Collectibles That Are Not Encapsulated

There are several reasons why a collectible cannot be graded or encapsulated by Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®). Some of the most common reasons involve authenticity, size and subject matter.

Collectibles that are not genuine will not be graded or encapsulated. They will be returned raw. The full grading fee will apply.

The full grading fee is charged because CGC provides an expert opinion of a collectible’s authenticity. If a collectible is not genuine, that determination has been reached as a result of CGC’s authentication process. There is at least as much, if not more, work involved in determining that a collectible is not genuine as there is in determining that a collectible is genuine.

If CGC believes that a collectible is likely not genuine but its research is inconclusive, the collectible will be labeled “Questionable Authenticity” and not encapsulated. The grading fee will be refunded less a $5.00 processing fee.

In rare instances, a collectible that may normally be eligible for CGC certification will be returned not encapsulated with a label that says “No Opinion.” This notation is used for collectibles that cannot be conclusively attributed, authenticated and/or graded due to their condition, a lack of available research or other factors. When a collectible is labeled “No Opinion,” the full grading fee will be refunded.

On occasion, CGC will not encapsulate a collectible and return it with a label that says “Not Suitable for Certification.” This notation is used for collectibles that are severely damaged or otherwise impaired, so that it is impossible for CGC to even attempt to authenticate them or assign a grade. Then a collectible is determined to be “Not Suitable for Certification,” the grading fee will be refunded less a $5.00 processing fee.

CGC will not certify some floating items, such as free-floating 3-D glasses, or poly-bagged collectibles. All collectibles must be taken out of poly bags before being graded.

Collectibles that display extreme nudity on the front or back will not be certified. For example, if the cover image depicts explicit sexual acts, CGC will not grade it, and the item will be returned.

Size restrictions

CGC will not certify collectibles that are too large for its holders. This includes:

  • Comic books larger than 10-1/2” tall x 7-5/8” wide x 1/4” thick
  • Magazines larger than 11-1/2” tall x 8-7/8” wide x 1/2” thick
  • Concert posters larger than 23” tall x 30” wide

Specific comic book restrictions

Comic books that have severe overhangs, hard covers or jeweled covers cannot be encapsulated.

Specific concert poster restrictions

Concert posters that are not from one of the following series are not eligible for certification: Bill Graham, Bill Graham Presents, Family Dog, Grande Ballroom, Neon Rose, Art of Rock, New Fillmore Series, and Moonalice.

For trading card restrictions, visit CGCcards.com.

Collectibles from Sanctioned Countries

Due to US sanctions, the Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), which includes NGC, PMG, CGC, CSG, ASG and CAG, will not accept collectibles either (a) issued by the following countries/regions if submitted to CCG’s offices in London, Munich or Hong Kong; or (b) submitted to any CCG location by a customer located in one of the following countries/regions:

  • North Korea
  • Iran (including Persia)
  • Cuba
  • Crimea

If collectibles from the above-listed countries/regions are already in the US and are owned by a US-based customer, they may still be eligible for grading by a CCG company in the US. If collectibles from the above-listed countries/regions are already in Mainland China and are owned by a Mainland China-based customer, they may still be eligible for grading by CCG’s Mainland China affiliate, NGC Shanghai Business Information Consulting Co., Ltd.

In addition, special handling applies for the following countries:

  • Syria: CCG will accept collectibles from Syria but will not ship any collectibles to Syria.
  • Iraq: CCG will accept collectibles from Iraq but they may be subject to additional scrutiny by CCG and, if applicable, US customs, resulting in delays and possible rejection.

At this time, there are no sanctions affecting collectibles issued by Russia or submitted by customers in Russia. However, shipments containing collectibles issued by Russia may be subject to significant delays due to customs processing times.

Certain individuals are also subject to sanctions and cannot do business with CCG. A complete list of individuals sanctioned by the US can be found at https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov/.

This policy was last updated on April 23, 2022, and is updated periodically. This policy is not meant to be taken as legal advice and, due to quickly evolving situations, it may not reflect current sanctions. For current US sanctions, please visit https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov/. CCG reserves the right to reject any submission from any customer.