Fantastic Four #1 (November 1961), the first appearance of Marvel's first superhero team, sells for about $5,000 in CGC 2.0, $7,000–8,300 in 3.0 and $12,800–13,000 in 4.0, based on 2025–2026 sales. A CGC 8.0 brought $100,650 at Heritage in April 2026, and the record is $2,040,000 for a CGC 9.6 in 2024.
Below you'll find prices by grade, recent sales, how to tell an original from the many reprints, and what to do if you have a copy. We buy comic books in Chicago and the suburbs and see Silver Age Marvel keys every week. If you'd rather sell comic books than research them, we can make you an offer.
Fantastic Four #1 Value by Grade (2026)
Prices are for CGC-graded copies with a blue (Universal) label. Restored copies (purple label) sell for much less.
| CGC grade | Typical 2026 price | Most recent verified sale |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 (Good) | $4,300–5,300 | $5,280 · Heritage · Dec 2, 2025 |
| 3.0 (Good/VG) | $7,000–8,300 | $7,930 · Heritage · May 14, 2026 |
| 4.0 (Very Good) | $12,800–13,000 | $12,810 · Heritage · Apr 30, 2026 |
| 6.0 (Fine) | $30,000–45,000 (estimate) | No verified 2026 sale |
| 8.0 (Very Fine) | $75,000–100,000 | $100,650 (Northland pedigree) · Heritage · Apr 2, 2026 |
| 9.2 (NM-) | $1,500,000 | $1,500,000 · Heritage · 2022 |
| 9.6 (NM+) | Record | $2,040,000 · Heritage · Sep 2024 |
The price roughly doubles with each step from 2.0 to 4.0, and climbs steeply above 6.0 because so few copies survive in high grade.
Recent Fantastic Four #1 Sales (2025–2026)
| Date | Grade | Venue | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2026 | CGC 3.0 | eBay | $7,011 |
| Jun 2026 | CGC 3.0 | eBay | $8,250 |
| May 14, 2026 | CGC 3.0 | Heritage Auctions | $7,930 |
| Apr 30, 2026 | CGC 4.0 | Heritage Auctions | $12,810 |
| Apr 2, 2026 | CGC 8.0 (Northland) | Heritage Auctions | $100,650 |
| Dec 2, 2025 | CGC 2.0 | Heritage Auctions | $5,280 |
| Jul 2025 | CGC 8.0 | Heritage Auctions | $75,000 |
Two CGC 8.0 copies sold nine months apart for $75,000 and $100,650. A pedigree and better page quality explain most of that gap.
Why Fantastic Four #1 Is So Valuable
Fantastic Four #1 was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and introduced Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Girl, the Human Torch and the Thing, who gain their powers from cosmic rays and fight the Mole Man. It cost 10 cents. The book's flawed, bickering heroes were a new idea in 1961, and its success led straight to Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men and the rest of the Marvel Universe.
That makes Fantastic Four #1 the cornerstone of the Silver Age Marvel line, next to Amazing Fantasy #15. For later issues of the run, see our Fantastic Four price guide.
How to Spot a Fantastic Four #1 Reprint
Fantastic Four #1 has been reprinted many times, often with the same cover. Check these points:
- Cover price. The original says 10¢. Any other price, or no price, means a reprint.
- Edition labels. The Marvel Milestone Edition, the Golden Record reprint and modern facsimile editions say so on the cover or in the indicia on the first page.
- Paper. Originals are on off-white to tan newsprint. Bright white or glossy paper means a modern printing.
- Ads. The original carries 1961 ads. Reprints have modern ads or none.
- Restoration. Color touch, trimming or a replaced cover cut the value sharply. CGC marks these copies with a purple label.
Not sure what you have? Send us a few photos through our free comic book appraisal and we'll tell you at no cost.
What Affects the Value of Your Copy
Grade drives the price more than anything else: a 4.0 is worth more than twice a 2.0, and an 8.0 about eight times a 4.0. Page color, completeness and restoration also matter. Learn more in how condition affects comic book value, raw vs graded comics and CGC vs CBCS, or see our comic book grading guide.
Own a Copy? Get a Free Appraisal
If you're searching for this value, there's a good chance the comic is in your hands. Comic Buying Center buys Silver Age keys, single books and whole collections, and we pay on the spot. Our appraisal is free and there's no obligation to sell.
- Send photos of the front cover, back cover and first page
- Get an honest estimate based on current sales, not guide prices
- Visit us in Libertyville or sell comic books in Chicago and the suburbs without shipping anything
Related Value Guides
- Fantastic Four #49 value: first full Galactus
- Fantastic Four #48 value: first Silver Surfer
- Fantastic Four #52 value: first Black Panther
- Amazing Fantasy #15 value: first Spider-Man
- Fantastic Four price guide
- Marvel comic price guide
- Comic book price guide
Fantastic Four #1 FAQ
How much is Fantastic Four #1 worth?
In 2025–2026 a CGC-graded Fantastic Four #1 sold for about $5,000 in 2.0, $7,000–8,300 in 3.0, $12,800–13,000 in 4.0 and $75,000–100,000 in 8.0. The record is $2,040,000 for a CGC 9.6.
What is the most expensive Fantastic Four #1 ever sold?
A CGC 9.6 copy sold for $2,040,000 at Heritage Auctions in September 2024. Before that, the record was $1.5 million for a CGC 9.2 in 2022.
When did Fantastic Four #1 come out?
Fantastic Four #1 went on sale in August 1961 with a November 1961 cover date. It was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and cost 10 cents.
How can I tell if my Fantastic Four #1 is an original?
An original has a 10¢ cover price, off-white to tan newsprint and 1961 ads inside. Milestone, Golden Record and facsimile editions say so on the cover or in the indicia. Comic Buying Center will check your copy for free.
