The X-Men #19
Marvel Comics • The X-Men Vol. 1
Writer
Stan Lee
Interior Artist
Jay Gavin (Werner Roth)
Cover Artist
Jack Kirby and Jay Gavin (Werner Roth)
Publication Date
April 1966
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Calvin Rankin (The Mimic). The story, 'Lo! Now Shall Appear the Mimic!', features Rankin gaining the abilities of the X-Men and battling them after being rejected by Professor X.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible date stamp in upper left ('FEB 22 1966'), moderate spine stress with color breaking, blunting at top and bottom left corners, minor edge wear along the right side, some surface soiling/foxing in the white areas, and a slight vertical bend/crease visible on the right side.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $200 - $350; Graded (CGC 5.0): $400 - $550
Recent Sales
Recent Heritage and eBay sales for mid-grade raw copies vary between $250 and $400 depending on eye appeal; CGC 6.0 copies have recently topped $650.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading for preservation and authentication but unlikely to see a massive value jump unless it hits a 7.0+ after a professional clean and press. Estimated grade: 5.0 to 5.5.
Notable Features
First appearance of Mimic; Silver Age Key Issue; Calvin Rankin is the first non-mutant to join the X-Men (later as a member); Date stamp 'FEB 22 1966' on front cover.
Authentication Notes
Signs of authenticity include 12 cent price point, correct 1966 trade dress, authentic newsprint aging, and correct color registration of the red/purple X-Men logo and title.