Fantastic Four #48 (March 1966), the first appearance of the Silver Surfer and Galactus, sells for about $450 in CGC 2.0, $660–700 in 4.0 and $4,600–5,500 in 9.0, based on 2026 sales. A CGC 9.8 brought $37,200 at Heritage in December 2025, and the only CGC 9.9 sold for a record $431,250 in September 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.
Fantastic Four #48 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) | About $450 (estimate) | eBay · Apr 2026 |
| 4.0 (Very Good) | $660–700 | $680 · eBay · Sep 27, 2026 |
| 6.0 (Fine) | About $1,300 (estimate) | eBay · Sep 2026 |
| 7.0 (Fine/VF) | $1,450–1,750 | $1,464 · Heritage · Oct 15, 2026 |
| 8.0 (Very Fine) | About $2,800 (estimate) | eBay · Aug 2026 |
| 9.0 (VF/NM) | $4,600–5,500 | $5,368 · Heritage · May 14, 2026 |
| 9.4 (Near Mint) | $12,000–12,600 | $12,000 · eBay · Jul 2, 2026 |
| 9.8 (NM/MT) | $37,000+ | $37,200 · Heritage · Dec 12, 2025 |
| 9.9 (Mint) | Record | $431,250 · ComicConnect · Sep 14, 2026 |
Recent Fantastic Four #48 Sales (2025–2026)
| Date | Grade | Venue | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2026 | CGC 7.0 | Heritage Auctions | $1,464 |
| Sep 27, 2026 | CGC 4.0 | eBay | $680 |
| Sep 14, 2026 | CGC 9.9 | ComicConnect | $431,250 |
| Jul 2, 2026 | CGC 9.4 | eBay | $12,000 |
| May 14, 2026 | CGC 9.0 | Heritage Auctions | $5,368 |
| Dec 12, 2025 | CGC 9.8 | Heritage Auctions | $37,200 |
The 2025 Fantastic Four movie, which features Galactus and the Silver Surfer, kept demand strong, and the record CGC 9.9 sale in September 2026 shows how much top collectors will pay for the best copy.
Why Fantastic Four #48 Is Valuable
Fantastic Four #48 opens the "Galactus Trilogy" by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. It introduces the Silver Surfer and gives the first glimpse of Galactus, who appears in full in #49. The story is often called the high point of the Lee and Kirby run, and the Silver Surfer quickly got his own series.
It is one of the key books of the Silver Age. For the rest of the run, see our Fantastic Four price guide and Silver Surfer price guide.
How to Spot a Fantastic Four #48 Reprint
- Cover price. The original says 12¢. A UK pence price means a genuine 1966 UK edition, which is still collectible.
- Edition labels. The Marvel Milestone Edition and later facsimile editions say so on the cover or in the indicia.
- Paper. Originals are on off-white to tan newsprint.
- Ads. The original has 1966 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
The price roughly doubles from 9.0 to 9.4 and triples again to 9.8, so the top grades matter most. 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 #52 value: first Black Panther
- Fantastic Four #1 value
- Silver Surfer #3 value: first Mephisto
- Fantastic Four price guide
- Marvel comic price guide
- Comic book price guide
Fantastic Four #48 FAQ
How much is Fantastic Four #48 worth?
In 2026 a CGC-graded Fantastic Four #48 sells for about $450 in 2.0, $660–700 in 4.0, $4,600–5,500 in 9.0 and around $12,000 in 9.4. A CGC 9.8 sold for $37,200 in December 2025.
Is Fantastic Four #48 the first Silver Surfer?
Yes. Fantastic Four #48 (March 1966) is the first appearance of the Silver Surfer and the first, brief appearance of Galactus, who appears in full in #49.
What is the record sale for Fantastic Four #48?
The record is $431,250 for the only CGC 9.9 copy, sold through ComicConnect in September 2026.
How can I tell if my Fantastic Four #48 is real?
An original has a 12¢ cover price (or a UK pence price), off-white to tan newsprint and 1966 ads. Milestone and facsimile editions say so on the cover or inside. Comic Buying Center will check your copy for free.
