The Amazing Spider-Man ##20
Marvel Comics • The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1
Writer
Stan Lee
Interior Artist
Steve Ditko
Cover Artist
Steve Ditko
Publication Date
January 1965
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Mac Gargan (The Scorpion). J. Jonah Jameson hires Mac Gargan to undergo an experimental procedure to defeat Spider-Man, leading to the creation of the Scorpion.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color breaking ticks, corner blunting (specifically bottom left), top edge wear, surface soiling on the yellow background, and significant tanning/browning of the cover stock commensurate with age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $650 - $900; Graded (CGC 5.0): $1,100 - $1,300
Recent Sales
Recent 5.0 graded copies have sold in the range of $1,200. Lower grades (3.0) consistently hit $500, while high grades (8.0+) exceed $4,500.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, worth grading. This is a major Silver Age key issue. Professional pressing and cleaning could potentially bump the grade by removing surface dirt and flattening non-color-breaking creases, increasing value significantly.
Notable Features
Major Key Issue: First full appearance of the Scorpion. Iconic Steve Ditko cover. 12-cent silver age price variant.
Authentication Notes
Appearance matches 1965 printing standards including the 'IND.' distribution mark, correct 12c price placement, and period-accurate typography/color registration.