Can You Win a CGC Registry Award?

Throughout the year, we’re asked about the criteria for winning a major CGC Registry Award. That question is being asked now more than ever with CGC awarding prizes valued at more than $12,000.

Participants with a #1 ranked set in a set type receive an icon of recognition next to their set in the CGC Registry. Additionally, winners in any major category receive much more. Along with an icon of recognition, winners of a major CGC Registry Award receive a personalized plaque and a $500 CGC grading credit. New this year, those winners will also receive a CGC-certified book with a special label and pedigree. We are excited about this addition to the prize package, and we think you will be, too.

What are the major award categories?

These are the 2022 CGC Registry major award categories and the number of winners to be selected:

• The three best Golden Age Sets (comics published starting with Action Comics #1 June 1938-1959)
• The three best Silver Age Sets (comics published 1960-1969)
• The three best Bronze Age Sets (comics published 1970-1979)
• The three best Copper Age Sets (comics published 1980-1989)
• The three best Modern Age Sets (comics published 1990-present)
• The three best Presented Sets (sets with the best descriptive text and images)
• The one best Magazine Set
• The one best Custom Set
• The one best Signature Series Set
• One collector for the John Verzyl Sr. Registry Masterpiece Award (based on a collector’s overall collection of CGC Registry sets)

What are the criteria for winning a major award?

We realize a score does not tell the whole story, so we also consider overall quality, balance and completion. While it is common for #1 ranked sets to win these major awards, we also look at #2 and #3 ranked sets. This is a subjective process and choosing between sets of different series can be like comparing apples to oranges.

There may be a #1 set that has a couple of fabulous books in comparison to a #2 set that is more complete. Our team of experts must decide what makes a set more desirable to collectors. These experts were once collectors like you before securing a position with CGC. Who better to review and consider sets to be awarded?

If we find ourselves undecided between two sets, we may look to other attributes. Those attributes include set comments, individual item comments and photos as well as activity over time. With all technical matters being equal, we are likely to select the set where a participant is sharing their collecting experience as well as the list of books in their set.

If I don’t have a set ranked in the top three for a set type, do I even have a chance to win a major award?

Yes! While rank is weighed heavily for most of the major awards, the Best Presented category is an exception. We look at sets of any rank. Our goal is to choose sets where we get a sense of the collector and their collecting journey. We look for the main set comments, individual item comments and photos included in the set. More specifically, we look for originality in those attributes. We are more likely to award a set where the comments are not copied from another source. Tell us something about how or when you acquired a book. Is this the ultimate copy for you or are you still hunting for an upgrade? Does this title or copy mean something special to you? Is there a particular part of the writing or art that you love?

And let’s see those books! The element that first appeals to most of us as collectors is the artwork. It’s what draws us in beyond the cover and makes it impossible to resist turning the page to see what’s next. Show us the front and back. Show us your favorite cell or a related collectible. Show us your pet in a Superman costume. You can load two photos for each book. Don’t be afraid to get creative with how you use those spots.

How do I enter for a chance to win?

Make sure your set is at its best by 5 p.m. ET on July 1, 2022. If your set is in the CGC Registry, it will be automatically considered for awards. Private sets are not considered for awards, so be sure your set is not marked obscured. There is nothing else you need to do. Winners will be announced on July 29, 2022.

Let’s chat about it!

What sets are you watching? Are you working on your sets with the awards in mind? We’d love to hear from you on the Chat Boards.

The CGC Registry is a place where comic book collectors come together to share their collections and knowledge with one another. It's a valuable resource for new collectors and experienced fans alike, with a wide range of collections on display. There is no charge to join, and your CGC-certified comics are eligible for inclusion in hundreds of categories.

To participate, all you need is a free CGC membership. View other members' sets and explore the Registry >>