GUNSMOKE ##21 (10228-904)
Gold Key (Western Publishing) • Gunsmoke Vol. 2
Writer
Paul S. Newman
Interior Artist
Alberto Giolitti
Cover Artist
Photo Cover (James Arness, Ken Curtis, Milburn Stone)
Publication Date
April 1969
Cover Variant
Regular/Photo Cover
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A comic book tie-in to the legendary CBS television western. In the main story, 'The Last Errand', Marshal Matt Dillon is deceived by a set of outlaws into sending Festus Haggen on a mission that turns into a trap. Features the likenesses of the TV cast including James Arness (Matt Dillon), Ken Curtis (Festus), and Milburn Stone (Doc Adams).
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and multiple color-breaking spine ticks. Significant edge wear along the left border. Soft/blunted corners, particularly the top-left and bottom-left. Moderate surface scuffing and slight 'bag ripple' appearing on the cover. General age-related shelf wear for a book of this era.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (CGC 4.0): $25 - $35
Recent Sales
Low-to-mid grade copies of late 60s Gold Key Westerns typically sell for under $20. Recent sales for similar Gunsmoke issues in this condition range from $8 to $12 plus shipping.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading (approx. $30-$50) significantly exceeds the current market value of the book in this condition. Best kept in a fresh bag and board for personal collection.
Notable Features
Features a photo cover of the TV cast. Gold Key 15-cent price variant. Includes 'The Long Search' backup story.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Gold Key production. Features the typical 'Gold Key' logo with the key-on-shield and the 10228-904 series code distinctive of 1960s Western Publishing printings. Newsprint interior pages are likely tanned based on the external visible wear.