The Most Valuable Comic Books In the World
The following is based off of the $100,000 Club list, a catalog I keep of all the individual comic books that might sell for over $100,000. Unlike some lists I've seen out there (in print and online) both this article and the $100,000 Club strive to name not only the title and issue number ("Action #1 is the most valuable comic book in the world") but to try to pinpoint the individual copies that make up the hobby's stratosphere. For a real world analog, all the other lists are the equivalent of saying "Picasso's paintings are amongst the most valuable in the world" and leaving it at that where my list is would point out that "Picasso's Garçon à la Pipe sold for $104,000,000 in 2004."
All of this is the result of a couple of years of research and discussion of these top end books both in private conversation and online. Before anyone points it out, there are obviously holes in my data set as there are books that have slipped out of the hobby (many of the Reilly books, for example), there are books I don't have full information on (some people are less free with their knowledge than others) and there are non-pedigree books that I just don't know about, so this should be treated as a work in progress.
Feel free to speculate about what "might" be out there. That's part of the fun.
To that end, I'm always interested in feedback on these lists.- if you've got into on any of these books, or just want to talk in depth about my reasoning, feel free to drop me an email or leave a comment below.
When I originally wrote this, the cutoff for inclusion was around $550,000. In light of the events of the past couple of years, the cut-off is much higher. These are all million dollar comics.
I've archived the original version of this article.
1. Mile High/Edgar Church Copy of Action #1
The best copy of the first appearance of Superman, the single most important American comic, wins this particular horse race. This was the easiest book on the list to position (although #2 is a virtual tie in that regard.)
A truly legendary comic, speculation about the value and (more recently) condition of this book has been a favorite topic of conversation for hard core (and even some not so hard core) collectors for more than 20 years. The current owner, (hereby referred to as "The Dentist"), famously overpaid for this book in 1984, spending an unimaginable $25,000 on it. At the time, people openly questioned his sanity. Fortune favors the bold apparently, as that $25,000 investment is now worth at least 40x as much. I say "at least" because there is a popular anecdote that "The Dentist" turned down a $2,000,000 offer* from coin dealer Jay Parrino when Parrino was exploring the comics hobby. Assuming the offer was legitimate, and with the vast sums of money Parrino spent on comics I have no reason to doubt it, it would peg the value needed to actually get the book to change hands somewhere north of 100x the purchase price.
Speculation about the book's condition is also a popular topic in today's condition-conscious, CGC world. The best estimate of its condition are anecdotal. Stephen Fischler from Metropolis Comics and Steve Borock have both seen it and have prodived grade estimates. Fischler, certainly someone in position to know, says that the book would be an Unrestored 9.2 (on CGC's ten point scale) if it were in a CGC holder. Steve Borock, former grand poo-bah at CGC, says it would be a 9.4. Until we see a photo or a high resolution scan, or CGC gets their hands on it down in Sarasota, that estimation is as good as we're going to get.
Of course, regardless of the number attached to the book, it's generally agreed that this is the best copy and if that's truly the case the technical grade is practically irrelevant. It's the best copy of the best book from the best pedigree and it's in the best collection on the planet.
It wins.
Estimated Value: $3,000,000
2. Allentown Copy of Detective Comics #27
If the Church Action #1 is the #1 book in the hobby, then this book is #1a. The best copy of the first appearance of Batman is another book owned by "The Dentist" and it's another book for the speculation files in terms of grade. Called NM/MT when it was sold 15 years ago, this book is generally accepted to be the best copy, and unlike the Mile High Action #1 this book is supposed to be the best by a pretty wide margin. I've always assumed it was at least a 9.4, but judging by some of the other books from the Allentown collection images of a 9.6 Detective Comics #27 dance through my head from time to time.
If you're thinking "Does this guy really daydream about million dollar comics?"
The answer is, "On occasion, yes."
To be honest, I'd pay money for a high res photo or a scan of this book.
