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 among the most valuable in the world" and leaving it at that where this 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 twenty 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 has always been a work-in-progress. For reference, three new books have been added to the list in the top five since I first wrote it.
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 decade, the cut-off is much higher.
I've archived the original version of this article. And here's another archived version from the mid-2010s.
On with the show!
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 decades. 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 a lot more. There is a popular anecdote that the current owner turned down a $2,000,000 offer from coin dealer Jay Parrino when Parrino was exploring the comics hobby early in the CGC era. That was over 20 years ago. In all the years since we've only had a handful of comics sell for more than that and this copy is better and more historic than any of those. This book is now worth hundreds of times what he paid in 1984.
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 from CBCS have both seen it and have provided grade estimates. Fischler, certainly someone in position to know having owned and sold more Action #1s than anyone in the hobby (including multiple copies on this list), 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 President and Primary Grader at CGC and founder at CBCS, 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: $10,000,000
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 in 1990, 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 $50 for a high res photo or a scan of this book.
Estimated Value: $9,000,000
Detective Comics #27 CGC 9.2
The newest entry into the list. I do not know with 100% accuracy where this book came from. I've spoken to several people and gotten differing opinions on this book's origin and absolutely no one wants to talk about this book on the record. So, I speculate…
I think there are three reasonable possibilities for this book.
- It's an unknown book, freshly graded.
- It's the "other high grade copy" (see #7) resurfacing 20+ years after selling for $101k. This book was listed in Overstreet as a FN68, but people who have seen it think it's much nicer- right around 9.2. I've had it on the World's Most Valuable Comic Books list for ages.
- It's the "missing" Mastronet copy returned from its vacation and pressed up to a 9.2. Looking at the scan that follows and checking the grading notes it's a possibility. It was graded harshly at the time (just look at it!) and had some pressable defects (non-breaking "finger creases", etc.) so it's entirely plausible that it's this new 9.2. "Non-breaking finger creases!" That's like a big "press me" alert flashing in your face when you read grader's notes.
Since I know nothing for sure, I'm going to treat the three books as separate entries on the list.
As for value, I wrote up my reasoning in depth in 2015. I think this is the most valuable CGC graded book.
Estimated Value: $7,500,000
Action Comics CGC 9.0 White Pages
This book was purchased from the original owner by Joe Mannarino from All Star Auctions in the late 1970s. It sold to an unknown collector and sat in his collection for another 30 years until it came up for private sale in 2011. At the time, the book was graded at 8.0 by CGC. It sold to Darren Adams of Pristine Comics for somewhere north of $1,000,000. Somewhere in the intervening 3 years the book was regraded at least twice- once to 8.5 and then again at 9.0. The book, tied for highest graded with significantly better preservation, was listed on eBay (of all places) selling to Metropolis Comics for their client Ayman Hariri (and his Impossible Collection) for a whopping $3,207,852.00
Estimated Value:$6,500,000
"Nic Cage" Action Comics CGC 9.0
What a strange history this book has had. It was sold, with Metropolis presumably waving the paddle, to actor Nic Cage at Sothebys in 1992 for $82,500 dollars. At the time the book was graded at a 74 by the Sothebys grading committee. Cage held onto the book in his world class comic collection until, one day in 2000 the book, along with two others, was stolen from his house. Fast forward to the year 2011. Several comics had sold for huge sums. Pent up demand had been sated with a series of big ticket sales, including a succession of golden age keys that had run the comic book sales record quickly from $1,000,000 to $1,075,000 to $1,500,000.
Then the Cage copy resurfaced.
The book was subsequently graded by CGC at 9.0 (with Cream to Off-White pages) and was listed with Comic Connect, selling at their November 30, 2011 auction for $2,161,000. A record at the time.
This book was also purchased by Ayman Hariri.
Estimated Value:$6,500,000
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 I've talked to about it say it's an extremely nice book and would be the highest graded and best available if it were to come up for sale.
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 (!)
I've placed this book here, just behind the Cage copy of Action #1. This assumes it's a 9.0 copy. As we've seen, if this book were the 9.2 copy it would rank third, alone.
