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?

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, what about these at the more affordable end of the spectrum?

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 expected. And the first appearance of Spider-Man can also be affordable in the lower graded examples.

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 pulled issues to notice from the December 7, 2021 Hake’s Auction. A separate update will include the Goldin Auctions realized prices when it closes the evening of December 8, 2021. Included in the final prices from the Hake’s Auction is a standard 18% Buyer’s Premium.

Here are 10 from Hake’s Comic Auction which Closed 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) Estimate: $2,000 to $5,000. Sold for $5,561.41 after 15 bids. (Image below provided by Hake’s Auctions)
• Fantastic Four #52 JULY 1966 CGC 7.0 F/VF (First Black Panther) Marvel. Estimate: $2,000 to $5,000. Sold for $2,018.39 after 11 bids.
• Silver Surfer #4 February 1969 CGC 8.0 VF Marvel. Estimate: $2,000 to $5,000. Sold for $2,490.98 after 13 bids.
• Amazing Spider-Man #1 Golden Record Reprint 1966 CGC 6.0 Fine Marvel. Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000. Sold for $916.86 after 11 bids.
• Amazing Spider-Man #50 July 1967 CGC 4.5 VG+ Marvel. First appearance of Kingpin (Wilson Fisk). Estimate $1,000 to $2,000. Sold for $1,268.15 after 13 bids.
• Batman #181 JUNE 1966 CGC 5.0 VG/F DC. First appearance Poison Ivy (Pamela Lillian Isley). Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000. Sold for $1,138.35 after 11 bids.
• Fantastic Four #48 MARCH 1966 CGC 5.0 VG/F Marvel. First appearance of The Silver Surfer and Galactus. Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000. Sold for $3,539.65 after 14 bids.
• Incredible Hulk #180 October 1974 CGC 6.5 F+ Marvel. First appearance of Wolverine. Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000. Sold for $1,773.85 after 11 bids.
• Iron Man #1 May 1968 CGC 8.0 VF Marvel. Story continued from Iron Man and Sub-Mariner #1. Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000. Sold for $2,148.84 after 19 bids.
• Iron Man #1 May 1968 CGC 6.5 F+ Marvel. Story continued from Iron Man and Sub-Mariner #1. Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000. Sold for $845.78 after 10 bids.

This proves that collectors with a tighter budget can still get some of the great comic books they want to own. The most novice and new to the hobby are capable of succeeding in these realized auction prices. What would otherwise be million dollar comics in high grades are something to be found in terms of getting a stake in the issue.