Estimated Value:$2,500,000
3. The "other" high grade copy of Detective Comics #27
I've had this book pretty definitively quoted as being a 9.*. Interestingly, it was listed as only a FN68 in the 24th edition of the Overstreet Price Guide. I'd love to know why there's such a discrepancy. Still, the people who have spoken of it say it's an extremely nice book and one that would be the best available if it were to come up for sale. As such it's the second best copy of the second best book and the best potentially available. By that logic it should be 4th. Thing is, it's the only 9.* copy of either book that has the possibility of seeing the open market (assuming all The Dentist's books are locked away for keeps.) With that in mind, I'm slotting it ahead of the second best Action #1.
In that same guide it was listed as having sold twice in a year- once for $81,000 then again for $101,000. The latter figure, I believe, makes this the first documented member of the $100,000 Club.
I say "documented", because John Verzyl told me that he spent over $100,000 for the Church Marvel Comics #1 when he purchased it in the 80s (!)
Estimated Value:$2,000,000
4. Action Comics #1 CGC 8.5
The second best copy of Action #1.
The highest price ever paid for a comic book? It's this book.
A gorgeous copy. Without the rusted staples it would be even nicer (if that's even possible.)
Estimated Value:$1,500,000
4. Best Existing Superman #1
"The Dentist's" copy. I've heard a range of grades for this book ranging from 8.0 to 9.2. Considering this is the copy he chose to keep I would guess that it's nearer the 9.* end of that range.
As to value on this book, the Church copy sold for $170,000 nearly ten years ago and a 7.5 sold for $250,000 in the oughts. We also have heard tale told that the Church copy traded hands for big bucks in 2009 (rumors have ranged from $500,000 to $1,000,000) This book would clearly blow all of those numbers out of the water, being the best copy of one of the top five books in the hobby. This is especially true since Superman #1 is a book that is notoriously difficult to acquire in high grade. From my research it's this book, the Church copy (a sketchy 8.0) and then the 7.5 at the high end. Compare that to the half dozen copies of Marvel Comics #1 over 8.0 and you'll see why I push this book up to #4.
To editorialize for a moment, the Church copy is an absolute stunner. Apparently, it's got internal damage that brings it down a little bit technically, but I remember it looking a lot nicer than the CGC 8.0 it received when I saw it way back when.
Estimated Value: $1,500,000
6. Mile High/Edgar Church Copy of Marvel Comics #1
To be quite honest, I'm reluctant to place this book on this list. I'm also reluctant to exclude it.
(This isn't an exact science.)
I'm listing this book this high because it's possibly the best technical copy of any major Golden Age key book, it represents the dawn of the Marvel Universe and it's the Church copy. I just can't imagine the floor on it being that low, even if I don't hold it in as high esteem, price-wise as some folks.
That said, I hesitate because to me, Marvel #1 is just not the same caliber of book as Action #1 or Detective Comics #27 or even Superman #1 (at least in high grade). I don't mean just in terms of absolute value, but in terms of "strength" of sales. Recently, seemingly every copy of this book (many high grade!) that has come up for sale has crossed the boards for what has felt like a bargain price**. The same cannot be said for either Action #1 or Detective Comics #27 which sell for extremely healthy prices in all unrestored grades. As cool as this book is for long-time collectors, I can't help but feel like it's got more in common with Whiz #2 than it does with either Action #1 or Detective #27.
Maybe if this were an October** copy?
Estimated Value: $1,250,000
6. Mile High/Edgar Church Detective Comics #27
The Church copy is reportedly nicer (I've had around 8.5 quoted to me) than the 2 8.0s and is the Church copy. What more argument do you need?
For perspective's sake, this book sold for $125,000 almost a decade ago and a 7.0 Detective 27 sold for $200,000 at Investment Collectibles in 2006. That $125,000 investment looks pretty good from where I'm sitting.
Estimated Value: $1,250,000
8. Detective 27 CGC 8.0
The single most exciting comic auction I ever had the pleasure to witness (even if it was just streaming over the internet.)