Estimated Value: $6,000,000
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 out of all the copies available to him over the years (including the Church copy) 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 twenty 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 of the grading spectrum. Compare that to the half dozen copies of Marvel Comics #1 over 8.0 and a bunch of Action #1s in high grade and you'll see why I push this book up as high as it is.
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: $6,000,000
Detective Comics #27 Mile High/Edgar Church CGC 8.5
This book was recently graded. It's now the best book from the Church collection in a CGC holder. I had it pegged as an 8.5 and it turned out to be an accurate estimate. Hearing about this and the Larson Action #1 CGC 8.0 getting graded was one of the comics highlights of the year for me.
For perspective's sake, this book sold for $125,000 in 1994. A Detective Comics #27 CGC 8.0 sold for $1,075,000 in 2010. Things have gone a bit crazy since then. That $125,000 investment looks pretty good from where I'm sitting.
Estimated Value: $4,000,000
Amazing Fantasy 15 CGC 9.6
As of late 2021, this copy (serial #1071479001) is the world record comic. I don't know what the next 9.6 will sell for (which is why the other copies will be outside the top ten), but this one crushed it, so it's a deserving return for Amazing Fantasy #15 back into the top ten. Lots of folks were skeptical (including me, although I came around) I don't think people will ever underestimate the power of Spider-Man again.
Estimated Value: $3,600,000
Action Comics #1 CGC 8.5
For a time, this book was the most valuable comic ever sold. Then the 9.0s came along and it got bumped down a bit.
This book briefly took over the top spot again, in 2021, before the Amazing Fantasy 15 took the top spot later in the year.
A gorgeous copy. Without the rusted staples it would be even nicer (if that's even possible.)
Estimated Value:$3,250,000
Some other books of note (in no order)
Kansas City Action #1 CGC 8.0
Kansas City Action #1 CGC 8.0
The first million dollar comic book. For now and evermore this will be the one that broke that magical barrier.
Estimated Value: $3,000,000
Mile High/Edgar Church Copy of Marvel Comics #1
I had this copy in the top ten for a while. At this point it's been eclipsed by several books, even though Marvel #1 is in much stronger shape than it's been in for many years- including a 9.4 copy that sold for $1.260,000.
Estimated Value: $2,500,000
Captain America Allentown CGC 9.8
Sold for $260,000 over twenty years ago now. I've changed my mind significantly about this book over the past decade. Captain America is the Timely character of the Golden Age. It doesn't matter that Marvel #1 is where it started. Cap is king. I think that this book is the most valuable Timely. Marvel Comics #1 is the first Marvel, which is huge. Is it as huge as the first appearance of Captain America? Now, in the post-Avengers era? No.
Estimated Value: $2,600,000
Incredible Hulk #1 CGC 9.4
For a while, this book was ascendant, in my eyes. With the glut of Amazing Fantasy 15s at 9.6 and the incredible difficulty of finding this book in high grade, I liked it as the most valuable Silver Age book for a while. It's not, but it's still a crazy valuable book.
Estimated Value: $2,000,000
Detective 27 CGC 8.0 (the missing copy)
Assuming, of course, that it's not the CGC 9.2 and that it can be found!
Estimated Value: $3,000,000
Batman #1 Church Copy
For a long time I didn't know the location of this book. That's surprising as it's in the same collection as the Church Action #1, the Allentown Detective #27 and the best known copy of Superman #1. Anyway, this is supposed to be the best copy out there. It was listed as a NM in the catalog so it could be anywhere from 9.0 to 9.8. I'm going to lean towards the higher end of the spectrum, knowing that it's never been upgraded in the 30 years since it last sold. Since we now have a CGC 9.4 to compare it to, I'm going to estimate the value based on it being 9.4.
Estimated Value: $3,000,000
Batman #1 CGC 9.4
This was the book that kicked off the huge results we've seen in 2021. It was a great result for a book that's been on a steep rise over the decades. Batman #1 is the 4th biggest Golden Age book. To be fair, it's a tight race between Cap #1, Marvel #1 and this book, but the lure of the 1st appearance of both the Joker and Catwoman is huge.
Estimated Value: $2,500,000
Church All American #16 CGC 9.4
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 rumour that it sold for $1,000,000. It was a little high at the time, but for a book like this a premium is deserved.
Also, a gorgeous book.
Estimated Value: $1,500,000
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, over ten times the 2002 sale price is pretty sweet.
