The Avengers Silver Age key issues are #1 (1963, team formation, CGC 6.0: $45,000 – $60,000), #4 (1964, Return of Captain America, CGC 6.0: $6,000 – $9,000), #16 (1965, "Cap's Kooky Quartet"), #28 (1966, first Collector) and #57 (1968, first Vision, CGC 8.0: $1,500 – $2,500) — essential foundations of any serious collection.
The Silver Age of the Avengers (1963-1970, issues #1-79) constitutes the historical and financial foundation of any ambitious Avengers collection. These issues introduced the characters, concepts, and team dynamics that continue to define the franchise more than 60 years later. Every first appearance in this period is a prime investment.
This guide details each key issue of the Silver Age, its historical significance, its rarity status in the CGC census, its prices by grade and the factors likely to influence its future valuation. A reference document for the collector who wants to navigate intelligently through this founding period.
Avengers #1 (September 1963) — Team Formation
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby bring together Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Ant-Man and Wasp to fight Loki. The birth of the most profitable franchise in world cinema. CGC Census: approximately 1,800 examples graded, of which only 12 are at 9.0 or above.
Price by grade (market 2025-2026)
- CGC 9.4: $350,000 – $400,000
- CGC 8.0: $90,000 – $120,000
- CGC 6.0: $45,000 – $60,000
- CGC 4.0: $20,000 – $28,000
- CGC 2.0: $8,000 – $12,000
- CGC 1.0: $4,000 – $6,000
Even an incomplete copy or one in poor condition retains significant value. Detached covers sell for $1,000 – $2,000 alone.
Avengers #4 (March 1964) — Return of Captain America
Captain America is found frozen in the Atlantic and joins the Avengers. Cap's first real "Silver Age" issue after his Golden Age appearances. Kirby's cover showing Cap breaking the ice has become a cultural symbol.
Price per grade
- CGC 9.6: $250,000 – $280,000
- CGC 9.0: $40,000 – $60,000
- CGC 8.0: $15,000 – $20,000
- CGC 6.0: $6,000 – $9,000
- CGC 4.0: $3,000 – $5,000
- CGC 2.0: $1,500 – $2,200
Valuation factors
Captain America remains the moral heart of the Marvel Universe. Each new project (Brave New World, Secret Wars) maintains demand. Rarity in high quality (low 9.0+) guarantees continued appreciation.
Avengers #16 (May 1965) — Cap's Kooky Quartet
One of Stan Lee's most daring moments: the founders (Thor, Iron Man, Giant-Man, Wasp) leave the team, replaced by three former reformed villains — Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver — under the leadership of Captain America. This issue establishes the principle of roster rotation that will define the Avengers forever.
Price per grade
- CGC 9.4: $15,000 – $25,000
- CGC 8.0: $2,000 – $3,500
- CGC 6.0: $600 – 1,000
- CGC 4.0: 200 – 350 $
Avengers #28 (May 1966) — First Collector
First appearance of the Collector (Taneleer Tivan), one of the Elders of the Universe. Character adapted in Guardians of the Galaxy (Benicio Del Toro) and present in several MCU films.
Price per grade
- CGC 9.4: $3,000 – $5,000
- CGC 8.0: 400 – 700 $
- CGC 6.0: 150 – 250 $
- CGC 4.0: 60 – 100 $
Relatively undervalued compared to its MCU importance. Potential upside if the character returns in future cosmic projects.
Avengers #48 (January 1968) — First Black Knight (Dane Whitman)
Dane Whitman's first appearance as the Black Knight, inheriting the role from his villainous uncle. Character adapted in Eternals (Kit Harington, 2021) with an MCU future promised via the Ebon Blade.
Price per grade
- CGC 9.4: $5,000 – $8,000
- CGC 8.0: $800 – $1,200
- CGC 6.0: 250 – 400 $
- CGC 4.0: 100 – 150 $
Avengers #54-55 (July-August 1968) — First appearances of Ultron
Avengers #54 features Ultron disguised as the Crimson Cowl, while #55 reveals Ultron-5 in all his metallic glory. The Avengers' most menacing recurring villain, adapted in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).
Price per grade (#55, highest rated)
- CGC 9.4: $8,000 – $12,000
- CGC 8.0: $1,000 – $1,500
- CGC 6.0: 300 – 500 $
- CGC 4.0: 100 – 180 $
Avengers #57 (October 1968) — First appearance of Vision
Roy Thomas and John Buscema introduce Vision, the synthezoid android created by Ultron from the body of the original Human Torch. The backlit cover is one of Marvel's most iconic. Vision will become one of the most iconic Avengers and a central character in the MCU.
Price per grade
- CGC 9.8: $50,000 – $60,000
- CGC 9.4: $8,000 – $12,000
- CGC 8.0: $1,500 – $2,500
- CGC 6.0: 500 – 800 $
- CGC 4.0: 200 – 300 $
Price catalysts
WandaVision propelled this number into 2021. Any new Vision project (solo series confirmed) will boost demand. The 9.8 census is tiny (less than 5 copies), making high grades almost impossible to find.
Other Silver Age keys to know
- Avengers #2 (1963)— Second appearance of the team, first confrontation with Space Phantom. CGC 8.0: $3,000 – $5,000.
- Avengers #8 (1964)— First appearance of Kang the Conqueror. CGC 8.0: $5,000 – $8,000. Immense MCU potential.
- Avengers #9 (1964)— First appearance of Wonder Man (Simon Williams). CGC 8.0: $1,500 – $2,500.
- Avengers #11 (1964)— First appearance of the original Spider-Woman and Kang as Immortus. CGC 8.0: $800 – $1,200.
- Avengers #52 (1968)— Black Panther joins the Avengers. CGC 8.0: $600 – 1,000.
- Avengers #58 (1968)— Origine de Vision. CGC 8.0 : 400 – 700 $.
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