Estimated Value: $1,100,000
8. Kansas City Action #1
The first million dollar comic book. For now and evermore this will be the one that broke that magical barrier.
Estimated Value: $1,100,000
8. Detective 27 CGC 8.0 (the missing copy)
Assuming, of course, that it can be found!
Estimated Value: $1,100,000
Some other books of note (in no order)
Church All American #16
Church All American #16
Sure it's the golden age Green Lantern and not Hal Jordan, but the book is incredibly tough, sits in the top ten by Overstreet value and we didn't riot when presented with the idea that it sold for $1,000,000. It was a little high, in hindsight, but for a book like this a premium is deserved.
Also, a gorgeous book.
Estimated Value: $600,000
Action #1 CGC 7.5
Sold for 192,120 in 2002. Something like a tiny spot of glue or a dot of color touch (I don't remember which) is noted on the label, which will hold it back a little. Still, I can't imagine that it hasn't moved significantly from the 2002 sale price.
Estimated Value: $700,000
Fantastic Four #1 CGC 9.6
There's a picture of me holding this book somewhere on my hard drive. It's a nice copy 
Traded at a $450,000 valuation. While trade values aren't worth much to me most of the time, I was very comfortable with that as a value for this book.
Estimated Value: $500,000
Captain America Allentown CGC 9.6
Sold for $260,000 nearly six years ago now. The thing is, it's already in the hands of the guy likeliest to spend a lot of money for it, so I don't know how much it's grown over the past half dozen years.
Estimated Value: $400,000
Mile High/Edgar Church Superman #1 CGC 8.0
Another one of these books that I've actually seen in person. It's a stunner. Bechara paid a pretty strong price all those years ago. Still it's the second best Superman #1 and it's a beautiful copy. I'm curious what the removed restoration would do to the price. From what I can tell people are a little hesitant about the book because of it and I think that would put a brake on the price.
This sale made quite a splash, as I remember it. It even made CNN. My mother called me and said "that comic guy you know, Bechara? He was on television. He bought a comic book for some record price? Know anything about it?"
Estimated Value: $750,000
Mile High/Edgar Church Flash Comics #1 CGC 9.6
This book snuck in and grabbed the #4 spot on the all-time record comic book sales chart. Sure, we were all excited about the seven figure deals, but this was still a great result for this book.
Estimated Value: $450,000
Amazing Fantasy 15 CGC 9.6
I'm thinking somewhere between $500-750,000 for this book right now. It used to appear on the list proper. No longer. Not that Amazing Fantasy #15 is somehow weak. It's just the recent sales have brought some sense of order back to the comic market. We just hadn't had any good examples of true golden age keys selling to set expectations and prices. We now have those. so some of the Silver Age books need to take a step back.
Now, what if a 9.8 were to appear on the market? At that point all bets are basically off. I don't know how high a copy that nice would climb up the list as at this level the technical grade is less important. It's more important that it's the "best", but it would certainly take any doubt out of my mind as to whether or not the best AF15 deserves to be in the top ten.
*Speaking of offers for high grade Action #1s. Steve Geppi, owner of half the hobby (Diamond, Gemstone, The Overstreet Price Guide, Hakes Auction House, etc.) offered up a $1,000,000 bounty for a near mint copy of Action #1 in a widely circulated press release a couple of years ago. The press release made the newspaper in several markets. No unknown high grade copies came out of the woodwork. Too bad. I'd love to see the reaction to a new high grade copy.
**to my mind we've passed the threshold where the prices have stopped being "bargains" and started being "the price"
***On that, I'm not entirely sold on the difference between the two versions being that much of a price driver, by the way. The logic is there, I just don't know if people really feel the difference in their bones, so to speak. As a side note, how incredible is it that there are so many high grade November copies and no October copies (that I've heard of) better than Nic Cage's old copy which is mid grade? Every pedigree seems to have had a nice Marvel #1 and not one of them was an October cover.