Estimated Value: $2,500,000
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: $1,250,000
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: $2,000,000
Amazing Fantasy 15 CGC 9.6 (times three)
The three of these books are tough to value. Obviously, the #1 fan has already got their copy. Who's next up if one comes up for sale? Will two bidders be ready to go past $3,600,000? I'd love to see it.
Estimated Value: $3,000,000
Action #1 Larson CGC 8.0
This book was originally in my top ten. Other books pushed it off the list and I had some questions on whether or not it had some work done to it, so I didn't even have it in this section in the last version of this article. Well, it's been graded, an unrestored 8.0, and it's just outside the top ten, once again.
Estimated Value: $3,000,000
By jerry jacobs June 24, 2008 - 6:01 pm
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.
By Rob June 24, 2008 - 9:02 pm
hey, thanks for the info. I'm always looking for better data on this stuff.
By ashrael September 30, 2008 - 12:05 pm
Where is the All-American #16 9.4 on this list? I would probably place it in 5th or 6th place.
By fox34 June 4, 2010 - 4:17 pm
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:[
By Rob September 30, 2008 - 12:08 pm
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 !)
By jerry jacobs November 7, 2008 - 7:32 am
does it really warrant this list ..i mean we're talking green lantern,9 out of ten kids never heard of him
By jerry jacobs November 7, 2008 - 7:35 am
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
By Rob November 7, 2008 - 7:56 am
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?
By jerry jacobs November 9, 2008 - 12:26 am
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
By jerry jacobs November 9, 2008 - 3:24 am
THE AA 16 SALE DID NOT GO THROUGH!!!!!!!!!!!
By Rob November 9, 2008 - 9:12 am
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.
By jerry jacobs November 9, 2008 - 4:59 pm
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
By paul de vinny December 31, 2015 - 7:34 pm
Dear Jerry Jacobs,
You're the guy who found the Pay Copy Marvel Comics #1 and the Motion Picture Funnies Weekly?
Oh, tell me the story. And don't leave out a single detail!! paul.devinny@yahoo.com
By Dave Forman March 23, 2009 - 5:18 pm
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?
By Rob March 23, 2009 - 10:32 pm
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.
By Comic Profile: Action Comics #1, 1st Appearance of Superman » It’s All Just Comics » Blog Archive March 25, 2009 - 11:32 pm
[…] Mile High/Edgar Church copy (approximate value $2,000,000- the most valuable comic book in the world) […]
By dan April 3, 2009 - 12:20 pm
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.
By Dave Forman April 17, 2009 - 11:18 pm
Hi guys another month and the Tec 27 is still missing. What do you think of the Marvel 1 Larson CGC 8.0
By Rob April 19, 2009 - 7:46 am
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.
By In the Daily News- An Anecdote About the Missing Detective Comics #27 CGC 8.0 (a $400,000+ Comic) » It’s All Just Comics » Blog Archive July 6, 2009 - 7:53 am
[…] 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 […]
By Most Valuable Comic Books in the World October 22, 2009 - 5:00 am
[…] is worth over $350,000, and one owner of such a copy is rumored to have turned down an offer of $2 million for […]
By ednabarnes December 30, 2009 - 11:01 am
I have comics no. 136-185 marvel comics/conan in good condition and would like your estimation of thier value.
By Rob December 30, 2009 - 9:44 pm
hi, those conan comics are worth maybe .25-.50 each.
By ednabarnes December 30, 2009 - 11:04 am
I have 136-185 marvel comics\conan and need a estimate of their worth?
By Patti Jones January 6, 2010 - 10:12 pm
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
By Dan Petitpas March 19, 2022 - 5:11 pm
Uncle Tom's Cabin was published in 1852. There was a notable edition in 1887. You just have one of many reprints. It's probably worth $5 or $10.
By Lissette June 2, 2010 - 2:43 pm
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?
By Rob June 2, 2010 - 2:50 pm
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.
By Lissette June 3, 2010 - 6:24 am
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.
By John Stewart August 8, 2016 - 7:55 am
I bought a number of comic books back in the 1980's from a seller in CBG named Mickey Sullivan. He ran large ads of near mint rare books. Some he described with a " Mile High" description. I never asked, but were these Edgar Church copies. I just assumed they were. Any knowledge of Mickey Sullivan.
