Trading Card Gum Group
Vintage trading cards are some of my favorite easy-to-collect items. Trading cards originated from advertisement cards used in cigarette packs, but in the 1860s things changed. With baseball becoming a big American sport, baseball trading cards were printed and sold with both candy and cigarettes. The trend to sell candy and trading cards is still alive today, and many vintage trading cards can be worth serious money.
In this week's auction, Heritage is offering a group of 59 cards from the 1930s through 1940s. Some of the cards included feature Tarzan, Popeye, the Lone Ranger, and more. This set would be ideal for fans of pulp and Platinum age cartoons, or anyone who appreciates older media! Heritage notes the lot as ranging in condition from Fair to Very Good. Finding a price on these items is hard, but Heritage has sold vintage trading card groups that have fetched over $1K.
The Amazing Spider-Man #1
What else can be said about The Amazing Spider-Man #1? This silver-age comic was Spidey's first solo series, which is still being published today. Considered to be a grail by many, ASM #1 is a top pick for investors and collectors alike. Ever since Marvel was able to use Spider-Man in the popular Marvel Cinematic Universe, this book has reached new heights of popularity. The Overstreet Price Guide has this book listed on their Top 50 Silver Age Comics year after year, and for good reason. Spider-Man is one of the most popular and defining characters of the Silver-Age era, who will be relevant for decades to come.
This blue label CGC 4.5 features off-white pages and presents very well. With a book like this, grade seems to be secondary -- though a lower grade can make it more affordable for collectors. The one-year average for a 4.5 copy is $16,464, with a 13-day average of $13,432. Prices do cool on this book from time to time but do not let that deter you. This book will always be in high demand.
The Sub Mariner #1
Namor, as his enemies call him, has been a personal favorite of mine for years. The Sub-Mariner was one of the first characters ever introduced by Timely/Marvel in Marvel Comics #1 (October 1939) so his time to shine has been long overdue. Namor has seen it all through the decades and was the subject of several comics. This solo series from 1968 re-introduced him as a nemesis to the Fantastic Four, who he still antagonizes to this day. With his MCU introduction in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Namor is primed to take his place in the franchise.
While this book was hot prior to Wakanda Forever's release, sales have cooled on it. This raw copy is noted as being in Good Condition with moisture damage, tanning, and foxing. This is a great copy for a fan of the character or someone who doesn't mind low-grade books, but this may not be a wise choice for investors. The one-year average for CGC blue label 2.0's is $195, so it would be reasonable to spend less than $130 on this book.