Weirdness like that is what makes this hobby fun.
the second best detective 27 was owned by me for a short time back in 1991,i sold it to oklahoma dave for 67000,who then flip it back to steve for 81000 on so on,the prob. with this book was a tiny and i mean tiny fury type of spine split at top and bottom,my guess is that it would grade a 8.5/9.0,it was alot nicer then the mile high,at the time i had a choice between the two.hands down no second thought this was better.
hey, thanks for the info. I'm always looking for better data on this stuff.
Where is the All-American #16 9.4 on this list? I would probably place it in 5th or 6th place.
i do not know … but no joke i saw #6 at a thrift store in apollo,pa a few months ago for two dallars … if i knew what it was worth i would have bought it… when i whent back to buy it it was gone:[
I think I would place it 5th. This list was written before that whole thing came to light and, admittedly, I (and a few other people I spoke to) underestimated the value of that book (by a factor of 2 !)
does it really warrant this list ..i mean we're talking green lantern,9 out of ten kids never heard of him
as far as the larson action 1……i know who owns it and i clearly remember him telling me years ago it has a coupon clipped from back cover/he now also owns the mile high 27
Regarding the AA16, I originally dropped it from consideration when putting together the list. Then it was CGC graded 9.4 and there was rumor as to the reason- a sale topping out over seven figures. If that's the case, then the book would be 5th on this list. The sale was never publicly confirmed, but I got the info from two reliable sources, so I'm leaning towards it as a reality.
Regarding the MH Detective 27, have you seen it?
YES I HAVE SEEN IT MANY TIMES IT WAS OFFERED TO ME W/ THE #2 COPY IN 1992ISH I HAD A CHOICE EITHER 27 AT 47000 THE MILE HIGH IS WHAT THEY CALL A SECOND HAND COPY IT HAS THE SLASHED PENCIL MARKS ON COVER IT WOULD PROB GRADE IN THE 8.0 RANDE W/ WHITE PAGES WHILE THE #2 IS CLOSER TO A 9.0
THE AA 16 SALE DID NOT GO THROUGH!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, I'm still going to value the book more highly than I once did. The reaction to that seven figure number and the fact that serious discussions took place at that level have changed my opinion of the book. If I ever redo this article I'll have to include it somewhere.
Thanks for the info on the Tec 27s, by the way.
MY PLEASURE…………I'M LOOKING FOR DETECTIVE #28 IF YOU KNOW ANYBODY THANKS,BY THE WAY I WAS THE GUY WHO FOUND THE PAY COPIES OF MARVEL#1 AND MOTION PICTURE FUNNIES WEEKLY .HOW COME THE MARVEL 1 IS NOT LISTED??THE AA16 SALE DID NOT GO THROUGH DUE TO THE STOCK MARKET PROBLEMS
I had and in theory still have a deal to buy the Detective 27 CGC 8.0. Its very disturbing to me but the collector who owns the book claims that he can't find it. Does anyone here believe this? If it was stolen or lost in a fire I would have an easier time dealing with it. What do you think the book is worth?
Dave,
Wow. That's a scary anecdote. Famously, the Church Wonder Woman #1 went missing from the hobby shortly after it was uncovered, and many of the San Francisco keys are unaccounted for, but the idea that a book of that magnitude could go missing nowadays is mind-boggling.
Value? With the recent Action #1 sale in the books, I'd have to think the 8.0 Detecctive #27 would have to be at least a $400,000 book now.
[...] Mile High/Edgar Church copy (approximate value $2,000,000- the most valuable comic book in the world) [...]
Rob, the original Larson list says the following for Action 1:
"VFN (Slight sp roll; light speckling BC at top; left margin & rt sid"
Hope that's helpful, given that the back cover is specifically mentioned I doubt there's a coupon out.
Hi guys another month and the Tec 27 is still missing. What do you think of the Marvel 1 Larson CGC 8.0
I think all Marvel #1s are good buys right now. It's a book that's been beat up over the past few years in terms of absolute sales value- to the point where it's selling below guide regularly.
