World's Finest Comics ##177
DC Comics • World's Finest Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Ross Andru
Cover Artist
Neal Adams
Publication Date
August 1968
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'The Duel of the Crime-Kings!' Superman and Batman find themselves caught in the middle of a conflict between Lex Luthor and the Joker. The heroes seemingly switch sides to assist the villains, but it is ultimately revealed as a plot to stop a larger criminal scheme.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and minor color-breaking ticks are visible along the left edge. There is a visible circular date stamp/ink arrival mark on the upper right side near the price. Corners show light rounding and minor blunting. The cover retains good gloss and color saturation, but some surface scuffing is present on the black title area.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $35 - $60; Graded (CGC/CBCS 7.0): $120 - $160
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade copies range from $40 for raw copies to approximately $150 for slabbed copies in 7.0 condition. Highly graded 9.4+ copies have reached over $450.
Grading Recommendation
Optional. At a 7.0 grade, the cost of grading plus shipping may exceed the immediate value gain. Professional pressing and cleaning could potentially bump this to a 7.5 or 8.0, making it a better candidate for encapsulation.
Notable Features
Silver Age issue; Neal Adams cover art; Silver Age Joker and Lex Luthor appearance; 12 cent cover price; National Periodical Publications (DC) logo.
Authentication Notes
The item shows authentic silver age paper aging and staple oxidation. The arrival date stamp on the cover is a common authenticating mark for newsstand distribution of that era. Color registration and dot patterns are consistent with late 1960s letterpress printing.