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Posted By: hankron

I'm assuming you are wondering if they are reprints because of high grade. I'm not familiar with the publication, original or reprint. If the paper is coated paper-- the type of paper used in many modern and older magazines, as opposed to newspaper stock-- it can last well if stored well. If old publications were stored over the years in stacks, like in the back of a library, they can remain in high grade.

If it's on newspaper stock, an original would likely to be in lower grade. The woodpulp used in 20th century newspaper stock naturally degrades-- yellowing, becoming brittle .... As a side note, woodpulp in newspaper stock was introduced about 1850. This means that, counterinuitively, an 1820 newspaper will often be found in better condition than a 1960 newspaper.

Ultimatly, authentication/dating of these types of publications is done by examination of the printing. This is a simple process using a handheld microscope.