Wolverine #1 (September 1982), the first issue of the Chris Claremont and Frank Miller limited series, sells for about $175 in CGC 9.0, $230 in 9.4, $255–350 in 9.6 and $330–440 in 9.8, based on 2026 sales. A rare CGC 9.9 sold for $10,200 in April 2025.
Below you'll find prices by grade, recent sales, how to tell which Wolverine #1 you have, and what to do if you have a copy. We buy comic books in Chicago and the suburbs and see X-Men books every week. If you'd rather sell comic books than research them, we can make you an offer.
Wolverine #1 Value by Grade (2026)
Prices are for CGC-graded direct-edition copies of the 1982 limited series.
| CGC grade | Typical 2026 price | Most recent verified sale |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 (VF/NM) | About $175 (estimate) | Sep 2026 |
| 9.4 (Near Mint) | About $230 (estimate) | Sep 2026 |
| 9.6 (NM+) | $255–350 | $299.99 · eBay · Oct 21, 2026 |
| 9.8 (NM/MT) | $330–440 | $436.76 · Apr 30, 2026 |
| 9.9 (Mint) | $10,000+ | $10,200 · Apr 2025 |
More than 4,600 copies had graded CGC 9.8 by early 2026, so 9.8 is common for this book. A 9.9 is rare, and that is where the big money is.
Recent Wolverine #1 Sales (2026)
| Date | Grade | Venue | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 21, 2026 | CGC 9.6 | eBay | $299.99 |
| Oct 15, 2026 | CGC 9.6 | Heritage Auctions | $256 |
| Oct 13, 2026 | CGC 9.6 | eBay | $330.61 |
| Aug 25, 2026 | CGC 9.4 (newsstand) | eBay | $279.99 |
| Apr 30, 2026 | CGC 9.8 | eBay | $436.76 |
Which Wolverine #1 Do You Have?
- Wolverine #1 (1982). The first of a four-issue limited series, cover-dated September 1982, with a 60¢ cover price and "Limited Series" on the cover. This is the one collectors mean by "Wolverine #1", and the one this guide covers.
- Wolverine #1 (1988). The first issue of Wolverine's ongoing series, dated November 1988, with John Buscema art. It is a popular book, but it usually sells for less than the 1982 issue in the same grade.
- Later #1 issues. Marvel has relaunched Wolverine many times since 2003. These modern #1s were printed in large numbers and are mostly worth cover price to a few dollars, except for rare variant covers.
Why Wolverine #1 (1982) Is Valuable
Wolverine #1 was the character's first solo comic. Chris Claremont wrote it and Frank Miller drew it, and the story sent Logan to Japan, introduced Mariko's father Shingen and set up the "I'm the best there is at what I do" line that defined the character.
The series is still one of the most-read Wolverine stories and was the basis for the 2013 film The Wolverine. It is a key book of the Bronze Age. For other issues, see our Wolverine price guide.
How to Spot a Wolverine #1 Reprint
- Newsstand vs direct. Newsstand copies have a UPC barcode in the lower left corner, direct-edition copies have a Spider-Man head or artwork there. Both are first prints. High-grade newsstand copies are scarcer.
- Edition labels. Facsimile editions and collected reprints say so on the cover or in the indicia.
- Year. Check the indicia for the 1982 date and "Limited Series" so you don't confuse it with the 1988 #1.
- Signatures. A Claremont or Miller signature adds value only when it is verified, for example by CGC Signature Series.
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 are worth under $100 raw, so grading pays off only for very clean copies that can reach 9.6 or higher. 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 X-Men and Wolverine 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
- Incredible Hulk #181 value: first full Wolverine
- X-Men #94 value
- New Mutants #98 value: first Deadpool
- Wolverine price guide
- Marvel comic price guide
- Comic book price guide
Wolverine #1 FAQ
How much is Wolverine #1 (1982) worth?
In 2026 a CGC-graded Wolverine #1 (1982) sells for about $175 in 9.0, $230 in 9.4, $255–350 in 9.6 and $330–440 in 9.8. A CGC 9.9 sold for $10,200 in 2025.
What is the difference between Wolverine #1 from 1982 and 1988?
The 1982 issue starts a four-issue limited series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller and says "Limited Series" on the cover. The 1988 issue starts Wolverine's ongoing series. The 1982 issue is the more valuable of the two.
How much is a CGC 9.8 Wolverine #1 worth?
A CGC 9.8 Wolverine #1 (1982) sold for $330–440 in 2026. Newsstand copies in high grade can bring more because fewer survive.
Who created the 1982 Wolverine limited series?
Writer Chris Claremont and artist Frank Miller created the 1982 Wolverine limited series for Marvel.
