CGC Certifies Rare San Diego Comic-Con Programs
Posted on 9/28/2023
Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®) was entrusted by San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) officials to certify rare early copies of the event’s programs and souvenir books, featuring artwork by the legendary Jack Kirby, Charles Schulz, Will Eisner and other iconic comic book artists.
The collaboration began at the 2023 San Diego Comic-Con, where SDCC Archivist Ron McFee shared several historic programs, from the 1970s through the 1990s, with CGC President Matt Nelson. McFee said only a few hundred copies of the first program from 1970 were printed, and he estimates only a few dozen still exist.
“This is probably more rare than an Action [Comics] #1,” McFee joked.
Nelson said that only a handful of copies had been graded by CGC previously, and the graders were excited to receive so many in one submission.
 |
 |
| Click images to enlarge. | |
Among the items certified by CGC Comics were:
- a 1970 San Diego Comic-Con Program graded CGC 8.0
- a 1972 San Diego’s West Coast Comic-Con Program graded CGC 9.2
- a 1974 San Diego Comic-Con Program graded CGC 8.5
- a 1975 San Diego Comic-Con Souvenir Book graded CGC 9.6
- a 1977 San Diego Comic-Con Program graded CGC 9.4
- a 1981 San Diego Comic-Con Souvenir Book graded CGC 9.4
- a 1982 San Diego Comic-Con Souvenir Book graded CGC 9.0
- a 1995 San Diego Comic-Con Comics #4 graded CGC 9.4
“It was an honor and privilege for Ron to entrust CGC to certify these programs from the show’s earliest history,” Nelson said.
About San Diego Comic-Con
San Diego Comic-Con has evolved from its humble beginnings in the early 1970s to become one of the most iconic and influential pop culture events in the world. The convention's roots can be traced back to a group of comic book enthusiasts, including Sheldon Dorf, who organized the "Golden State Comic Book Convention" in San Diego in 1970. This event aimed to provide a platform for fans and creators to come together and celebrate their shared passion for comics. The convention's initial focus was primarily on comic books, but it quickly expanded to include other forms of popular culture, such as science fiction, fantasy and film.
Over the decades, San Diego Comic-Con has grown exponentially in size and scope. It has become a major hub for the entertainment industry, attracting not only comic book enthusiasts but also fans of movies, television, video games and more. Hollywood studios use the convention as a platform to showcase their upcoming blockbuster releases, and A-list celebrities make appearances to connect with their fan base. The event now spans multiple days and takes over the San Diego Convention Center, with satellite events and off-site activations throughout the city.
About CGC
Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for many other types of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for TCGs, sports cards and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation and more. The newest division of CGC, CGC Home Video, provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of videocassettes.
Stay Informed
Want news like this delivered to your inbox once a month? Subscribe to the free CGC eNewsletter today!