Tales of Suspense #39 (March 1963), the first appearance of Iron Man, sells for about $3,700–6,000 in CGC 2.0 and $4,000–7,900 in 4.0, based on 2026 sales. A CGC 8.5 brought $53,680 at Heritage in July 2026, and a CGC 9.4 sold for $144,900 in 2025.
Below you'll find prices by grade, the latest auction results, 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 look at Silver Age keys like this one every week. If you'd rather sell comic books than research them, we can make you an offer.
Tales of Suspense #39 Value by Grade (2026)
Prices are for CGC-graded copies with a blue (Universal) label. Restored and raw copies sell for less.
| CGC grade | Typical 2026 price | Most recent verified sale |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 (Good) | $3,700–6,000 | $5,002 · Heritage · Sep 17, 2026 |
| 4.0 (Very Good) | $4,000–7,900 | $7,930 · Heritage · May 14, 2026 |
| 6.0 (Fine) | $6,000–13,200 | $13,200 · Heritage · Dec 2025 |
| 8.0 (Very Fine) | $21,000–37,000 | $33,221 · ComicConnect · Jun 2025 |
| 8.5 (VF+) | $44,000–54,000 | $53,680 · Heritage · Jul 23, 2026 |
| 9.0 (VF/NM) | $66,000–84,000 | $84,000 · Heritage · Sep 30, 2025 |
| 9.4 (Near Mint) | $145,000+ | $144,900 · ComicConnect · Jun 12, 2025 |
In-between grades follow the same curve: a CGC 2.5 sold for $7,320 at Heritage on October 1, 2026.
Recent Tales of Suspense #39 Sales (2025–2026)
| Date | Grade | Venue | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2026 | CGC 2.5 | Heritage Auctions | $7,320 |
| Sep 17, 2026 | CGC 2.0 | Heritage Auctions | $5,002 |
| Jul 23, 2026 | CGC 8.5 | Heritage Auctions | $53,680 |
| May 14, 2026 | CGC 8.5 | Heritage Auctions | $43,920 |
| May 14, 2026 | CGC 4.0 | Heritage Auctions | $7,930 |
Two CGC 8.5 copies sold for $43,920 and $53,680 within ten weeks in 2026, so demand for higher grades is rising.
Why Tales of Suspense #39 Is So Valuable
Tales of Suspense #39 introduced Tony Stark and Iron Man. The story was plotted by Stan Lee, scripted by Larry Lieber and drawn by Don Heck, with a cover by Jack Kirby showing the original gray armor. It sold for 12 cents and turned a science-fiction anthology into a superhero title.
Iron Man went on to lead the Avengers and launched the Marvel movie universe in 2008, which made this one of the most important Silver Age keys. For other issues, see our Tales of Suspense price guide and Iron Man price guide.
How to Spot a Tales of Suspense #39 Reprint
- Cover price. The original says 12¢. A UK pence price means a genuine 1963 UK edition, which is still valuable.
- Edition labels. The Marvel Milestone Edition and later facsimile and foil editions say so on the cover or in the indicia.
- Paper. Originals are on off-white to tan newsprint.
- Ads. The original has 1963 ads inside.
- Restoration. Color touch or trimming lowers value, and CGC uses a purple label for these copies.
Not sure what you have? Send us a few photos through our free comic book appraisal.
What Affects the Value of Your Copy
Grade drives the price: an 8.0 is worth about five times a 4.0. Page color and centering 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
- Amazing Fantasy #15 value: first Spider-Man
- Tales of Suspense #52 value: first Black Widow
- Iron Man #1 value
- Iron Man #55 value: first Thanos
- Tales of Suspense price guide
- Marvel comic price guide
- Comic book price guide
Tales of Suspense #39 FAQ
How much is Tales of Suspense #39 worth?
In 2026 a CGC-graded Tales of Suspense #39 sells for about $3,700–6,000 in 2.0, $4,000–7,900 in 4.0, $21,000–37,000 in 8.0 and $66,000–84,000 in 9.0. A CGC 9.4 sold for $144,900 in 2025.
Is Tales of Suspense #39 the first appearance of Iron Man?
Yes. Tales of Suspense #39 (March 1963) is the first appearance and origin of Iron Man and Tony Stark, in his original gray armor.
What is the highest price paid for Tales of Suspense #39?
Among recent public sales, the top result is $144,900 for a CGC 9.4 at ComicConnect in June 2025.
How can I tell if my Tales of Suspense #39 is real?
An original has a 12¢ cover price (or a UK pence price), off-white to tan newsprint and 1963 ads. Milestone, facsimile and foil editions say so on the cover or inside. Comic Buying Center will check your copy for free.
