Tales of Suspense #52 (April 1964), the first appearance of Black Widow, sells for about $1,400–2,400 in CGC 8.0 and $3,500–4,150 in 8.5, based on 2025–2026 sales. A CGC 8.5 brought $4,148 at Heritage in April 2026.
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 Silver Age Marvel keys every week. If you'd rather sell comic books than research them, we can make you an offer.
Tales of Suspense #52 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) | $300–400 (estimate) | No verified 2026 sale |
| 4.0 (Very Good) | $600–700 (estimate) | No verified 2026 sale |
| 6.0 (Fine) | $1,000–1,300 (estimate) | No verified 2026 sale |
| 8.0 (Very Fine) | $1,400–2,400 | $1,440 · Heritage · Jul 25, 2025 |
| 8.5 (VF+) | $3,500–4,150 | $4,148 · Heritage · Apr 30, 2026 |
| 9.4 (Near Mint) | $9,000+ (estimate) | No recent public sale |
Only a few copies sell each year, so prices vary widely. Two CGC 8.0 copies sold in summer 2025 for $1,440 and $2,375.
Recent Tales of Suspense #52 Sales (2025–2026)
| Date | Grade | Venue | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2026 | CGC 8.5 | Heritage Auctions | $4,148 |
| Apr 5, 2026 | CGC 8.5 | eBay | $3,500 |
| Jul 25, 2025 | CGC 8.0 | Heritage Auctions | $1,440 |
| Jun 19, 2025 | CGC 8.0 | eBay | $2,375 |
Why Tales of Suspense #52 Is Valuable
Tales of Suspense #52, with art by Don Heck, introduced Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, as a Soviet spy sent to sabotage Tony Stark. She later defected, joined the Avengers and became one of Marvel's best-known heroes, played by Scarlett Johansson in the Marvel films. The issue cost 12 cents.
Black Widow's movie fame turned #52 into an important Silver Age key. It is the second most valuable Tales of Suspense issue after Tales of Suspense #39. For the rest of the run, see our Tales of Suspense price guide.
How to Spot a Tales of Suspense #52 Reprint
- Cover price. The original says 12¢. A copy priced in pence is a genuine UK edition.
- Reprints. The story was reprinted in later Marvel titles and collected editions, which carry a different title or price.
- Paper. Originals are on off-white to tan newsprint.
- 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
Most copies survive in low and mid grade, so a clean 8.0 or better is where the price climbs. White pages and a flat spine can add hundreds of dollars. 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
- Tales of Suspense #39 value: first Iron Man
- Iron Man #1 value
- Avengers #16 value
- Fantastic Four #52 value: first Black Panther
- Tales of Suspense price guide
- Marvel comic price guide
- Comic book price guide
Tales of Suspense #52 FAQ
How much is Tales of Suspense #52 worth?
In 2025–2026 a CGC 8.0 Tales of Suspense #52 sold for $1,440–2,375 and an 8.5 for $3,500–4,148. Low-grade copies are worth a few hundred dollars.
Is Tales of Suspense #52 Black Widow's first appearance?
Yes. Tales of Suspense #52 (April 1964) is the first appearance of Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, in an Iron Man story.
Is Tales of Suspense #52 a good investment?
It is a recognized key with steady demand, but only a few copies sell each year, so prices can swing. High-grade copies with white pages hold their value best.
How can I tell if my Tales of Suspense #52 is an original?
An original has a 12¢ cover price, the Tales of Suspense logo and 1964 ads inside. Reprints have a different title or a later price. We will check your copy for free.
