The Amazing Spider-Man ##261
Marvel Comics • The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1
Writer
Tom DeFalco
Interior Artist
Ron Frenz
Cover Artist
Charles Vess
Publication Date
February 1985
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Story title: 'The Sins of My Father'. Spider-Man battles the Hobgoblin (Roderick Kingsley) in a burning building while trying to protect Harry Osborn, Liz Allan, and their newborn baby, Normie Osborn.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and color-breaking ticks along the spine; blunting on the top and bottom left corners; minor edge wear and surface rubbing on the right edge; slight yellowing/toning consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15; Graded (CGC 9.8): $100 - $140
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies range from $5 to $12 depending on condition. Graded 9.8 copies have recently sold for approximately $115.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The visible spine ticks and corner wear likely cap the grade at a 6.0-7.0 range. The cost of grading would exceed the market value of the comic at this grade level.
Notable Features
Early appearance of the Hobgoblin; first cover art on The Amazing Spider-Man by Charles Vess; Direct Edition (Spider-Man head icon in UPC box); features the Black Suit (Symbiote) era Spider-Man logo/corner box.
Authentication Notes
Authentic period-correct flat finish cover stock; standard 1980s Marvel newsprint interior; correct 60-cent cover price for the 1985 publication window.