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The Amazing Spider-MATH Part 2
How Much it Costs to Own Amazing Spider-Man Comics Numbers #1-20

Investment guide to Silver Age Amazing Spider-Man Comics

If you saw our first article about buying ASM #1 vs owning a run from #1 to #129, then you'll know we feel strongly about investing in Silver Age Spider-Man. We priced the entire run in CGC 4.0.

But just how relevant is this to different grades? This article breaks down most of the grades from 0.5 through to 9.4 (where available) if you want to own the classic run of ASM #1-20.

We identify STRONG BUYING OPPORTUNITIES for the books in each grade. Before we begin, though, let's talk about how CGC books of the same grades can differ greatly.

CGC-Graded Books Are Not Created Equal

The way CGC determines grades for comic books is supposed to be consistent. In reality, there is variance in all grades. On a good day, one book might receive one or two grades higher than the owner expected. On a bad day, the opposite happens.

However, it's the low end of the grade scale where this is most pronounced. For a comic to receive the dreaded 0.5 grade, it's normal for it to be extremely rough-looking.

But the savvy buyer will realize two things:

There is plenty of choice at this end of the market; and
The difference between a dog 0.5 and one with decent eye appeal is huge.

It's much easier to show you than tell you what I mean. Below are a few examples of Amazing Spider-Man comics which have received 0.5 grades.

All are 'beat but complete' -- I will explain later the other reasons comics get 0.5 grades, usually because they are missing something.

It's pretty hard to pick the worst of these ASM #1 CGC 0.5s, but it's probably this one, with tape, tape stains, worn away edges and darkened colors

This copy of ASM #1 CGC 0.5 has multiple tape repairs. The central image has decent color and is largely complete, but it's still an ugly duckling

This ASM #1 CGC 0.5 is rubbed and missing some parts of the image including Spidey's suit, but in general it's cleaner and the best of a bad bunch

Other Reasons a Book is Graded 0.5 by CGC

If you are seeking out value for your money in the bottom end of the market, then you should consider incomplete or qualified 0.5 books. (Neither is restored -- restored books are the lowest of the low, and pretty unpopular.)

A book can be given a 0.5 incomplete if it is missing a significant part of its cover, or an inner page. Here's an Incredible Hulk #1 we sold recently.

You've seen above how nasty the covers of 'normal' 0.5s look. This is a much cleaner image that would probably grade in the 5.0-6.0 range if it were complete.

Incredible Hulk #1 CGC 0.5 incomplete -- missing the top portion of the cover

A nice, clean-looking Captain America Comics #65, but it gets a CGC 0.5 because it's missing the centerfold

More Fun Comics #9 with a 0.5 Qualified grade

This practise (removing the top of the front cover) was a way for distributors to get their refunds for unsold books. This results in a 0.5 that is obviously missing the title, but the main image can be relatively nice condition.

Another form of incompleteness is when an inner page or coupon has been removed. The Golden Age Cap missing its centerfold.

Finally, a 0.5 Qualified grade on the More Fun Comics #9 -- the original back cover is missing and has been replaced with the wrong cover, then repaired with tape.

In all cases, while the books are not as "original" as the beat but complete examples, they have much better eye appeal. If you can find Amazing Spider-Man comics with similar problems, and don't care about the defect, then you might be able to snag a more affordable copy for your collection.

Price of Issues #1-20 of Amazing Spider Man Comics

Prices are based on most recent reported sales in CGC grade. Occasionally there has not been a relevant recent sale, so we did a bit of spider-MATH to figure out the probable current value.

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #1

9.6 $520,000
9.4 $264,000
9.2 $168,000
9.0 $196,000
8.5 $72,000
8.0 $52,000
7.5 $38,000
7.0 $33,000
6.5 $28,000
6.0 $20,000
5.5 $19,000
5.0 $15,000
4.5 $11,000
4.0 $13,000
3.5 $11,000
3.0 $9,000
2.5 $9,000
2.0 $6,400
1.8 $6,400
1.5 $4,800
1.0 $4,500
0.5 $4,400

Amazing Spider-Man #1: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #1 is a nailed-on must-own Silver Age key issue. High-grade copies rarely come to market, but it is otherwise a hotly-traded collectible.

Our pick: CGC 6.0
Last sale: $20,000
Pandemic high: $48,000

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #2

9.2 $38,000
9.0 $27,000
8.5 $17,000
7.5 $5,400
7.0 $8,500
6.5 $4,200
6.0 $3,600
5.5 $4,100
5.0 $4,400
4.5 $2,600
4.0 $3,200
3.5 $2,100
3.0 $2,000
2.5 $2,100
2.0 $1,700
1.8 $1,200
1.5 $1,500
1.0 $950
0.5 $1,000

Amazing Spider-Man #2: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #2: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #2 is the first appearance of the Vulture, just the first of many firsts in the run.

