How to Identify Rare Comic Books
A comic book is more than just a book about super heroes. Comics are reflections of cultural history, of artistry, and for many comic book collectors all around the world, a reflection of value. Private Collection Insurance (PCI) understands that collecting is more than just a hobby—it’s a part of who you are. We are one of the few insurance companies in Canada with experience protecting high-value collections across Canada, including comic books. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an insurance broker helping clients protect their prized editions, or just curious about the world of comics, this quick read is for you. This article will help you understand nine reasons how comic books hold value. We’ve all likely heard stories of comics that have commanded astonishing prices, here’s how you can identify some incredible value in comic books.
Comic Book Rarity
Some comic books are rare simply because there aren’t many left in existence. Limited print runs, low initial popularity, or the natural wear and tear over time can create that scarcity that drives a comic book’s value up.
For example, Action Comics #1, the first appearance of Superman, is considered one of the rarest and most valuable comics because few copies exist in good condition. Let’s remember that 60 or more years ago, people didnt understand that comics, sports cards or other collectibles would go up in value. Consequently, not a lot of care was taken to preserve these paper products in their original form.
Oh, if they knew then what we know now…but then again, if more and more comics were properly taken care of when they first came out, like the first Superman in 1938, perhaps the value would be lower because there’d be more of them out there. In general, however, the rarer the comic, the more collectors are willing to pay for it. In 2023, a CGC graded 6.0 Action Comics #1 was sold in a private deal brokered through ComicConnect for $3.55 million dollars.
The Historical Significance of Comic Books
Comics often mark pivotal moments in cultural, political or literary history. The first appearance of a beloved character, like Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy #15, a groundbreaking storyline, like the death of Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man #121, or even unexpected shock, like the death of Superman in Superman #75, can make a comic incredibly desirable.
For so many collectors and fans alike, these milestones resonate with fans and collectors alike, adding layers of emotional and financial value.
This particular copy of Amazing Fantasy #15 is graded 6.0, which is considered ‘Fine’. According to the CGC, there are only 87 in the world that are graded 6.0, and 6 are in the signature series. For more information about this particular version, you can head over to CGC’s website. There, you’ll see that there are zero Mint 10.0 versions of this comic in existence. There are only 4 known copies in existence that are Near Mint 9.6.
A Comic Book’s Condition and Grade
Similar to sports cards, Pokemon cards, or even vinyl records, as examples, comic book grading is an important step to understanding a comic’s condition, authenticity, and value. One of the most important comic book evaluators is the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC). CGC was founded in 2000 to provide clear, objective and impartial assessments of authenticity and grade. CGC is the world’s largest and most trusted third-party grading service for comics, trading cards, video games, home video, magazines, concert photos and related collectibles with more than 15 million collectibles certified since its founding. CGC uses a 10-point scale to grade comics, with a “10.0 Gem Mint” being the holy grail for collectors. For a fee, CGC evaluates a comic book based on factors like intact staples, vibrancy of its colours, and crisp pages can elevate a comic’s grade—and its value. Batman’s first appearance in a comic book, for example, could be worth millions if it is in Gem Mint condition, however a poor condition of the same rare comic book would be worth far less than that.
As written on their website, “CGC employs a team of more than 20 professional graders. Multiple experts examine each collectible and assign a grade according to a well-established and internationally accepted standard. CGC’s state-of-the-art holders combine superior optics and advanced archival materials to provide the best in display and preservation. Numerous security features provide an even higher level of confidence
Print Errors
Much like misprinted vinyl records, print errors in comics become happy accidents for collectors. Error versions could include misprints, inverted pages, or missing the original value stamp can all drive up a comic’s value. According to Recalled Comics, back in the late 70’s, Marvel produced slight variations of most comics issued for different markets and were also in the process of market testing a 5¢ price increase to 35¢ in some specific areas of the US. The variations were in the price box at the top left and the yellow “Marvel” bar across the top of the comic cover. Captain America #212 had at least four printing variations as follows:
- 12p UK Price variant with MARVEL ® ALL-COLOUR COMICS bar at the top
- 30 cent standard copy with MARVEL ® COMICS GROUP in the bar
- 30 cent diamond boxed direct edition with MARVEL ® COMICS GROUP in the bar
- 35 cent price test copy with MARVEL ® COMICS GROUP in the bar
As shown on their site, here the printer seems to have forgotten to add the “MARVEL ® COMICS GROUP” text to the yellow bar. These may have been initial test copies that should have been pulped by the printer but they survived and made it out to the public.
Very few of these have ever come to market and only a handful of these have been verified to exist. In December 2016 CGC listed only five gradings: a single 9.0, a single 8.5 and three at 6.0 (previously there was a 4.5 but this is assumed to have been pressed to a higher grade now); none have been added to the census for over two years.
At least one previous sale of a lower grade copy had exceeded $4,000 and, with so few of these in existence, prices of these will likely remain high and may fluctuate wildly from guide (especially if a 9.4/NM or higher grade copy was ever found).
A Superhero with Star Power
Traditional superstar superheroes like Superman, Batman and the Avengers are very popular with avid collectors. Cultural icons and superheroes with star power drive demand up. As Hollywood produces more blockbuster superhero movies, collectors can expect their collection’s value to take flight faster than Superman.
Variant Comic Book Covers
A variant cover is an alternate version of a standard comic book. Coloured variants are quite popular in the vinyl record world, and artists like Taylor Swift, for example, have released many different versions of an album, which only adds to their collectibility. The Amazing Spider-Man #667 is one of the most expensive modern comics because of its rare variant cover by artist Gabriele Dell’Otto. In the example below, you can see that the
The Eras Tour, but for Comic Books?
We’re all still in Taylor Swift’s The Era’s tour, and while this era is particularly valuable for Miss Swift, when it comes to comic books, its era will also determine its value. For comic books, there are notable eras: The Golden Era, The Silver Era, The Bronze Era and the Modern Era. We’ve written an entire article on the Eras Tour, which you can read here.
Media Adaptations
It seems these days that a new Marvel or DC movie is hitting the theatres. Not surprisingly, when a comic’s original storyline is adapted into a billion dollar box office hit, or TV show, the comic’s value only increases. This is true for Star Wars adaptations and the first issue of The Walking Dead, which saw its value increase after it became a hit TV show.
Autographed Copies
Like most memorabilia, especially sports cards and jerseys, autographs, or even better, certified autographs add a layer of collectibility, uniqueness and of course, value. Hand drawn sketches, and signed versions of comic books are popular with collectors. For even more value, look for a CGC certified comic.
Why Comic Book Insurance Matters
These are just some of the many factors contributing to the value of a comic book collection. Even the slightest variance can influence a comic book’s value. Whether you have a large collection, or a few sought after pieces, it’s essential to protect your investment.
Private Collection Insurance has spent the last 20 years in the insurance universe and we have specialized insurance to ensures your collection is properly covered for its true value, including rare finds, signed issues, and irreplaceable pieces.
Standard homeowner’s or renters insurance falls short, leaving collectors vulnerable to loss or damage.
We’re here to help preserve your passion. Click here to learn more about comic book insurance and get in touch if you’d like more information.