[...] isn't actual news to me as I'd heard about it in the comments here a few months ago, but the Daily News picked it up as part of an article about Mastro, the auction [...]
[...] is worth over $350,000, and one owner of such a copy is rumored to have turned down an offer of $2 million for [...]
I have comics no. 136-185 marvel comics/conan in good condition and would like your estimation of thier value.
hi, those conan comics are worth maybe .25-.50 each.
I have 136-185 marvel comics\conan and need a estimate of their worth?
Rob,
My mother has a comic book entitled "Uncle Tom's Cabin." It's a collectors edition or either a classic edition (she say's,I think it's a collectors) I don't have the book right here with me ,but she said she recieved it in 1947.
Could you give me an opnion and value?
Thank you for your time.Patti
I recently aquired a large box of comics. Most of them are Marvel & DC from the 70's through the early 80's. Many are in sleeves & look to have never been read, including a Star Wars 3 pack that was never opened. I'm still combing through them to asses what I have but I've noticed many of the covers of the books are cut in half right where the title & volume number would be. Do you know why that might be?
Sounds like something like a stripped book.
For what it's worth, any comic with half the cover cut off from that era is basically worthless. There are a few books that would be worth some money (.50 to maybe $20 in the high end), but not many.
Thanks for the quick reply Rob. The stripped book theory makes sense. That would explain why so many are either missing covers or have damaged covers. It's good to know that they may be considered stolen. I don't want to be picked up for fencing stolen goods. I think perhaps the previous owner of this collection just bought the whole box from a dealer in the hopes of finding a gem. It was handed down to me so any sales would be profit. There's at least 500 in the box. If I do find that gem, I'll write back. Since many of them are worthless, I'll enjoy reading them. Thanks again.
Hey Rob, I've gone through 250 of my comics thus far & I have some questions.
1: Why is it that Spider-man appears in the box where a UPC code should be on so many different Marvel comics? I've noticed that many have different versions of Spidey & others just have the UPC #'s.
2: So I think I have some gems, like the first 10 Conan the Barbarian in great shape. Do I NEED to get a CGC certification/grade if I wish to sell them? I'm
wondering if that is the industry standard on grading & that's the only avenue if I wish to get a fair price.
You're insight would be most helpful. Thank you.
1. There are two types of comics. "Direct Sales," which go to comic book shops and "newsstand" copies, which go to newsstands.
2. If the Conan's are in truly great shape, then you need to get them CGC graded to get maximum value. The thing is, what you might think of as "great shape" might only be a 6.0 (out of 10) on CGC's scale. At which point you'd have a hard time getting your money back on all but issue #1. if you've got a high resolution photo of the two or three best copies I can advise.
Very nice article with great information. I have one of the rarest comics, and yes it's worth a lot but I wish it was a million dollar one. I was lucky enough to get a 1930's copy of mickey mouse Christmas variant in fine or better condition with no missing pages, white pages and no fading. Price guide mentions only one known copy, well now there are two. Hope to see a million on it some day, there are only two known copies and books for $12000. I am sure it would bring many times book but that's not anywhere near the prices above. thanks for you're work and research. CW
I would like a list to print out on the most valueable comic boks. I can get them all the time but don't have a clue as to the value. Does anyone have one that is printable? I thank you much…
Hi,
I'm not sure what you're looking for.
Thanks,
Rob
Hey Rob,
I was wondering if you knew the highest graded copies for Uncanny X-men #1, Avengers #1, Incredible Hulk #1. Thank You!
The top Hulk #1 is a 9.4. There are 2 Avengers #1 in 9.6 (here's one of them at Pedigree Comics) and there are 2 9.8 X-Men #1s (here's one, also at Pedigree Comics)
I have a copy of Fantastic four 100 cgc 9.6 ow/w what is the fair value for this copy.
I believe a gentleman called Ian Levine has a complete DC comic collection with all majors all in 8+ condition.
Do you know anybody else who has this?
