Plus, how to get your collection appraised and where to sell it
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Dan Hickey is a Writer and Humorist based in Chicago, Illinois. He has published pieces on a variety of online satire sites and has been a member of the wikiHow team since 2022. A former teaching artist at a community music school, Dan enjoys helping people learn new skills they never thought they could master. He graduated with a BM in Clarinet Performance from DePauw University in 2015 and an MM from DePaul University in 2017.
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Wondering if you’ve got a rare and valuable comic book in your collection? While chances are your old comics won’t be exceptionally precious, you just might have something worth a 4-, 5-, 6-, or even 7-digit price tag! In this article we’ll show you the 25 most rare and valuable comic books (ranked by highest auction price), plus explain what makes a comic worth so much and how you can get yours appraised and sold for top dollar.
- Action Comics #1 (1938): $6 million
- Superman #1 (1939): $5.3 million
- Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962): $3.6 million
- Captain America #1 (1941): $3.12 million
- Marvel Comics #1 (1939): $2.4 million
Action Comics #1 National Allied Publications (now famously known as DC Comics) published Action Comics #1 in 1938 and introduced the world to Superman for the first time, as well as his backstory and his love interest, Lois Lane. This is considered the first real superhero comic and kick started the Golden Age of American comic books (1938–1956).[1]
- Published: 1938
- Creators: Jerry SIegler and Joe Shuster
- Maximum estimated value: $408,000 to $6,000,000
- After being sold at a Heritage Auction in 2024 for $6 million, Action Comics #1 became the most valuable comic book in the world.
Superman #1 Whether in Action Comics #1 or his own solo issue, Superman fetches the big bucks. His debut in Action Comics #1 made him the most expensive comic book character until 2021 (losing the title briefly to Spider-Man). However, a $5.3 million dollar sale of Superman #1 in 2022 helped him reclaim his title (until Action Comics #1 yet again took the top spot with a $6 million dollar sale in 2024). Published by DC Comics, Superman #1 is the first series devoted solely to a single character.[2]
- Published: 1939
- Creators: Jerry Siegler and Joe Shuster
- Maximum estimated value: $360,000 to $5,300,000
Amazing Fantasy #15 In the final issue of the Amazing Fantasy series, iconic comic book writer Stan Lee and co-creator Steve Ditko introduced Spider-Man for the first time. The issue became the best-selling Marvel comic at the time and inspired Spider-Man’s very own series.[3]
- Published: 1962
- Creators: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
- Maximum estimated value: $454,100 to $3,600,000
Captain America #1 Published by Timely Comics (now Marvel Comics) during the throes of World War II, this issue introduced Captain America to the world for the first time. The cover features Captain America punching Hitler (a scene that was recreated in the movie Captain America: The First Avenger in 2012).[4]
- Published: 1941
- Creators: Jack Kirby and Joe Simon
- Maximum estimated value: $750,000 to $3,120,000
Marvel Comics #1 Marvel Comics began as an anthology series published by Timely Comics in 1939, introducing characters like The Human Torch. When Timely decided to change its name in the early 1960s, it opted for Marvel Comics as a nod to its recurring publication.[5]
Marvel Comics #1 was Timely’s first ever issue.- Published: 1939
- Creators: Al Anders, Carl Burgos, Bill Everett, Paul Gustavson, and Ben Thompson
- Maximum estimated value: $675,000 to $2,400,000
Batman #1 This issue marked Batman’s first solo title and cover as a comic book adventurer. It also introduced notorious and fan-favorite villains Joker and Catwoman.[6]
- Published: 1940
- Creators: Bob Kane and Bill Finger
- Maximum estimated value: $552,000 to $2,220,000
Tales of Suspense #39 Tales of Suspense #39 saw the introduction of one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes, Iron Man. The character was conceived to examine the effects of the Cold War and fear of Communism, illustrating comic books’ ability to reflect (and perhaps even influence) pop culture and world events. Iron Man went on to get his own solo series in 1968 (the same year that Tales of Suspense was renamed Captain America with issue #100).[7]
- Published: 1963
- Creators: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Larry Lieber, and Don Heck
- Maximum estimated value: $375,000 to $2,000,000
Detective Comics #27 Like many issues on this list, Detective Comics #27 is famous for the introduction of a now iconic superhero: Batman. This issue was so successful that it inspired National Allied Publications to change its name to DC Comics (as a nod to Detective Comics).[8]
- Published: 1939
- Creators: Bob Kane and Bill Finger
- Maximum estimated value: $600,000 to $1,820,000
