The Iron Man #1 comic (May 1968), the start of Tony Stark's solo series, sells for about $400 in CGC 3.5, $730–1,300 in 7.0–7.5 and around $5,000 in 9.4, based on 2026 sales. A CGC 9.8 brought $36,600 at Heritage in March 2026, and the record is $96,000.
Below you'll find prices by grade, recent sales, how this issue differs from Iron Man's true first appearance, and what to do if you have a copy. We buy comic books in Chicago and the suburbs, and in spring 2024 we bought an Iron Man #1 ourselves for $5,000. If you'd rather sell comic books than research them, we can make you an offer.
Iron Man #1 Value by Grade (2026)
Prices are for CGC-graded copies with a blue (Universal) label.
| CGC grade | Typical 2026 price | Most recent verified sale |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5 (VG-) | $400–500 | $410 · eBay · Jul 14, 2026 |
| 7.0 (Fine/VF) | $730–860 | $732 · Heritage · Oct 15, 2026 |
| 7.5 (VF-) | $900–1,300 | $1,299 · eBay · Oct 10, 2026 |
| 8.0 (Very Fine) | $1,300–1,400 | $1,342 · Heritage · Oct 15, 2026 |
| 9.4 (Near Mint) | $4,950–5,150 | $5,124 · Heritage · Apr 2026 |
| 9.6 (NM+) | $8,800+ | $8,845 · Heritage · May 2026 |
| 9.8 (NM/MT) | $36,000+ | $36,600 · Heritage · Mar 16, 2026 |
The record is $96,000 for a CGC 9.8 in 2022. Prices have cooled since then, but 9.4 and up still bring thousands.
Recent Iron Man #1 Sales (2026)
| Date | Grade | Venue | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2026 | CGC 8.0 | Heritage Auctions | $1,342 |
| Oct 15, 2026 | CGC 7.0 | Heritage Auctions | $732 |
| Oct 10, 2026 | CGC 7.5 | eBay | $1,299 |
| Jul 2026 | CGC 9.4 | eBay | $4,950 |
| May 2026 | CGC 9.6 | Heritage Auctions | $8,845 |
| Mar 16, 2026 | CGC 9.8 | Heritage Auctions | $36,600 |
| Mar 2026 | CGC 7.0 | Landry's | $854 |
Why Iron Man #1 Is Valuable
Iron Man #1 was written by Archie Goodwin with art by Gene Colan. It launched Tony Stark's own title after years of sharing Tales of Suspense with Captain America, and it cost 12 cents.
Iron Man's popularity after the 2008 film turned his first solo issue into a key Silver Age book, though it is not his first appearance. For the rest of the run, see our Iron Man price guide.
Which Iron Man Comic Is Which?
- Tales of Suspense #39 (1963): the first appearance of Iron Man, in grey armor. Worth far more. See our Tales of Suspense #39 value guide.
- Iron Man and Sub-Mariner #1 (1968): a one-shot published a month before Iron Man #1. A different book with its own value.
- Iron Man #1 (1968): 12¢ cover, "Big Premiere Issue." This guide.
- Later Iron Man #1 issues (1996, 1998, 2005 and newer) were printed in large numbers and are worth much less.
How to Spot an Iron Man #1 Reprint
- Cover price. The original says 12¢. A copy priced in pence is a genuine UK edition.
- Edition labels. Facsimile and reprint editions say so on the cover or in the indicia and carry a modern price.
- Paper. Originals are on off-white newsprint, not bright white paper.
Not sure what you have? Send us a few photos through our free comic book appraisal.
What Affects the Value of Your Copy
The jump from 8.0 to 9.4 almost quadruples the price, and 9.8 is worth about seven times a 9.4. The dark cover shows wear easily, so check corners and the spine. 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
- Tales of Suspense #52 value: first Black Widow
- Iron Man #55 value: first Thanos
- Avengers #1 value
- Iron Man price guide
- Marvel comic price guide
- Comic book price guide
Iron Man #1 FAQ
How much is an Iron Man #1 comic worth?
In 2026 an Iron Man #1 (1968) sold for about $400 in CGC 3.5, $730–1,300 in 7.0–7.5, around $5,000 in 9.4 and $36,600 in 9.8. The record is $96,000 for a CGC 9.8 in 2022.
Is Iron Man #1 the first appearance of Iron Man?
No. Iron Man first appeared in Tales of Suspense #39 (March 1963). Iron Man #1 (May 1968) is the first issue of his own series.
Who wrote and drew Iron Man #1?
Iron Man #1 was written by Archie Goodwin and drawn by Gene Colan. It launched Iron Man's solo series in May 1968.
How can I tell if my Iron Man #1 is the 1968 original?
The 1968 original has a 12¢ cover price and the words "Big Premiere Issue" on the cover. Later Iron Man #1 issues have higher prices and different covers. We will check your copy for free.
