There are multiple high-end comic books that sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. A few of the Golden Age comics have broken well above the $1 million mark. Those are generally first issue comics as the first introduction of a superhero or the superhero’s #1 named edition in the highest grades. But what about those same issues in lower grades or their top issues that come in later issuances?

It is hard to say that there is just the collector’s grade versus an investment grade, but some of the key issues from the Golden Age and the Silver Age are actually still quite affordable in lower grades. A recently restored Actions Comics #1, the first appearance of Superman sold for far less than we would have guessed going in. And the first appearance of Spider-Man can also be affordable in the lower graded examples.

Collectors Dashboard evaluates high-end collectibles as an alternative asset class. This means collectibles are attracting the same capital that could have been invested into stocks or bonds. With so many comic books now selling for tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands of dollars (or much more), these are big investments.

Again, going much further down the grading spectrum can bring affordability for collectors. The collectors are the ones with a passion to own a collectible for years. At the lower price-points they might not have to compete directly and as aggressively against investors whose only desire is to make a profit in the future.

As 2021 winds down, it is important to look at basic industry trends which are not just the mage-price and record-breaker prices. Some of the most desired comic book issues can be purchased without borrowing against your house or retirement account.

Collectors Dashboard looked into two separate comic book auctions hosted by: Hakes Auctions and Goldin Auctions. We listed ten from each auction as well as a link to the event.

Here are 10 from Hake’s Comic Auction Closing Tuesday, December 7, 2021 9:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins at Tuesday, December 7, 2021 9:00:00 PM):

• Avengers #1 September 1963 CGC 4.0 VG Marvel. Origin and first appearance of The Avengers (Iron Man, Thor, Incredible Hulk) Current Bid: $2,555.00 Estimate: $2,000 to $5,000. (Image below provided by Hake’s Auctions)
• Fantastic Four #52 JULY 1966 CGC 7.0 F/VF (First Black Panther) Marvel. Current Bid: $1,540.00 Estimate: $2,000 to $5,000.
• Silver Surfer #4 February 1969 CGC 8.0 VF Marvel. Current Bid: $1,430.00 Estimate: $2,000 to $5,000.
• Amazing Spider-Man #1 Golden Record Reprint 1966 CGC 6.0 Fine Marvel. Current Bid: $385.00 Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000.
• Amazing Spider-Man #50 July 1967 CGC 4.5 VG+ Marvel. First appearance of Kingpin (Wilson Fisk). Current Bid: $440.00 Estimate $1,000 to $2,000.
• Batman #181 JUNE 1966 CGC 5.0 VG/F DC. First appearance Poison Ivy (Pamela Lillian Isley). Current Bid: $385.00 Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000.
• Fantastic Four #48 MARCH 1966 CGC 5.0 VG/F Marvel. First appearance of The Silver Surfer and Galactus. Current Bid: $2,079.00 Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000.
• Incredible Hulk #180 October 1974 CGC 6.5 F+ Marvel. First appearance of Wolverine. Current Bid: $782.10 Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000.
• Iron Man #1 May 1968 CGC 8.0 VF Marvel. Story continued from Iron Man and Sub-Mariner #1. Current Bid: $1,067.00 Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000.
• Iron Man #1 May 1968 CGC 6.5 F+ Marvel. Story continued from Iron Man and Sub-Mariner #1. Current Bid: $413.60 Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000.

This proves that collectors with a tighter budget can still get some of the great comic books they want to own.

Here are 10 from Goldin’s December Pop Culture Auction Closing Wednesday December 8, 2021 09:00 PM:

(Image by Goldin.co)

• 1962 Marvel Fantastic Four #5 CGC VG+ 4.5 1st Appearance of Dr. Doom. Current Bid: $2,350.00.
• 1974 Marvel Comics #129 The Amazing Spider-Man Comic Book Signed by Stan Lee CGC 7.0 1st Appearance of The Punisher. Current Bid: $1,550.00.
• 1964 Daredevil #1 Comic CGC 3.0 1st Appearance of Daredevil. Current Bid: $1,200.00.
• 1982 Wolverine Limited Series Complete Set (#1-4) CGC 9.8. Current Bid: $1,000.00.
• 1974 Incredible Hulk #180 Comic CGC 9.0 1st Appearance of Wolverine. Current Bid: $950.00.
• 1968 Marvel Comics #1 Iron Man Comic Book Signed by Stan Lee CGC 8.0. Current Bid: $850.00.
• 1993 CGC Signature Series Batman Adventures #12 Signed by Bruce Timm CGC 9.8. Current Bid: $850.00.
• 1940 DC Comics Superman #3 CGC 3.0. Current Bid: $650.00.
• 1968 Marvel Comics Iron Man #1 CGC 7.5. Current Bid: $600.00.
• 1964 Marvel The Amazing Spider-Man #9 CGC 4.5 Electro 1st Appearance. Current Bid: $551.00.

Watching for the conclusion of these two auctions will close out a year that has set new high prices for key issues. These issues listed represent key first appearances in grades that offer opportunity to most collectors. Collectors Dashboard looks forward to following up and reporting the new realized prices of these comics.