All-Star Comics #8 The cover of this sought-after issue depicts the Justice League of America, but it’s what’s inside that makes All-Star Comics #8 so valuable. The issue features the first ever appearance of Wonder Woman, the first cameo for Hawkgirl, and an upgraded look for Dr. Fate.[9]
- Published: 1941
- Creators: William Moulton Marston (“Charles” Marston) and H.G. Peter
- Maximum estimated value: $411,011 to $1,620,000
Fantastic Four #1 This classic issue introduces the “first family” of Marvel Comics— The Fantastic Four—for the first time.[10]
It’s also rumored that creator Stan Lee had been considering leaving the comic book industry at the time, but the unexpected success of this issue persuaded him to stay on.- Published: 1961
- Creators: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
- Maximum estimated value: $420,000 to $1,500,000
The Amazing Spider-Man #1 After Spider-Man’s smashing success in Marvel’s Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962, the teenage hero was given his own solo series the next year. The first issue of The Amazing Spider-Man reveals how Peter Parker received his arachnid powers and teamed up to fight the Chameleon with the Fantastic Four.[11]
- Published: 1963
- Creators: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
- Maximum estimated value: $520,380 to $1,380,000
Showcase #4 This DC Comics publication introduces the Silver Age Flash, Barry Allen (a new, multiversal counterpart to the Golden Age’s Flash, Jay Garrick). The second Flash is considered the first DC superhero of the Silver Age![12]
- Published: 1956
- Creators: Robert Kanigher, John Broome, and Carmine Infantino
- Maximum estimated value: $900,000
X-Men #1 Another Marvel classic, this issue introduces The X-Men for the first time with their original roster: Cyclops, Beast, Iceman, Angel, and Marvel Girl. It’s also notable for the debut of the characters Magento and Professor X.[13]
- Published: 1963
- Creators: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
- Maximum estimated value: $492,937 to $871,999
Incredible Hulk #1 As you can guess from the title, this favorite collector’s issue is the first to feature the Incredible Hulk. Originally appearing gray, the Hulk’s color later changed to (now iconic) green due to the cost of ink.[14]
- Published: 1941
- Creators: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
- Maximum estimated value: $490,000 to $825,000
Phantom Lady #17 Phantom Lady may not be as recognizable as Superman or The Avengers, but issue #17 made quite a splash when it was published by Fox Feature Syndicate in 1948. The cover features Phantom Lady tied up (presumably by a villain) and wearing a suggestive outfit. The cover was cited in a now infamous essay on the dangers of comic books by Dr. Frederic Wertham called “The Seduction of the Innocent.” The controversy has made this issue a lesser-known but interesting collector’s item.[15]
- Published: 1948
- Creators: Arthur Peddy, Jimmy Palmiotti, Eisner & Iger, Justin Gray, Chuck Austen, and Len Strazewski
- Maximum estimated value: $456,000
Detective Comics #140 This 1948 issue is most well-known and coveted for introducing the infamous supervillain, The Riddler. Detective Comics #140 sold for $456,000 in the same auction that saw Phantom Lady #17 sell for the same price.[16]
- Published: 1948
- Creators: Bill Finger and Bob Kane
- Maximum estimated value: $3,500 to $456,000
Flash Comics #1 Published in 1941, Flash Comics #1 marks the debut of The Flash.[17]
This Gold Age Flash (Jay Garrick) is distinct from the Silver Age Flash (Barry Allen); Jay became the Flash of Earth-2, marking the very first multiverse storyline.- Published: 1941
- Creators: Gardner Fox and Gary Lampert
- Maximum estimated value: $9,000 to $450,000
Sensation Comics #1 This iconic cover features Wonder Woman on the front of a comic book for the first time (although her debut happened more discreetly in All-Star Comics #8 several months earlier in late 1941). The Sensation Comics series is largely dedicated to Wonder Woman’s adventures.[18]
- Published: 1942
- Creators: William Moulton Marston (“Charles” Marston) and H.G. Peter
- Maximum estimated value: $5,000 to $450,000
Journey Into Mystery #83 While Journey Into Mystery may not sound familiar to everyday comic fans, the character it introduced to the world sure will: Thor! The story describes how Dr. Donald Blake transforms into Thor to repel an alien army in “Thor the Mighty and the Stone Men from Saturn!” The issue is also considered one of the best (and most coveted) comics of the Silver Age (1956–1970).[19]
- Published: 1962
- Creators: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
- Maximum estimated value: $3,500 to $432,000
Avengers #1 The stories of the Avengers have entertained comic readers long before the Marvel Cinematic Universe made The Avengers a world-wide smash hit at movie theater box offices. First published in 1963, the first group of “Earth’s mightiest heroes” included Iron Man, Thor, Ant-Man and the Hulk. Captain America joined in issue #4, and the roster has been expanding ever since.[20]
- Published: 1963
- Creators: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
