Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966), the first appearance of Black Panther, sells for about $585–800 in CGC 6.0 and $4,800–5,800 in 9.0–9.2, based on 2026 sales. A CGC 9.4 brought $13,200 at Heritage in 2025, and the record is $83,650 for a CGC 9.8.
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 #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 |
| 6.0 (Fine) | $585–800 | $585 · eBay · Aug 2026 |
| 6.5 (Fine+) | $800–855 | $854 · eBay · Aug 2026 |
| 9.0 (VF/NM) | $4,800–5,400 | $5,368 · Heritage · Jul 23, 2026 |
| 9.2 (NM-) | $5,400–5,800 | $5,656 · eBay · Jun 24, 2026 |
| 9.4 (Near Mint) | $13,000+ | $13,200 · Heritage · Jun 26, 2025 |
| 9.8 (NM/MT) | Record | $83,650 · 2016 |
No CGC 9.8 has sold in public since 2016, so a high-grade copy today would set a new benchmark.
Recent Fantastic Four #52 Sales (2025–2026)
| Date | Grade | Venue | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2026 | CGC 6.5 | eBay | $854 |
| Aug 2026 | CGC 6.0 | eBay | $585 |
| Jul 23, 2026 | CGC 9.0 | Heritage Auctions | $5,368 |
| Jun 24, 2026 | CGC 9.2 | eBay | $5,656 |
| Jun 26, 2025 | CGC 9.4 | Heritage Auctions | $13,200 |
Mid-grade copies trade almost every week, so the 6.0–6.5 prices are the most reliable. Above 9.0, each sale can move the market.
Why Fantastic Four #52 Is Valuable
Fantastic Four #52, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, introduced T'Challa, the Black Panther, and the hidden African nation of Wakanda. He was the first Black superhero in mainstream American comics. The issue cost 12 cents.
Black Panther later got his own series and two hit films, which turned #52 into one of the most wanted Silver Age keys. For the rest of the run, see our Fantastic Four price guide.
How to Spot a Fantastic Four #52 Reprint
- Cover price. The original US edition says 12¢. A copy priced in pence is a genuine 1966 UK edition.
- Reprints and facsimiles. Later reprints and modern facsimile editions carry a modern price, a barcode or the word "facsimile."
- Paper. Originals are on off-white to tan newsprint.
- Restoration. Color touch or trimming lowers the value, and 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
Moving from 6.5 to 9.0 multiplies the price about six times, so condition matters more than anything. Page color and centering also count. 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 #48 value: first Silver Surfer
- Fantastic Four #1 value
- Tales of Suspense #39 value: first Iron Man
- Fantastic Four price guide
- Marvel comic price guide
- Comic book price guide
Fantastic Four #52 FAQ
How much is Fantastic Four #52 worth?
In 2026 a CGC 6.0 Fantastic Four #52 sells for about $585–800, a 9.0 for $4,800–5,400 and a 9.2 for $5,400–5,800. A CGC 9.4 brought $13,200 in 2025.
Is Fantastic Four #52 Black Panther's first appearance?
Yes. Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966) is the first appearance of Black Panther and Wakanda, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
What is the record sale for Fantastic Four #52?
The highest public sale is $83,650 for a CGC 9.8 copy in 2016. No 9.8 has sold publicly since then.
How can I tell if my Fantastic Four #52 is an original?
An original US copy has a 12¢ cover price and off-white to tan newsprint. Facsimile editions and later reprints carry a modern price or say so on the cover. We will check your copy for free.
