TIL some old issues I had were worth way more than I thought

I finally went through my dad's long boxes he left me about 6 months ago. I'm talking 80s and 90s stuff, nothing I thought was special. I pulled out this beat up copy of X-Men #266 from 1990 that I almost tossed because the cover is creased. Turns out that's the first Gambit appearance and even in rough shape it's going for like 60 bucks. I learned that condition isn't everything, sometimes the key issue itself holds value. Also found a copy of New Mutants #98 with a little writing on it, first Deadpool. Didnt even realize that character started there. So now I'm sitting here trying to decide if I should sell or keep them for the nostalgia. Anyone else ever find a surprise gem in a stack they almost ignored?

3 comments

3 Comments

matthewperry1mo ago

I mean, maybe it's just me but I'd sell them while the market's still hot. Those prices could crash any time and then you're stuck with beat up comics nobody wants.

jakewhite1mo ago

You're looking at this all wrong. That "hot market" is exactly why you should hold on, not sell. The real money in comic collecting is when you wait out the hype and let the true fans and collectors come calling down the line. A beat up copy of Amazing Fantasy #15 still goes for thousands even in rough shape because people want the history, not just the profit. If you sell now you're just giving away the long term payoff for a quick buck. The market might dip but good keys always bounce back.

loganhart1mo ago

Honest question though, who's actually out there buying beat up copies of Amazing Fantasy #15 for thousands of dollars? That's like saying every old car is a classic Mustang. Most beat up silver age books sit on eBay for months at best offer prices. The market's flooded with people trying to unload their "keys" right now. Better to cash out while speculators are paying top dollar than to be stuck holding a stack of musty paper when the next big thing comes along and everyone moves on. Guarantee you half those "hot keys" from last year are worth half what they were.