Archie ##278
Archie Comics Group • Archie (Vol. 1)
Writer
Frank Doyle (estimated)
Interior Artist
Dan DeCarlo
Cover Artist
Dan DeCarlo
Publication Date
January 1979
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (UPC Barcode present)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
General humor stories featuring Archie Andrews, Jughead Jones, and Betty Cooper. The cover features Archie, Jughead, and Betty reacting to a snow day announcement.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good/Very Good (CGC 3.0)
Condition Details
Extensive damage to the top right corner including a large surface tear/paper loss; heavy creasing along the spine and right edge; shelf wear; visible scuffing; minor corner blunting on the bottom left.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8; Graded (CGC 3.0): $20 - $30 (Values are low due to significant cover damage).
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade copies of this era average $10-$15. Low-grade copies with surface damage typically sell in bulk lots or for under $5.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading exceeds the market value of the book in this condition. The significant tear on the top right significantly limits the maximum potential grade.
Notable Features
75 cent price variant era (this is the 40 cent version); features a newsstand UPC barcode; classic Dan DeCarlo cover art.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1970s newsstand copy. Paper stock shows age-appropriate off-white tanning. Staples show slight oxidation. No signs of restoration visible.