What is a Double Cover Comic?
Double covers are one of the most collectible comic defects. A double cover occurs due to a factory binding mishap where two or more covers are rolled together and stapled with the rest of the book.
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The reason for double covers collectability is due to both scarcity and condition of the interior cover. Not all comic book collectors seek out double covers, but there is a dedicated niche of pursuers who will pay a pretty penny for the multiple cover comics.
The rarity results from the defect itself, and due to increased printing technology, modern double covers are even less available. Another negative for modern double covers is the small difference between cover grades. Modern double covers could be NM/M on both exterior and interior covers, therefore compared to an older double cover comic, modern comics don’t receive the same kind of collector interest.
How Do You Grade a Double Cover Comic Book?
Certified Guarantee Company (CGC) will grade all of the covers in a comic and place them on the label below the name and date of the issue. CGC will put the highest – usually the most interior – cover on the grade square on the top left of the case. By placing the highest graded cover in the grade square, the price can be heavily inflated. The most exterior cover takes most of the damage and shields the interior cover(s). Comics are a heavily visual collector’s item, and therefore, a multiple cover comic with a marginal difference between exterior and interior covers will be less valuable than a multiple cover with a smaller contrast between cover grades.
How Much are Double Cover Comic Books Worth?
Heritage’s Nov. 16-18 Comics Auction offered two such rare books:
Captain Marvel Adventures #49 Double Cover (Fawcett Publications, 1945) CGC NM 9.4
A rare Golden Age double cover book – the outside cover is graded a 4.5 but the inside cover is a stunning 9.4 – an extraordinary find.
Planet Comics #30 Extra Cover (Fiction House, 1944) CGC VF+ 8.5
A first at Heritage, experts have never seen a “double cover” like this before, with the second cover attached at the centerfold. The oddity even warranted a special note from CGC: “Manufactured with extra cover attached at centerfold.”
Written by: Eric Bradley
i have a double cover the further adventures of indiana jones number 8 from 1983, how do i find out the value of this book?
Hi Paul,
If you are interested in learning more about your items, interested in selling, or would like to receive a free auction evaluation, please:
– Submit a free auction evaluation: https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=social-cs-Facebookfreeeval-092517
Or email our expert Aaron White at aaronw@ha.com or call him at 214-409-1763.
Thank you,
Heritage Auctions
I sent an email to Aaron, Double cover book.
Hi Mark,
Thank you for comment. Please let us know how we can help!
Hi I just purchased a venom #2 variant issue by Tyler kirkham from unknown comics. I’ve heard about double covers before but never actually seen one. This issue has two covers but everyone I’ve seen on the internet with multiple covers has both the front and the back of the comic , but mine has just two of the same covers. Was just wondering if this is how the variant issue was made like this ?? Or do I own a double cover? Any information on this would help me tremendously
snaps some pics and send to us please. https://comics.ha.com/free-appraisals.s
I just sent them in to you
Hi, I have researched an odd printing error that I can’t find anywhere online. I purchased an Eternals #3, 1976 online last year from a trustworthy dealer I have worked with on many issues from the bronze age and it was purchased by them right off the shelf back in 1976 (as were the others I bought from them).
This particular issue is not just a double cover printing error, but the entire book is double printed and stapled. It is in very nice shape – and wondered if you guys have come across any of these or sold any at auction? I don’t see it listed as an error on the CGC registry. Any help would be great. Thanks!
Steve
Steve, Thank you for sharing this with us. We would like to take a look at it for you. Please send some photos to https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=social-cs-hablogfreeeval-092517
I just realized I had a double cover on my Journey into Mystery (Thor) #122. The book is in great condition. How odd is this for silver age comics?
Thanks
Arthur,
Thank you for your comment. We offer FREE auction evaluations at https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=social-cs-hablog-freeeval-092517 . You can also call us at 1-800-872-6467 to get more info.
I have a 1989 #17Excalibur with double cover want to get it graded based on its rarity…I’ve looked everywhere for it and found no listing ..any idea on its value?
Ruben,
To see how much your item is worth, visit https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=social-cs-hablogfreeeval-092517 . You can also call us at 1-800-872-6467.
Hi I own a double cover Terror Inc. and Wolverine my first cover looks normal. The second cover is folded in half. Just wondering what difference that might make?
Brian,
For a FREE auction evaluation, visit https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=social-cs-hablog-freeeval-092517. You can also call us at 1-800-872-6467.
I have a double cover 252 the amazing spider man graded cbcs graded 8.5 signed by ron frenz 1st and second cover both graded. Cant find any info on this book
John,
To see how much your item is worth, visit https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=social-cs-hablogfreeeval-092517 . You can also call us at 1-800-872-6467.
i found another double cover comic “heroic comics #32-1945” thought i’d share
I PURCHASED A FF#58 CGC 9.6 OW/W AND UPON RECEIVING IT THOUGHT THE COVER WAS NOT WORTHY OF A 9.6 GRADE.
THE STRIP LABEL ON THE VERY TOP EDGE OF THE HOLDER SAYS
DOUBLE COVER, BUT IT IS NOT MENTIONED ON THE FRONT LABEL.
CGC #426670020.
IS THIS A DOUBLE COVER BOOK?
THANK YOU, KEVIN MULLIGAN
Kevin, that’s a 57-year-old mystery! Thank you for asking. You can upload images to learn more about your comic or receive a free auction evaluation at https://www.ha.com/c/acquisitions.zx?target=auctionevaluation&type=social-cs-hablog-freeeval-092517