Our pick: CGC 7.5
Last sale: $5,400
Pandemic high: $8,900

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #3

9.6 $55,000
9.4 $44,000
9.2 $24,000
9.0 $18,000
8.5 $14,000
8.0 $7,500
7.5 $5,500
7.0 $8,750
6.5 $5,800
6.0 $3,800
5.5 $3,600
5.0 $4,700
4.5 $3,400
4.0 $2,600
3.5 $2,800
3.0 $2,500
2.5 $2,500
2.0 $2,000
1.8 $1,800
1.5 $1,800
1.0 $1,200
0.5 $1,400

Amazing Spider-Man #3: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #3: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #3 features the first appearance of Doctor Octopus.

Our pick: CGC 9.0
Last sale: $18,600
Pandemic high: $44,400

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #4

9.4 $50,000
9.2 $32,000
9.0 $19,000
8.5 $11,000
8.0 $8,700
7.5 $4,100
7.0 $4,200
6.5 $2,000
6.0 $2,300
5.5 $1,800
5.0 $1,800
4.5 $1,500
4.0 $1,300
3.5 $1,400
3.0 $1,000
2.5 $900
2.0 $800
1.8 $800
1.5 $675
1.0 $400
0.5 $800

Amazing Spider-Man #4: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #4: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #4 is the first Sandman. Hard to find in grades above 8.0.

Our pick: CGC 7.5
Last sale: $4,080
Pandemic high: $6,200

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #5

9.6 $15,000
9.4 $21,000
9.2 $10,000
9.0 $10,500
8.5 $10,000
8.0 $3,600
7.5 $3,500
7.0 $3,300
6.5 $2,100
6.0 $3,200
5.5 $1,900
5.0 $1,200
4.5 $1,100
4.0 $1,100
3.5 $1,000
3.0 $575
2.5 $270
2.0 $620
1.8 $700
1.5 $500
1.0 $440
0.5 $370

Amazing Spider-Man #5: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #5: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #5 is a cool crossover with Doctor Doom appearing.

Our pick: CGC 8.0
Last sale: $3,600
Pandemic high: $7,200

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #6

9.6 $26,000
9.4 $15,000
9.2 $12,000
9.0 $8,600
8.5 $4,500
8.0 $4,000
7.5 $2,800
7.0 $1,600
6.5 $1,800
6.0 $2,000
5.5 $1,300
5.0 $1,400
4.5 $1,300
4.0 $900
3.5 $900
3.0 $630
2.5 $1,000
2.0 $650
1.8 $600
1.5 $500
1.0 $500

Amazing Spider-Man #6: Click to buy on Goldin!

ASM #6 is the first appearance of the Lizard.

Our pick: CGC 8.5
Last sale: $4,575
Pandemic high: $9,600

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #7

9.4 $15,000
9.2 $4,500
9.0 $3,800
8.5 $2,600
8.0 $2,200
7.5 $1,200
7.0 $1,200
6.5 $1,400
6.0 $730
5.5 $600
5.0 $800
4.5 $600
4.0 $385
3.5 $640
3.0 $500
2.5 $410
2.0 $365
1.8 $340
1.5 $360
1.0 $245

Amazing Spider-Man #7: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #7: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #7 features the return of the Vulture. Because it's one of the least significant in the run (no first appearance), prices are lower on this book.

Our pick: CGC 9.2
Last sale: $4,560
Pandemic high: $8,400

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #8

9.8 $21,000
9.6 $9,600
9.4 $4,300
9.2 $3,800
9.0 $2,600
8.5 $1,600
8.0 $1,200
7.5 $900
7.0 $1,000
6.5 $600
6.0 $650
5.5 $600
5.0 $550
4.5 $460
4.0 $500
3.5 $360
3.0 $215
2.5 $320
2.0 $300
1.8 $240
1.5 $315

Amazing Spider-Man #8: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #8: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #8 is also a less significant issue. No first appearance or any significance.

Our pick: CGC 7.5
Last sale: $900
Pandemic high: $2,250

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #9

9.4 $17,000
9.2 $11,000
9.0 $9,700
8.5 $6,500
8.0 $3,200
7.5 $2,200
7.0 $2,200
6.5 $2,300
6.0 $1,400
5.5 $2,000
5.0 $1,250
4.5 $1,400
4.0 $1,150
3.5 $630
3.0 $600
2.5 $750
2.0 $800
1.8 $625
1.5 $350
1.0 $500
0.5 $150

Amazing Spider-Man #9: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #9: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #9 marks a return to first appearances, with the first Electro.

