CGC-certified Marvel First Appearances Sell for Six Figures

Three Silver Age Marvel comics that are graded by Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®) sold for six figures each in Heritage Auctions’ Key Comics Showcase Auction on August 4, 2022.

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A Fantastic Four #1 graded CGC 8.5 (lot 82039) realized $228,000 in the auction. The book features the first appearance of the Fantastic Four — Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm. Released in 1961, this was the first modern Marvel Comics superhero title. Of more than 1,800 Universal copies of this issue recorded in the CGC Census, only 38 are graded CGC 8.5 or higher. The best result at auction for a Fantastic Four #1 was a CGC 9.2 that sold for $1.5 million in April 2022.

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Meanwhile, an Amazing Fantasy #15 graded CGC 7.5 (lot 82002) realized $198,000 in the auction. Published by Marvel Comics in 1962, this issue is famous for including the first appearance of Spider-Man. After his debut in this issue, Marvel Comics quickly gave Spider-Man his own title in 1963. Of more than 2,300 Universal copies of this issue recorded in the CGC Census, only 105 are graded 7.5 or higher. The best result at auction for an Amazing Fantasy #15 was a CGC 9.6 that sold for $3.6 million in 2021.

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Close behind was an X-Men #1 graded CGC 9.0 (lot 82106) that realized $156,000 in the auction. Published by Marvel Comics in 1963, X-Men #1 included the first appearance of The X-Men and the original team roster (Cyclops, Beast, Iceman, Angel and Marvel Girl) along with Magneto and Professor X. Of more than 4,100 Universal copies of this issue recorded in the CGC Census, only 73 are in grade 9.0 or higher. The best result at auction for an example of X-Men #1 was a CGC 9.6 that sold for $807,300 in 2016.

Other CGC-graded highlights in the auction included:

• a Journey Into Mystery #85 graded CGC 9.4 (lot 82070) that realized $78,000
• an Incredible Hulk #1 graded CGC 7.0 (lot 82060) that realized $72,000
• an Incredible Hulk #1 graded CGC 6.0 (lot 82061) realized $55,200
• a Tales of Suspense #39 graded CGC 8.5 (lot 82097) realized $55,200
• a Fantastic Four #1 graded CGC 5.5 (lot 82040) realized $50,400
• an X-Men #1 graded CGC 7.0 (lot 82107) realized $38,400
• a Tales of Suspense #39 graded CGC 7.5 (lot 82098) realized $36,000
• a Daredevil #1 graded CGC 9.0 (lot 82033) realized $30,000
• a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 graded CGC 9.4 with a Signature Series Label (lot 82102) realized $30,000

Prices realized include buyer’s premium.