If you have vintage comic books, you may be wondering what they’re worth. Even if you don’t plan to sell your collection, it’s important to know when you have a valuable comic book on your hands so you can treat it with extra care and possibly include it on an insurance policy. Here are the top indicators of a high-value comic book.

4 Reasons Your Comic Book Might Be Valuable

1. Famous Characters

Comic books with the most popular heroes and villains are usually worth more. Superman™ and Batman™ are among the most valuable DC® heroes, while Spider-Man™, Captain America™, and the Hulk™ are popular among the Marvel® heroes. Comic books with a first appearance by a famous hero or villain are frequently more valuable than subsequent issues featuring that character.

2. Condition

Check your comic book for tears, dog-eared pages, and creases. A comic book that looks like it’s been read frequently or stored improperly will be worth less than one in crisp condition. You can have the condition officially graded by the Comic Book Certification Service, which you should consider if you think you have a rare or valuable item and are interested in selling it.

3. Age

Older comics in good condition are rarer and therefore worth more. If you have something from the 1970s or earlier, you should consider having it evaluated or doing a little research of your own to see if it’s valuable.

4. Issue Number

The lower the issue number, the earlier the comic appeared in a series. Lower issue numbers usually mean higher values. Sometimes, though, a company will relaunch a series and start again with issue one. That newer issue one isn’t going to be as valuable as the true first issue of a series. Additionally, there are some series where the issue with the first appearance of a character is more valuable than the actual original issue. But, in general, a low issue number is a good indicator of value.

Interested in buying or selling comic books? Visit Leone’s Collectibles in Rochester, NY. You’ll find an impressive array of collectible vinyl, magazines, and vintage toys. Whether you want to add to your own collection, pick up a gift for the collector in your life, or sell your collection, the friendly staff will help. Call (585) 865-­4260, or like Leone’s Collectibles on Facebook to get the latest information about what’s in stock.