- Maximum estimated value: $432,000
PEP Comics #22 This issue introduced the iconic character Archie Andrews to the world (for those unfamiliar with comic books, that’s the same Archie from the TV show Riverdale on the CW). PEP Comics #22 also saw the debut of Betty Cooper and Jughead Jones. The issue’s success inspired many future spin-offs, comic strips, and TV shows.[21]
- Published: 1941
- Creators: Vic Bloom and Bob Montana
- Maximum estimated value: $28,000 to $375,000
Wonder Woman #1 Published in 1942, this issue highlights Wonder Woman’s growing popularity during the Golden Age. It’s the heroine’s first solo comic and explains her backstory as a superhuman Amazon with powers gifted from the Greek gods.[22]
- Published: 1942
- Creators: William Moulton Marston (“Charles” Marston) and H.G. Peter
- Maximum estimated value: $11,000 to $291,000
Action Comics #10 Action Comics #10 marks Superman’s 3rd comic book cover and the second appearance of Jimmy Olsen (Clark Kent and Lois Lane’s journalist friend).[23]
The issue includes the iconic story “Superman Goes to Prison,” in which Superman infiltrates a prison to overthrow a tyrannical superintendent.- Published: 1939
- Creators: Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
- Maximum estimated value: $8,000 to $258,000
All-American Comics #16 This collector’s issue debuted Alan Scott, AKA the Green Lantern, for the first time. The story reveals how Alan discovered the namesake green lantern after a railroad accident and creates a ring to harness its power.[24]
- Published: 1940
- Creators: Bill Finger, Robert Ripley, and Jon L. Blummer
- Maximum estimated value: $10,000 to $215,100
Justice League of America #1 This 1960 Silver Age issue marks the Justice League’s first solo comic book.[25]
The story “The World of No Return!” features appearances from Aquaman, Batman, the Flash, the Green Lantern, Superwoman, Wonder Woman, and the Manhunter from Mars.- Published: 1960
- Creators: Gardner Fox, Mike Sekowsky, and Bernie Sachs
- Maximum estimated value: $350 to $215,000
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Gather key information about your comics. Go through your collection and record each issue’s title, publication date, issue number, and an estimate of its condition (if there are other notable details, like a signature, variant cover, or a grade, include those details, too).[28]
- Take high-quality photos of individual issues or groups of comics together for your records and to get a more accurate appraisal (if submitting online).
- Keep track of your comic book data in a simple spreadsheet, or consider using a tracking app like My Collection: Comic Scanner.
Determine what type of appraisal suits your needs. There are different appraisal options available depending on what you need to know the value of your comics for. First, decide whether to appraise each individual issue (if you suspect you have one or more rare, valuable issues) or your collection as a whole (if you plan to sell a whole collection or just want to know its worth). Then, your appraisal options include:[29]
- Market appraisals for sellers who want to know what a book (or collection) is worth.
- Insurance appraisals for owners whose collections have been stolen or damaged and need to file an insurance claim.
- Tax appraisals for owners selling a collection as part of an inheritance or buys borrowing money to purchase comics from a bank.
Get quotes from multiple appraisers to find the most accurate value. Look for appraisers that specialize in comics and avoid general auction houses or pawn shops without specialized knowledge. Steer clear of appraisers who charge a fee or require you to sell to them, too; most appraisers will work with you for free and only charge a fee in extreme circumstances (like if you have a huge collection and they travel to you). Generally, your appraisal options include:[30]
- Comic book dealers. Dealers buy and sell for a living and are most interested in whole collections, but may lowball you in order to make a profit.
- Comic book shops. Depending on the size, reach, and prestige of your local shop, you can probably get an accurate appraisal (however, not all shops offer this service).
- National comic shops with online appraisal services. You can upload descriptions of your collections to sites like SubZero Comics or Sparkle City Comics for evaluation.
Get key issues graded. If your appraisal turns up a potentially very valuable or key issue, consider getting it graded. Grading is the process of rating your comic book’s condition and value on a scale of 0.5 to 10 and verifying its authenticity. Third-party grading companies like the Certified Guarantee Company (CGC) record grading data impartially and can substantially raise the value of your comic book.
- To get an issue graded, make an account with your preferred grading service and complete an online submission form. You’ll then ship your comics to be evaluated in-person.[31]
- For a rough idea of your issue’s grade, take a look at the CGC’s Standard Grading Scale.
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