By Rob August 8, 2016 - 7:56 am
I don't know that dealer, but yes, Mile High = Edgar Church. email me at rob.react@gmailo.com if you have more questions about the books. I'd be curious to know what you have.
By James Huff January 10, 2020 - 9:08 pm
John,
Mickey Sullivan owned the Canton Skateland roller skating rink at the Stark County fairgrounds in Canton, Ohio. He was big on the U.S. Ping Pong circuit back in the mid-to-late 1970's. Mickey owned several very rare comics, including first editions of Superman (DC /Dell Comics) and would show them to us once in a while. I was on the speed skating team at Canton Skateland at the time. From the time frame you state, this would probably be the same Mickey Sullivan.
I hope this helps. I collect coins when I can, but not comics. Best of luck.
By Rob Larsen January 10, 2020 - 10:14 pm
That's great info. Thanks so much
By Lissette June 5, 2010 - 1:18 pm
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.
By Rob June 6, 2010 - 7:47 am
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.
By CW August 17, 2010 - 9:17 pm
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
By patricia October 30, 2010 - 10:19 pm
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…
By Rob October 31, 2010 - 8:12 am
Hi,
I'm not sure what you're looking for.
Thanks,
Rob
By Herb Knee January 2, 2017 - 6:05 pm
Patricia..you can get an Overstreet Price guide and it has a section for the most valuable comics from the different time eras..golden age..silver age..etc..of course condition and rarity is everything..combined with what someone will pay for a particular book at any given time..during downturn times in the economy..the people with the "real" money will still buy comics..actually..the higher price the comic..the easier it is to sell (the demand factor)..
By Cory December 26, 2010 - 11:05 pm
Hey Rob,
I was wondering if you knew the highest graded copies for Uncanny X-men #1, Avengers #1, Incredible Hulk #1. Thank You!
By Rob December 26, 2010 - 11:56 pm
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)
By philip fletcher March 31, 2011 - 6:47 pm
I have a copy of Fantastic four 100 cgc 9.6 ow/w what is the fair value for this copy.
By John September 14, 2011 - 7:17 am
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?
By Rob September 14, 2011 - 8:11 pm
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.
By pops November 29, 2011 - 1:46 pm
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
By Rob November 29, 2011 - 9:58 pm
Feel free to email me a list of what you have at rob.react@gmail.com
By Herb Knee January 2, 2017 - 6:11 pm
well..Superman didnt come out till 1938 and Batman came out approximately 1 year later..books from the 30's the the 60's are certainly in demand..the condition will determine the price..and with books of that age..you have to evaluate nearly every page of the books to get the true value..and a professional at determining defects of a book will certainly come up with a different conditional value than the onwer of the book in most cases.
By Better Late Than Never. New Record Sale for a Comic Book (Yeah, I Was In Florida) » It's All Just Comics » Blog Archive December 6, 2011 - 7:56 am
[…] got to update this post again, […]
By vfighter December 17, 2011 - 6:40 am
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?
By Rob December 17, 2011 - 8:39 am
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.
By vfighter December 17, 2011 - 10:47 am
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.
By Rob December 18, 2011 - 10:28 am
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.
By Mitch February 24, 2012 - 10:56 am
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?
By ED June 16, 2012 - 12:39 am
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
By Allison June 22, 2012 - 9:52 am
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!
By Brandon July 31, 2012 - 12:55 pm
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.
By Herb Knee January 2, 2017 - 6:39 pm
Brandon..as far as cashing out your mutual funds to buy comics..that must be a personal decision..balance and moderation is always prudent..also..a good rule is to never put all your eggs in 1 basket..Wonder Woman..the first series is always a good investment..early issues are difficult to find especially in high condition..All Star Comics # 8 was WW first appearance..Sensation Comics #1 was WW continued from ASC #8..these are great books also..Early Superman books are of great interest to many collectors..the better condition books bring a lot of money..buy what you can afford..but dont get caught up in a mind over matter frenzy..its easy to get carried away with buying high dollar books..believe me I know..the DC books sell(demand wise) in a smaller ratio than the Marvel books..but over the last few years..demand for the DC books have increased..there were many less high grade copies turning up than marvel..due to a variety of factors..an interesting note is that during World War 2..a lot of comics were sent overseas to soldiers who read the books for entertainment..most of these books were DC because Marvel wasnt around till later which evolved from the Timely brand of comics..a lot of DC books were destroyed during the war era..people threw away the books after reading them because the entertainment value was used up..I think I remember the print run of Action Comics #1 was around 200,000………as far as investment goes..and I am not an investment counselor..the higher price the book..the more it tends to go up in value..better to have a handful of high dollar books that to have boxes of…lets say $100 books..or $1000 books.enjoyment of the hobby is a must for a lot of people..the investment potential is always an added benefit.
