What a difference five decades make…
As the comics industry continues to slowly awaken from the coronavirus pandemic, there’s this nice surprise: Gemstone Publishing has released the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #1 Facsimile Edition, reproducing Robert M. Overstreet’s landmark 1970 comics bible.
This thing kills and I’ll have more on it soon, as well as other columns celebrating Overstreet’s 50th anniversary.
But at the outset, we’ve got a really groovy list for you — THE TOP 13 MOST VALUABLE COMICS IN 1970 – AND WHAT THEY’RE WORTH NOW.
In other words, these are the most expensive books (in top condition) from the very first Price Guide and how much they’ve grown in value since. The most recent prices are based on the 2019 edition because the 2020 entry isn’t out until the summer.
The basic softcover Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #1 Facsimile Edition – which you can click here to read more about – is $16.95. You can get it through your shop (if it’s operating) or through Gemstone – Diamond’s publishing arm. (Click here.) There are also deluxe editions. (Click here and here for info on those.)
In the meantime, here’s the TOP 13:
1. Action Comics #1 – 1970: $300; 2019: $4,200,000
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2. Detective Comics #27 – 1970: $275; 2019: $2,800,000
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3. Superman #1 – 1970: $250; 2019: $1,500,000
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4. Marvel Comics #1 – 1970: $250; 2019: $720,000
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5. Whiz Comics #2 (Actually #1) – 1970: $235; 2019: $300,000
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6. Batman #1 – 1970: $175; 2019: $830,000
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7. Captain America Comics #1 – 1970: $150; 2019: $500,000
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8. King Comics #1 — 1970: $150 2019: $11,900
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9. All-Star Comics #3 — 1970: $135; 2019: $140,000
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10. Marvel Mystery Comics #2 – 1970: $130; 2019: $102,000
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11. Flash Comics #1 – 1970: $125; 2019: $250,000
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12. Detective Comics #1 — 1970: $125; 2019: $110,000
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13. Famous Funnies #1 – 1970: $125; 2019: $43,500
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Now if you notice, 11-13 were all worth the same in 1970, but we’ve listed them in order of what they’re worth now.
As it happens, there are seven more comics that were worth $125 in 1970, so here they are, along with their 2019 prices:
All-Star Comics #1: $26,000
Mickey Mouse Magazine #1: $19,000
(Captain Marvel) Special Edition Comics #1: $16,500
Century of Comics #1: $14,000
Single Series #20 (Tarzan): $2,900
Feature Book #26 (Prince Valiant) $2,600
Feature Book #25 (Flash Gordon): $2,550
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MORE
— OVERSTREET PRICE GUIDE #1 to Be Re-Released as a Facsimile Edition. Click here.
— OVERSTREET PRICE GUIDE to Celebrate 50 Years With Illustrated History Book. Click here.
May 31, 2020
This is a pretty amazing selection of vintage comics.
June 2, 2020
I haven’t paid attention to comic values in several decades but I do recall discussing these iconic issues with collectors back in the 70s. It’s interesting how the books that do not feature well-known Marvel and DC characters have not increased as rapidly in price. Famous Funnies #1 and Detective Comics #1, for example, were revered in the 70s because of what they represented to the early days of comic books. I guess, with the passage of time, those details mean less than having Batman or Superman on the cover. Also, old comic strip characters like Popeye and Flash Gordon don’t appear to carry as much prestige as they used to.
June 2, 2020
All true. Noticed that myself.
June 4, 2020
Meanwhile, GREEN LANTERN #76 was only worth FIFTEEN CENTS!
June 4, 2020
Heh
May 31, 2021
Hi,
I’ve been emptying the loft and have the following:
‘Tiger and scorcher’ – from 1975 to September 1980 which then became ‘Tiger’ from 5th September 1980 to 25th I October 1980 which then took on name of ‘Tiger and Speed’ from 01st November 1980 to 12th December 1981. I then have the renamed final version of ‘Tiger’ from 16th January 1982 to 29th September 1984. This then merged again to ‘Eagle and Tiger’ comics although I only have 7 editions.
A great deal are in pristine condition as they were boxed up in the loft. There are a number missing although most weeks are there for each year. Some are torn although not too many.
Finally, I have 6 Tiger annuals in reasonable condition- 1976, ‘77, ‘78, ‘79, ‘82 and 1985.
Would you be interested in buying these?
Adina
Sent from my iPhone