The Jaguar ##1
Archie Comics (Archie Adventure Series) • The Adventures of The Jaguar
Writer
Robert Bernstein
Interior Artist
John Rosenberger
Cover Artist
John Rosenberger
Publication Date
September 1961
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Origin and first appearance of The Jaguar (Ralph Hardy). When a giant serpent threatens an archeological dig, zoologist Ralph Hardy discovers a mystical belt in an ancient temple that transforms him into the powerful Jaguar.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good/Very Good (CGC 3.0)
Condition Details
The book shows significant wear including moisture staining/tide marks along the top edge, heavy creasing on the bottom right corner, blunted corners, and spine stress. There are white stickers/price tags on the front cover and noticeable yellowing of the paper stock.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $60; Graded (3.0): $80 - $110
Recent Sales
Low-grade copies (GD to VG) have recently sold between $35 and $75. Mid-grade (FN) copies range from $150 to $250.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in this condition. The moisture staining and stickers significantly lower the ceiling of the grade. The cost of grading fees would likely exceed the immediate value added.
Notable Features
Major Silver Age key issue. First appearance of The Jaguar. First appearance of the villain Cat Girl (Lydia Jordon). Features the 10 cent cover price.
Authentication Notes
Visually consistent with 1961 Silver Age production standards including newsprint paper stock, staple placement, and the specific 'Archie Adventure Series' trade dress. The oxidation and paper tanning are age-appropriate.