THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ##1
Marvel Comics • The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1
Writer
Stan Lee
Interior Artist
Steve Ditko
Cover Artist
Jack Kirby (pencils), Steve Ditko (inks)
Publication Date
March 1963
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First issue of the solo Amazing Spider-Man series. Features the first appearance of J. Jonah Jameson and John Jameson. The story includes the first meeting between Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four, and the first appearance of the Chameleon (Dmitri Smerdyakov).
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fair/Good (CGC 1.5)
Condition Details
Heavy spine wear with visible splitting and fiber fraying; tape present on the top left corner; multiple price stickers (yellow and pink) on the top right; severe corner blunting and creasing; noticeable tanning/soiling of the cover stock; likely interior page browning; possible detached staples given the spine condition.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5,000 - $8,000 | Graded (CGC 1.5): $10,000 - $14,000
Recent Sales
CGC 1.5 copies have recently sold for between $11,000 and $13,500. Lower grades like 0.5/1.0 consistently reach $5,000+, while 3.0 copies exceed $20,000.
Grading Recommendation
Highly Recommended. Despite the low grade, this is a 'mega-key' issue. Professional grading and encapsulation protect the investment and provide liquidity. Professional cleaning/pressing may help marginally, but tape removal and sticker residue are significant obstacles for a higher grade.
Notable Features
First 'solo' title; First appearance of the Chameleon; First appearance of J. Jonah Jameson; Cross-over with Fantastic Four; Iconic Jack Kirby cover.
Authentication Notes
The wear patterns, 12-cent price point, and specific paper aging are consistent with 1963 Silver Age stock. However, due to the high value and prevalence of reprints/fakes, physical inspection of the 'Indicia' on the first interior page and paper fiber analysis is required for absolute verification.