By The Action #1 CGC 9.0 Auction Starts Tonight | It's All Just Comics August 14, 2014 - 9:13 am
[…] get your popcorn ready. Once this book sells, I'm going to bite the bullet and revamp my list of the world's most valuable comic books with new estimates. Should be […]
By Jeff August 26, 2014 - 11:34 pm
What are some of these "10 million dollar" comics that aren't on the list? I am very curious.
By Rob August 27, 2014 - 6:46 am
I'll rewrite the sentence. There are ten (or more) comics worth more than $1,000,000 that didn't make the list.
By There is a Detective Comics 27 CGC 9.2 in the CGC Census | It's All Just Comics September 1, 2014 - 8:35 am
[…] this the "other" high grade Detective 27 pulled out of the woodwork (the 5th most valuable comic book in the world) by the white page Action #1? Is it a new copy and therefore a new 4th or 5th most valuable comic? […]
By September 2014 Comic Market Report: Meet the New Boss | It's All Just Comics October 1, 2014 - 9:27 am
[…] as a FN68, but people who have seen it think it's much nicer- right around 9.2. I've had it on the World's Most Valuable Comic Books list for ages. If it is that copy, I would move it from #5 to #3 on the list. I think a 9.2 […]
By Andythecomicguy October 30, 2014 - 6:45 pm
Hi Rob,
I just posted on the boards yesterday, but there may be a new Highest value contender out there! There was a Fantastic Four #1 9.8 that has been signed by Stan Lee just posted on the census recently. Could this be another million dollar book??
Andy
By Andythecomicguy October 30, 2014 - 6:46 pm
If this is real it is the single highest grade FF #1
By October 2014 Comic Market Report: Let's Talk About Two Things That Didn't Happen | It's All Just Comics November 5, 2014 - 1:02 pm
[…] and especially in the CGC era, intense interest and large sums of money have been lavished on the "best of the best" condition comics. Pretending that there's no difference between a Fantastic Four #1 CGC 4.5 and […]
By sheila ross March 22, 2015 - 1:24 pm
the incredible hulk vol 1 issue 234 1979 marvel comics group how much is it wo rth
By Rob March 27, 2015 - 9:44 am
depending on the condition up to $10-15. In the likeliest condition it's probably $5.
By Jason February 17, 2016 - 12:22 am
As a teenage collector in the late 80's, I found a CB's ad about a few books for sale. I called this guy to talk.
He had many old books. The key issue I acquire was a super clean Strange Tales #110. Also Tales Of the Expected #40 and #43. Dr. Solar #1. Won a FF 48 in 9.4 grade and later sold to a kid in San Francisco in 91. I bought many books, but moved these after quitting my job at the comic shop.
At a comic show, I met a dealer who I acquired a high grade Hawkman #1. I also had good copies of BB 34 and Showcase 34. Hawkman 1 was in super great condition. The buyer from a mail order labeled this Hawkman as an extremely great book. He didn't hesitate to buy.
What do you think a Strange Tales in 9.0-9.2 is worth these days?
I started revisiting comics again. It was a fun pastime. Enjoyed viewing the list of the best books ever. Read the Mile High story. Thanks.
By Rob March 9, 2016 - 9:22 pm
A Strange Tales 110 in 9.0 is a $10,000-$15,000 book.
By Anthony Ho December 30, 2016 - 4:12 pm
Uhh, I don't even have a comic book like these ones.