Our pick: CGC 7.5
Last sale: $2,275
Pandemic high: $5,800

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #10

9.6 $6,600
9.4 $3,500
9.2 $3,200
9.0 $1,700
8.5 $2,000
8.0 $1,200
7.5 $1,300
7.0 $850
6.5 $800
6.0 $500
5.5 $575
5.0 $380
4.5 $550
4.0 $600
3.5 $380
3.0 $300
2.5 $325
2.0 $215
1.8 $210
1.5 $325
1.0 $300

Amazing Spider-Man #10: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #10: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #10 is the first appearance of the Enforcers. Despite this, it's one of the least popular issues of the first 20.

Our pick: CGC 9.0
Last sale: $1,740
Pandemic high: $3,100

Amazing Spider-Man Comics Prices #11-20

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #11

9.6 $37,000
9.0 $15,000
8.5 $2,000
8.0 $2,300
7.5 $1,200
7.0 $1,100
6.5 $700
6.0 $850
5.5 $735
5.0 $550
4.5 $740
4.0 $360
3.5 $480
3.0 $380
2.5 $265
2.0 $425
1.8 $200
1.5 $255
1.0 $160
0.5 $75

Amazing Spider-Man #11: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #11: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #11 is the return of Doc Oc, and somewhat more popular than #7, #8 and #10. Prices go off a CLIFF at 8.5!

Our pick: CGC 8.5
Last sale: $2,040
Pandemic high: $5,880

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #12

9.8 $16,000
9.4 $3,500
9.2 $2,500
9.0 $2,900
8.5 $1,300
8.0 $1,500
7.5 $735
7.0 $880
6.5 $810
6.0 $850
5.5 $600
5.0 $370
4.5 $425
4.0 $360
3.5 $380
3.0 $225
2.5 $225
2.0 $240
1.8 $250
1.5 $110
1.0 $150

Amazing Spider-Man #12: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #12: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #12 continues the story of Doc Oc.

Our pick:
Last sale: $20,000
Pandemic high: $48,000

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #13

9.4 $19,000
9.2 $9,300
9.0 $6,200
8.5 $4,100
8.0 $3,800
7.5 $3,000
7.0 $2,200
6.5 $2,300
6.0 $2,000
5.5 $1,100
5.0 $1,300
4.5 $720
4.0 $1,100
3.5 $800
3.0 $865
2.5 $675
2.0 $475
1.8 $600
1.5 $410
0.5 $375

Amazing Spider-Man #13: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #13: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #13 is the first appearance of Mysterio, who has had his MCU moment.

Our pick: CGC 8.0
Last sale: $3,840
Pandemic high: $7,500

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #14

9.4 $24,000
9.2 $23,000
9.0 $15,000
8.5 $7,800
8.0 $8,100
7.5 $4,450
7.0 $3,800
6.5 $3,360
6.0 $2,400
5.5 $2,700
5.0 $1,600
4.5 $2,000
4.0 $1,500
3.5 $1,600
3.0 $1,400
2.5 $1,200
2.0 $920
1.8 $1,080
1.5 $935
1.0 $925
0.5 $780

Amazing Spider-Man #14: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #14: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #14 is arguably the most important issue in the first 20! Featuring the first appearance of the Green Goblin, undoubtedly the greatest Spider-Man villain of all time, and a crossover with the Hulk.

Our pick: CGC 7.0
Last sale: $3,795
Pandemic high: $8,550

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #15

9.4 $16,000
9.2 $9,300
9.0 $5,500
8.5 $3,900
8.0 $3,700
7.5 $2,900
7.0 $1,500
6.5 $1,600
6.0 $1,600
5.5 $1,300
5.0 $950
4.5 $900
4.0 $630
3.5 $600
3.0 $775
2.5 $380
2.0 $430
1.8 $225
1.5 $275
1.0 $500
0.5 $240

Amazing Spider-Man #15: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #15: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #15 is another important first appearance, Kraven the Hunter, who surely has a future in the MCU.

Our pick: CGC 8.5
Last sale: $3,933
Pandemic high: $7,277

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #16

9.8 $21,000
9.6 $11,700
9.4 $10,500
9.2 $3,800
9.0 $3,000
8.5 $2,900
8.0 $1,500
7.5 $1,700
7.0 $1,600
6.5 $780
6.0 $580
5.5 $550
5.0 $680
4.5 $455
4.0 $425
3.5 $340
3.0 $385
2.5 $230
2.0 $230
1.8 $165
1.5 $385
1.0 $225

Amazing Spider-Man #16: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #16: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #16 features a crossover with Daredevil, notably in his original black and yellow suit before the change to black and red in DD#7.

