1969 AOR-4.118 OHB-A The Sons, Elvin Bishop, Stoneground at the University of San Diego April 1969
In the 1960s, we saw a handful of posters featuring famous superheroes. While I personally am drawn to posters that feature Batman, this handbill with The Incredible Hulk is fantastic and eye-catching! This is an officially licensed piece from Marvel Comics and came out during what many call the Marvel Era of comics (later Silver Age).
This period in Marvel Comics saw the introduction of many of their iconic characters -- Spider-Man, Thor, Iron Man, and of course the Hulk. Illustrated by Tad Hunter, this colorful handbill was created for The Sons, Elvin Bishop, and Stoneground show at the University of San Diego in April 1969.
This CGC blue label 7.5 presents extremely well with bright, vivid colors. The last time a 7.5 example sold was in September 2020 for $168. As this is a very niche handbill at a mid-high grade, this could still end around the $170 mark. This is a beautiful handbill and would be perfect for any comic collector.
1994 NF-162-OP-1 Johnny Cash, Ted Hawkins at The Fillmore September 1994
Johnny Cash, the iconic man in black, is a personal favorite artist of mine. As luck would have it though, I had never heard any of his music until the day VH1 announced his death and played several of his songs back to back. He'd become a mythological figure by this time, having been an active performer since the 1950s. His death in September 2003 came just four months after June Carter Cash's passing. Yet nearly 10 years prior, Cash was performing at the infamous Fillmore in San Francisco, CA. The set list that evening featured 28 of Cash's songs, starting with Folsom Prison Blues and ending with Wanted Man.
This 1994 poster features Cash front and center with his guitar behind him. This concert also featured Ted Hawkins as well as the Pajama Party Orchestra. This CGC blue label 9.9 is as good as it gets when it comes to grades. Just shy of a perfect 10 -- which is hard to come by -- this vintage poster is beautiful.
While this is an impossibly high grade, there are a few CGC 10 examples on the census as well. Sales data is hard to come by for this example, but a 9.8 sold for $450 in September 2022. Given the grade and how seldom this poster comes to auction, this could very well sell for over $500.
1966 FD-26-OHB-A Grateful Dead Avalon Ballroom Signed Mouse Handbill
Without a doubt, this piece is one of the most iconic pieces of art from this era of music. The skeleton with the flower crown has been recreated for decades since its introduction in the 1960s and became synonymous with The Grateful Dead. Only the infamous dead bears can come close to just how well-known this single piece of art is.
Artist Stanley Mouse combined Art Nouveau with psychedelic art creating several iconic and imaginative pieces. He also created art for The Beatles, Journey, Janis Joplin, and The Rolling Stones.
This is the item to collect from the era, and seeing one for sale -- especially a signed example -- is simply incredible. This CGC blue label 9.8 is one of the best handbills I've ever come across and deserves a spot in your collection. The one-year average on similar examples is $4250, but this piece could frankly go for much more.
Check out all the items up for bids in this stunning auction!