By Herb Knee January 2, 2017 - 7:14 pm
This is my first time here and thanks for all the comments about the "real" comics that I care about..my brother and I started collecting as young kids around 1961..we only collected for about 5 or 6 years..but during that time we bought all the superhero books we could get our hands on..and then Marvel came out with Fantastic Four #1 and Amazing Fantasy #15..and all the other hero books..let me tell you..we bought every issue of every title for those short years..at a little lean-to comics store on the sidewalk outside a drugstore..well..my brother and I read the books and carefully put them away..in the early 80's..we sold all the books to a collector..during those days we hardly knew about comic book value..although the overstreet price guide had been out for a few years..we had about 2000 books..and sold them for $22,000..I still have my list of those comics..todays value would be around 4 to 5 million dollars…….from the original collection..we each kept 4 books..My brother kept Showcase 22..23..24..and Fantastic Four 1….and I kept Amazing Fantasy 15..Avengers 1..and Journey Into Mystery 83..and 84..ohhhhhhhhhhh…..if I had a time machine my life would be different today..!!..I started recollecting books just a couple of years after selling that collection..buying mostly back issues..the last newer books I bought was the Mcfarlane spiderman book series from the early 90's..I bought the first 50 issues..(bought about 50 #1's of all varieties)..I have 2 platinum editions of #1 that have a 10K print run..but they sure havent gone up in value..paid $350 for each when they came out..then prices on that book dropped..and have only inched back up..I think a 9.2 is only $160 in the guide today..I do have 80% of Amazing Spiderman books from issue #11 to issue #400 (the death of Aunt May)..still like messing around with comics..its fun for me..I am buying small collections from people from time to time when they come available..only to acquire those back issues that I really like..would like to liquidate all my lower price books and convert that cash to a handful of high price "out of sight and out of mind" books..I have started selling off a few books..gotta start ramping it up..I have about 4000 books..so game on..
By Mile High/Edgar Church pedigree – Good Girl Comics December 25, 2019 - 1:29 pm
[…] less than three of the top ten most valuable comics in the world come from the Mile High/Edgar Church Pedigree. In addition to the Action #1, […]
By The 'Hidden' Truth of the Most Valuable Comic Book in the World - Samachar Central April 14, 2021 - 4:40 am
[…] being the most valuable comic book PERIOD, but while getting images for this piece, I came across a great Rob Larsen article where he concedes that the comic book that I’M thinking of for tops overall as being the 1A […]
By vfighter February 25, 2022 - 3:42 pm
There is a scan of the 9.2 Det #27 at CGC's website.
https://www.cgccomics.com/grading/about-cgc/
By vfighter March 9, 2022 - 9:28 am
The S/N on that 9.2 Det #27 isn't real. Does that mean the whole scan isn't real? Why would they post a fake scan? Or an altered/Photoshopped scan? Doesn't instill trust in the website that's for sure.
By Rob Larsen March 9, 2022 - 2:15 pm
It's faked. Sorry, I didn't see your previous comment on this scan. It's the missing Mastro copy photoshopped into a fake holder. It's super corny.
By vfighter March 10, 2022 - 5:13 pm
Why the hell would they do something like that? Really puts there reputation on the line.
By vfighter March 10, 2022 - 5:13 pm
their*
By Ben M April 13, 2022 - 9:04 pm
Hi Rob. Do you have any info about the Action #1 that supposedly sold for $4.5m in Jan 2022? At first it was reported by Key Collector as the Edgar Church copy, but there was some suggestion it was a different ungraded copy. Cheers!
By Rob Larsen April 14, 2022 - 5:13 am
It was definitely not the Church copy. I can't imagine that book trading hands for any amount, to be honest. But if it were to sell it would be for ridiculous money-$25,000,000 or something. Not 4.5 million
By vfighter April 18, 2022 - 9:09 am
https://blog.gocollect.com/superman-1s-record-5-3-million-sale/
Superman #1, $5.3M
By vfighter April 18, 2022 - 9:20 am
Church copy of Superman #1, so probably a bit of miscommunication/wires crossed as the story went around the web.
By Rob Larsen April 18, 2022 - 8:40 pm
Yeah, things make a lot more sense now.
By JKSmith March 20, 2024 - 2:47 pm
Hey Rob, the Captain America #1 you have listed on your $100,000 Comics page was resold in April 2021 at a Heritage Auctions event for $3.12 million!