Fantastic Four #49 (April 1966), the first full appearance of Galactus, sells for about $1,300–1,650 in CGC 8.0 and $1,800–2,300 in 8.5, based on 2026 sales. High grades jump fast: a CGC 9.6 brought $21,000 at Heritage in December 2025.
Below you'll find prices by grade, recent sales, how to tell an original from a reprint, and what to do if you have a copy. We buy comic books in Chicago and the suburbs and see the Galactus Trilogy issues often. If you'd rather sell comic books than research them, we can make you an offer.
Fantastic Four #49 Value by Grade (2026)
Prices are for CGC-graded copies with a blue (Universal) label.
| CGC grade | Typical 2026 price | Most recent verified sale |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 (Good) | $250–350 (estimate) | No verified 2026 sale |
| 4.0 (Very Good) | $450–650 (estimate) | No verified 2026 sale |
| 6.0 (Fine) | $800–1,100 (estimate) | No verified 2026 sale |
| 8.0 (Very Fine) | $1,300–1,650 | $1,342 · Heritage · Aug 20, 2026 |
| 8.5 (VF+) | $1,800–2,300 | $2,135 · Heritage · May 14, 2026 |
| 9.4 (Near Mint) | $14,000+ | $14,400 · Heritage · Jan 26, 2024 |
| 9.6 (NM+) | $20,000–21,000 | $21,000 · Heritage · Dec 2, 2025 |
The gap between 8.5 and 9.4 is the biggest in this book: about seven times the price for less than one grade point.
Recent Fantastic Four #49 Sales (2025–2026)
| Date | Grade | Venue | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 20, 2026 | CGC 8.0 | Heritage Auctions | $1,342 |
| Jul 27, 2026 | CGC 8.5 | eBay | $2,300 |
| Jul 17, 2026 | CGC 8.0 | eBay | $1,403 |
| Jun 19, 2026 | CGC 8.0 | eBay | $1,620 |
| May 14, 2026 | CGC 8.5 | Heritage Auctions | $2,135 |
| Dec 2, 2025 | CGC 9.6 | Heritage Auctions | $21,000 |
CGC 8.0 copies sold for $1,342 to $1,620 over the summer of 2026, so page quality and eye appeal still move the price within one grade.
Why Fantastic Four #49 Is Valuable
Fantastic Four #49, "If This Be Doomsday!", is the middle chapter of the Galactus Trilogy by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. It is the first full appearance of Galactus and his first cover, and the Silver Surfer appears again after his debut in Fantastic Four #48. It cost 12 cents.
The Galactus Trilogy is one of the most celebrated stories in Silver Age comics, and #48 and #49 are its two key issues. For the rest of the run, see our Fantastic Four price guide.
How to Spot a Fantastic Four #49 Reprint
- Cover price. The original US edition says 12¢. A copy priced in pence is a genuine 1966 UK edition.
- Reprints. The story has been reprinted in later Marvel titles, collected editions and facsimile editions. They carry a different title, a later price or a facsimile label.
- Paper. Originals are on off-white to tan newsprint, not bright white paper.
- Restoration. Color touch or trimmed edges lower the value. CGC marks these copies with a purple label.
Not sure what you have? Send us a few photos through our free comic book appraisal.
What Affects the Value of Your Copy
For this issue the jump from 8.5 to 9.4 is huge, so a copy with flat, glossy covers and white pages may be worth grading. Spine stress and corner wear add up fast. 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 #48 value: first Silver Surfer and Galactus
- Fantastic Four #52 value: first Black Panther
- Fantastic Four #1 value
- Silver Surfer #1 value
- Fantastic Four price guide
- Marvel comic price guide
- Comic book price guide
Fantastic Four #49 FAQ
How much is Fantastic Four #49 worth?
In 2026 a CGC 8.0 Fantastic Four #49 sells for about $1,300–1,650 and an 8.5 for $1,800–2,300. A CGC 9.4 brought $14,400 and a CGC 9.6 $21,000 at Heritage.
Is Fantastic Four #49 the first appearance of Galactus?
Galactus first appears on the last page of Fantastic Four #48. Issue #49 is his first full appearance and his first cover.
What is the difference between Fantastic Four #48 and #49?
Fantastic Four #48 has the first appearance of the Silver Surfer and a cameo by Galactus. Issue #49 has the first full Galactus story. Both are part of the Galactus Trilogy, and #48 usually sells for more.
How can I tell if my Fantastic Four #49 is an original?
An original US copy has a 12¢ cover price and 1966 ads inside. Reprints have a different title, a later price or a facsimile label. We will check your copy for free.