Our pick: CGC 9.2
Last sale: $3,816
Pandemic high: $6,900

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #17

9.8 $18,000
9.4 $3,600
9.2 $2,600
9.0 $3,100
8.5 $1,800
8.0 $1,600
7.5 $900
7.0 $695
6.5 $600
6.0 $355
5.5 $425
5.0 $290
4.5 $215
4.0 $315
3.5 $200
3.0 $200
2.5 $170
2.0 $195
1.8 $165
1.5 $190
1.0 $110

Amazing Spider-Man #17: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #17: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #17 features the return of the Green Goblin. Not a super-popular issue despite this return of his arch-nemesis.

Our pick: CGC 8.0
Last sale: $1,676
Pandemic high: $2,000

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #18

9.6 $21,000
9.4 $3,750
9.2 $2,600
9.0 $1,500
8.5 $1,200
8.0 $900
7.5 $775
7.0 $695
6.5 $430
6.0 $355
5.5 $350
5.0 $285
4.5 $200
4.0 $170
3.5 $250
3.0 $105
2.5 $150
2.0 $140
1.8 $140
1.5 $100

Amazing Spider-Man #18: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #18: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #18 is the first appearance of Ned Leeds. It's another of the books that goes off a cliff below a grade -- in this case the jump from 9.4 to 9.6 is almost 5x.

Our pick: CGC 9.4
Last sale: $3,750
Pandemic high: $11,751

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #19

9.8 $15,000
9.6 $3,300
9.4 $1,700
9.2 $2,000
9.0 $950
8.5 $720
8.0 $480
7.5 $700
7.0 $520
6.5 $310
6.0 $360
5.5 $190
5.0 $300
4.5 $280
4.0 $195
3.5 $185
3.0 $125
2.5 $145
2.0 $170
1.8 $150
1.5 $125
1.0 $105

Amazing Spider-Man #19: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #19: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #19 doesn't have a lot to recommend it, apparently the first appearance of MacDonald Gargan (who?!).

Our pick: CGC 8.0
Last sale: $480
Pandemic high: $1,220

Amazing Spider-Man Comics #20

9.4 $9,600
9.2 $4,300
9.0 $2,900
8.5 $2,300
8.0 $2,000
7.5 $1,300
7.0 $950
6.5 $1,200
6.0 $900
5.5 $850
5.0 $960
4.5 $510
4.0 $760
3.5 $355
3.0 $390
2.5 $360
2.0 $275
1.8 $290
1.5 $210
0.5 $300

Amazing Spider-Man #20: Click to buy on Goldin!

Amazing Spider-Man #20: Click to buy at Goldin!

ASM #20 is the final book we're considering and the first appearance of the Scorpion, heavily teased (but so far not delivered) by the MCU.

Our pick: CGC 9.2
Last sale: $4,320
Pandemic high: $7,800

Aggregate by Grade for Amazing Spider-Man Comics #1-20

It's impossible to create this aggregate for every single grade, as there are no recent sales for all of them especially at the very top end of the market.

However, I did the best I could and it is pretty interesting to see the jumps from one grade to another. Please note this was published on September 21, 2023.

Grade

Total Cost

Average $ Per Book

CGC 9.0
CGC 8.5
CGC 7.0
CGC 6.0
CGC 4.0
CGC 2.0
CGC 1.0

$352,950
$169,220
$78,540
$48,430
$30,550
$17,850
$12,135

$35,295
$16,922
$7,854
$4,843
$3,055
$1,785
$1,214

Here is the takeaway.

At the top end of the market, half a grade from CGC 9.0 to CGC 8.5 costs a premium of more than 100 percent! I might be able to spot the difference between an 8.5 and a 9.0 but it's marginal.

The conclusion is that the scarcity of a 9.0 or higher comes at a very high price.

Three grades lower is CGC 7.0. The gap between those THREE grades is also a little more than 100 percent.

If you're in the market for a mid-grade run of Amazing Spider-Man comics, then the jump from 6.0 to 7.0 comes at a cost of $3,000 per book! To me, the 6.0 looks like much better value.

However, if you're on a budget, then you're looking at CGC 4.0, 2.0 or 1.0. I would STRONGLY advise to beg, borrow or maybe steal(? -- disclaimer: not legal advice) the difference. A solid VG is a MUCH better looking book than a 2.0 or a 1.0.

If you're really on the lower end, then at least go for the 2.0 over the 1.0. The difference for all 20 books is a total of $5,600 and the eye appeal will be far better. Your future self will thank you for the sacrifice.