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Near Mint

By Aaron Albert, About.com

Definition:

Near Mint

(CGC: 9.8-9.0)
(Overstreet: 97-90)
(Abbreviated as NM)
Most new comic books will fall into this category. When buying new comics, be sure to go through them and pick out the best one. That crease will turn a Mint comic into a Near Mint.

For a comic book to be considered, “Near Mint” it needs to meet the following criteria:

Outside:

The Cover
There should be no creases.
The cover should have no fading.
The comic should lie flat and not roll or have curves.
The cover may be slightly off center.

The Spine
The Spine should be straight with no rolling.
Staples should be like new and not rusted.
Minor bindery tears are acceptable no more than 1/16th of an inch.

Inside:

The Pages
Only minor fading is allowed.
There should be no stains or marks.
There should be no tears or cuts.

Overall:

The comic should look like new.

An Example Of A Fine Condition Comic Book

Fine Comic Book Gallery

Other Comic Book Terms:

Mint
Near Mint
Very Fine
Fine
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
Pronunciation: Neer-mihnt
Examples:
That comic book is in near mint condition.
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