Ian's keys aren't all that nice and I'm pretty sure there's some restoration present (I could look it up on the CGC forums, but it would take a while.) He was the second person to complete the full DC collection.
im only 16 and could care less bout comics but is this shit real cuz i have some comics that have been past down to me (72) and i have a lot of superman and batman dateiing to 1930-1960, there in near mint condition. but i cant see them being woth as much as they be sayin, i have a few miilion $ if so though
Feel free to email me a list of what you have at rob.react@gmail.com
[...] got to update this post again, [...]
What about the Showcase #4 9.6? I know it has been years since it was generally thought of to be worth as much as AF15, but surely it could top FF1?
The 9.6 Showcase #4 sold for less than a 9.4 Fantastic Four #1 and less than 2/5 my estimated value for the 9.6 Fantastic Four #1. Right or wrong it's not even in the picture.
That is a damn shame. Not just from a historical perspective, it did start the Silver Age after all, but it looks so nice, and those colors looking that good ain't easy to come by.
Oh, I agree with you 100%. I'm a fan of Showcase #4 (admittedly, I'm a bigger fan of FF#1.) The results just haven't been there.
I’m in my 60’s and no longer have any of my comics from childhood. They seemed so flimsy and cheap; even the paper they were printed on was so quick to yellow and turn brittle. Who knew they would ever be worth anything? I find it fascinating that they have become so valuable. Meanwhile, the fancy hardcover books that I valued, paid a lot for, and preserved (think encyclopedias, coffee table books, etc), are now worth nothing.
It seems to me that there is a deeper truth here: Look around you. The things you see everywhere and that don’t seem worth saving are the very things which everyone else is also throwing away. If these items have the extra quality of bringing back fond memories of childhood (like the old comics do) they will someday in the distant future become sought after and valuable. The trick is to figure out which items to save. I am guessing 45’s and LP’s are a good bet. Any thoughts?
rob i have a collection of all kinds of comic books golden silver and etc. the special editions etc. years and years of collections. i have one that i need information on its a action 1 1938 large size its larger than the regular comic.never seen one like it. super man lifting the voltzwagon what kind of price are talking about nice shape appreciate an answer if you will. ED
Hey Rob! You talk about the DC #27 being sold for so much money. What do you know about the 1984 reprint of it that says free on it and was used in the Oreo Cookie giveaway?
Thanks!
Hey Rob,
I was in a comic book shop in 1985 back when i was into comics. i purchased a few expensive comics (well seemed expensive at the time (20 to 40 bucks) and i remember sing Superman #1 under glass in Near Mint condition selling for $2000. I thought it was plain ridiculous. Although i did understand how cool Superman was as Christopher Reeves Superman Movies made Superman a word renowned icon to kids my age. I remember when we lined up in the movie theater to see Superman 2 and the theater owner told everyone waiting outside (hundreds of people) that the sound is not working and is very muffled and goes off and on. Everyone still stayed in line…lol crazy hey!
Anyways I was watching comic book men early in 2012 and got this weird sensation to go back to collecting comics. I figured that since we are all in a poor economic state with so many Americans losing their homes and Canadians tighter than ever…the cost of comics must still be at 2002 to 2004 prices or perhaps lower. Once the economy picks up and all the new rich people start spending ridiculous amounts of money on pleasure items such as comics, boats, cars etc. then comis may skyrocket like never before. i am thinking anytime between 2014 and 2020. i find it always in a 10 to 15 year cycle.
I have beencashing my mutual funds (which haven't done anything in years) and picking up key #1 comics or first appearances from the the silver age CGC rated at 7.5 to 9.4 (not golden age as they are just to expensive for me" do you think i am nuts?
also there are affordable copies of Golden age comics such as Superman Issues from 7 to 25 or Wonder Woman (which i have found to be one of the hardest to find) 15 to 30. do you think it is pretty much a waste of money to buy into these comics? i know the wonder woman movie is coming out, which i think is going to be extremely hard to make with that kind of out fit and lasso…lol buti figure if they really aren't going for that much now…is it really going to appreciate much in the future.