbed $197.31 Signed Aaron Photograph - Vintage PSA DNA Slabbed This is a Photograph that has been hand signed by Hank Aaron. This is a vintage autograph. The autograph has been certified authentic and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Hank Aaron Autographed Lithograph PSA/DNA Slabbed $112.14 Hank Aaron Autographed Lithograph PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a Lithograph that has been hand signed by Hank Aaron. The autograph has been certified authentic and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Roberto Clemente Autographed Cut PSA/DNA Slabbed #65048917 $1412.4 Roberto Clemente Autographed Cut PSA/DNA Slabbed #65048917 This is a cut that was hand signed by Roberto Clemente. This autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Roberto Clemente Autographed Cut PSA/DNA Slabbed #83111914 $1412.4 Roberto Clemente Autographed Cut PSA/DNA Slabbed #83111914 This is a cut that was hand signed by Roberto Clemente. This autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Phil Mickelson Autographed Honda Classic Postcard (PSA Slabbed) $176.3 Phil Mickelson Autographed Honda Classic Postcard (PSA Slabbed) Phil Mickelson Autographed/ Signed Honda Classic Postcard (PSA Slabbed)

Carl Hubbell Autographed Check (PSA/DNA Graded & Slabbed) $211.56 Carl Hubbell Autographed Check (PSA/DNA Graded & Slabbed) Carl Hubbell Autographed / Signed Check (PSA/DNA Graded & Slabbed)

Roberto Clemente Autographed Cut PSA/DNA Slabbed #83118287 $1412.4 Roberto Clemente Autographed Cut PSA/DNA Slabbed #83118287 This is a cut that was hand signed by Roberto Clemente. This autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Roberto Clemente Autographed Cut PSA/DNA Slabbed #83118290 $1412.4 Roberto Clemente Autographed Cut PSA/DNA Slabbed #83118290 This is a cut that was hand signed by Roberto Clemente. This autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Stan Musial Signed Postcard Psa/dna Slabbed $177.73 Stan Musial Signed Postcard Psa/dna Slabbed STAN MUSIAL SIGNED POSTCARD PSA/DNA SLABBEDEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Don Larsen 1956 Topps JSA Slabbed Auto $121.11 Don Larsen 1956 Topps JSA Slabbed Auto Don Larsen 1956 Topps JSA Slabbed AutoEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Dick Groat 1958 Topps JSA Slabbed Auto $57.36 Dick Groat 1958 Topps JSA Slabbed Auto Dick Groat 1958 Topps JSA Slabbed AutoEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Mickey Vernon 1958 Topps JSA Slabbed Auto $76.49 Mickey Vernon 1958 Topps JSA Slabbed Auto Mickey Vernon 1958 Topps JSA Slabbed AutoEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Hunter Pence Autographed Photograph - Psa dna Slabbed $67.51 Hunter Pence Autographed Photograph - Psa dna Slabbed HUNTER PENCE SIGNED ASTROS PHOTO PSA/DNA SLABBEDEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Jeff Bagwell Signed Photograph - Psa dna Slabbed $81.29 Jeff Bagwell Signed Photograph - Psa dna Slabbed JEFF BAGWELL SIGNED ASTROS PHOTO PSA/DNA SLABBEDEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Signed Jeff Bagwell Photograph - Psa dna Slabbed $81.29 Signed Jeff Bagwell Photograph - Psa dna Slabbed JEFF BAGWELL SIGNED ASTROS PHOTO PSA/DNA SLABBEDEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Ernie Lombardi Signed Photo - BW JSA slabbed $233.79 Ernie Lombardi Signed Photo - BW JSA slabbed Ernie Lombardi signed autographed B&W Photo JSA slabbedEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Autographed Joe DiMaggio Photo - card JSA SLABBED $400.79 Autographed Joe DiMaggio Photo - card JSA SLABBED Joe DiMaggio signed autographed photo card JSA SLABBEDEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Autographed Fred Hutchinson Photo - newspaper JSA SLABBED $534.39 Autographed Fred Hutchinson Photo - newspaper JSA SLABBED Fred Hutchinson signed newspaper photo JSA SLABBEDEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Autographed Joe Haynes Photo - cut JSA SLABBED $187.03 Autographed Joe Haynes Photo - cut JSA SLABBED Joe Haynes White Sox signed cut picture JSA SLABBEDEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Autographed Eppa Rixey Photo - JSA slabbed $467.59 Autographed Eppa Rixey Photo - JSA slabbed Eppa Rixey Reds signed autographed picture JSA slabbedEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Mike Garcia Autographed Photo - slabbed JSA $80.15 Mike Garcia Autographed Photo - slabbed JSA Mike Garcia Indians signed autograph slabbed photo JSAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Roger Maris Autographed 1958 Topps Card PSA/DNA Slabbed $1560.03 Roger Maris Autographed 1958 Topps Card PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a 1958 Topps card that has been hand signed by Roger Maris. It has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Barry Bonds Autographed 1994 Stadium Card PSA/DNA Slabbed $83.75 Barry Bonds Autographed 1994 Stadium Card PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a hand signed 1994 Stadium Barry Bonds Card. The autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Barry Bonds Autographed 1998 Pacific Card PSA/DNA Slabbed $83.75 Barry Bonds Autographed 1998 Pacific Card PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a hand signed 1998 Pacific Invincible Barry Bonds Card. The autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Brooks Robinson Autographed 1977 Topps Card PSA/DNA Slabbed $55.36 Brooks Robinson Autographed 1977 Topps Card PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a hand signed 1977 Topps Brooks Robinson Card. The autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Reggie Jackson Autographed 1984 Donruss Card PSA/DNA Slabbed $69.56 Reggie Jackson Autographed 1984 Donruss Card PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a hand signed Reggie Jackson 1984 Donruss Card. The autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Walter Alston Autographed 1967 Topps Card PSA/DNA Slabbed $140.53 Walter Alston Autographed 1967 Topps Card PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a hand signed Walter Alston 1967 Topps Card. The autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Carl Yastrzemski Autographed 1985 Circle K Card PSA/DNA Slabbed $112.14 Carl Yastrzemski Autographed 1985 Circle K Card PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a hand signed Carl Yastrzemski 1985 Circle K Card. The autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Bob Gibson Autographed 1986 TCMA Card #15 PSA/DNA Slabbed $69.56 Bob Gibson Autographed 1986 TCMA Card #15 PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a hand signed Bob Gibson 1986 TCMA Simon's SS Card #15. The autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Carl Erskine Autographed 1986 TCMA Card #1 PSA/DNA Slabbed $55.36 Carl Erskine Autographed 1986 TCMA Card #1 PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a hand signed Carl Erskine 1986 TCMA Simon's SS Card #1. The autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Carl Yastrzemski Autographed 1986 TCMA Card #10 PSA/DNA Slabbed $112.14 Carl Yastrzemski Autographed 1986 TCMA Card #10 PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a hand signed Carl Yastrzemski 1986 TCMA Simon's SS Card #10. The autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.

Carl Yastrzemski Autographed 1986 TCMA Card #41 PSA/DNA Slabbed $112.14 Carl Yastrzemski Autographed 1986 TCMA Card #41 PSA/DNA Slabbed This is a hand signed Carl Yastrzemski 1986 TCMA Simon's SS Card #41. The autograph has been authenticated and slabbed by PSA/DNA.