Can you believe it’s been 25 years since CGC first made its mark on the world of pop culture collectibles? Back in 2000, we revolutionized comic book collecting with the introduction of accurate and impartial grading and encapsulation in protective holders. While our commitment to expertise and quality hasn't changed, several other things have... Do you remember the OG red label? (That's right, it hasn't always been blue.) And our Comics Guaranty, LLC logo? (Our scales have even changed.) In fact, to celebrate our anniversary this year, we're throwing it back with an EXCLUSIVE PIN featuring the original CGC logo! Look for it at shows in 2025. Don't know about our pins? Check them out here.

Join Paul Litch (CGC Primary Grader) and Shawn Caffrey (CGC Vice President) as they reminisce about being with CGC for 25 years, including the favorite comics they've graded, the craziest things they've found within the pages of submitted comics and other fantastic (and surprising!) memories.

The very first CGC Gem Mint 10 grade was achieved by Venom: Lethal Protector #1 — a landmark moment in comic book grading history, which was first recorded in February 2000 before the book was reholdered by CGC in 2001. Released in 1993, this issue debuted Venom's first solo series, featuring his transition from villain to antihero with a bold, red foil cover that became an iconic '90s collectible. Despite being mass-produced, examples in pristine condition were elusive due to printing and handling flaws.