Batman #251 (September 1973), with Neal Adams' classic Joker cover, sells for about $1,000 in CGC 8.0, $1,500–1,750 in 9.0, $2,400–2,900 in 9.4 and $4,100–6,200 in 9.6, based on 2026 sales. The record is $38,000 for a CGC 9.8 at ComicLink in June 2024.
Below you'll find prices by grade, recent sales, how to tell an original from a facsimile, and what to do if you have a copy. We buy comic books in Chicago and the suburbs and see Bronze Age Batman keys every week. If you'd rather sell comic books than research them, we can make you an offer.
Batman #251 Value by Grade (2026)
Prices are for CGC-graded copies with a blue (Universal) label.
| CGC grade | Typical 2026 price | Most recent verified sale |
|---|---|---|
| 8.0 (Very Fine) | About $1,000 | Oct 3, 2026 |
| 9.0 (VF/NM) | $1,500–1,750 | $1,635 · eBay · Aug 2026 |
| 9.4 (Near Mint) | $2,400–2,900 | $2,425 · eBay · Jul 2026 |
| 9.6 (NM+) | $4,100–6,200 | $5,800 · eBay · Sep 2026 |
| 9.8 (NM/MT) | Record | $38,000 · ComicLink · Jun 17, 2024 |
Only about 30 copies had graded CGC 9.8 as of mid-2024, out of more than 4,000 graded, which is why the top grade sells for many times a 9.6.
Recent Batman #251 Sales
| Date | Grade | Venue | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | CGC 9.6 | eBay | $5,800 |
| Aug 2026 | CGC 9.0 | eBay | $1,635 |
| Jul 2026 | CGC 9.4 | eBay | $2,425 |
| Jul 2026 | CGC 9.0 | eBay | $1,750 |
| Mar 2026 | CGC 9.6 | Heritage Auctions | $4,148 |
Why Batman #251 Is Valuable
Batman #251 contains "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge" by Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams. After years as a harmless prankster in the 1950s and 1960s, the Joker returned here as a dangerous killer, the version that shaped the character for every later comic, cartoon and film.
Neal Adams' cover, the Joker grinning over a trapped Batman, is one of the best-known covers of the Bronze Age. For other Batman keys, see our Batman price guide.
How to Spot a Batman #251 Facsimile
- Cover price. The original says 20¢ and is dated September 1973.
- Facsimile edition. DC has reprinted the issue as a facsimile edition, which is marked as a reprint and has a modern price.
- Paper. Originals are on off-white to tan newsprint, not bright white stock.
- Collections. The story also appears in trade paperbacks and hardcovers, which are worth little as collectibles.
- Restoration. Color touch on the black areas of the cover is common and lowers value. 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 dark cover shows wear easily, and each step from 9.0 to 9.6 roughly doubles the price. 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 Batman 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
- Batman #232 value: first Ra's al Ghul
- Batman #227 value
- Batman #423 value: Todd McFarlane cover
- Batman #1 value: first Joker
- Batman price guide
- DC comic price guide
- Bronze Age comics
Batman #251 FAQ
How much is Batman #251 worth?
In 2026 a CGC-graded Batman #251 sells for about $1,000 in 8.0, $1,500–1,750 in 9.0, $2,400–2,900 in 9.4 and $4,100–6,200 in 9.6. The record is $38,000 for a CGC 9.8 in 2024.
Why is Batman #251 important?
It brought the Joker back as a murderous villain after years of lighter stories, in "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge" by Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams. Its Neal Adams cover is one of the most famous Joker images.
How many Batman #251 copies are CGC 9.8?
As of mid-2024, about 30 copies had graded CGC 9.8 out of more than 4,000 graded by CGC.
Is there a Batman #251 facsimile?
Yes. DC has published a facsimile edition, and the story is reprinted in collections. An original has a 20¢ cover price, a September 1973 date and newsprint pages. We will check your copy for free.
