As long-time users of Nostomania know, the value of a comic depends strongly on grade. A copy in pristine MT 10.0 condition can sell for over 1000 times the price of a ratty copy in PR 0.5. Therefore being able to correctly determine the grade of a comic is an important skill for buyers and sellers alike. Grading comics is an art, and it takes many years of practice to become an accomplished grader. Luckily, alternatives exist for those who don’t wish to undertake the effort to become an accomplished grader. Third-party grading services exist that will grade and encapsulate comics for you.