Daredevil Silver Age Key Issues: Essential Comics from the 1960s-70s

Daredevil's Silver Age period (1964-1970, issues #1 to approximately #70) lays the foundation for the character and contains the first appearances that command the title's highest prices. Although the run is not as narratively mature as the Miller era, these issues possess a rarity and historical significance that places them at the top of the value hierarchy.

This guide analyzes eachkey issue of Daredevil Silver Age, with current ratings by condition, the CGC census, and valuation prospects for collectors and investors.

Daredevil #1 (April 1964) — The Origin

Content :first appearance of Matt Murdock/Daredevil, Franklin "Foggy" Nelson, Karen Page, and the villain The Fixer. Complete origins: accident with radioactive material, death of Battlin' Jack Murdock, oath of revenge. Cover attributed to Jack Kirby (uncredited), interiors by Bill Everett with finishing touches by Steve Ditko.

Ratings by condition:

• CGC 9.4: $250,000-280,000 (record: $264,000)
• CGC 8.0: $45,000-55,000
• CGC 6.0: $18,000-24,000
• CGC 4.0: $8,000-12,000
• CGC 2.0: $3,500-5,000
• CGC 1.0: $1,800-2,800

Census CGC:approximately 2,850 graded copies. Distribution: 5 in 9.4+, 45 in 8.0-9.2, majority in 3.0-6.0. The rarity in high condition is extreme compared to other 1964 Marvel titles.

Points of vigilance:high restoration rate (~15% of submissions). Check the married covers, the color touch on the yellow of the original costume, and the trimming. UK price variant (pence) copies exist and command 60-70% of the standard price.

Daredevil #2 (June 1964) — First Electro vs. Daredevil

Content :first villain borrowed from another title (Electro, enemy of Spider-Man). Cover by Jack Kirby. Second appearance of Daredevil, confirmation of the concept of the series.

Odds:CGC 9.0: $3,000-4,500. CGC 6.0: $600-900. CGC 4.0: $250-400. The issue benefits from cross-title Spider-Man interest and the Kirby cover.

Daredevil #3 (August 1964) — First The Owl

Content :first appearance of Leland Owlsley/The Owl, one of DD's first recurring villains. The character appears in the Netflix series, driving demand.

Odds:CGC 9.0: $2,000-3,000. CGC 6.0: $400-600. CGC 4.0: $150-250. Underrated compared to its narrative importance in the adaptations.

Daredevil #4 (October 1964) — First Killgrave (Purple Man)

Content :first appearance of Zebediah Killgrave, the Purple Man. Villain who became central in the series Jessica Jones (Netflix) played by David Tennant. The adaptation's explosive popularity propelled this issue.

Odds:CGC 9.0: $3,500-5,000. CGC 6.0: $600-900. CGC 4.0: $200-350. This number quintupled in value between 2014 and 2016 thanks to Jessica Jones. Demand remains strong.

Daredevil #7 (April 1965) — First Red Suit

Content :Matt Murdock abandons his original yellow and red costume for the all-red costume that will become iconic. First appearance of Daredevil's definitive look, the one the public knows. Guest appearance by Sub-Mariner.

Odds:CGC 9.4: $5,400 (Heritage 2021 record). CGC 8.0: $1,200-1,800. CGC 6.0: $500-800. CGC 4.0: $200-350. A fundamental number whose value is based on a simple but powerful concept: the definitive look.

Census:only 12 copies in 9.0+ out of around 600 total grades. Rarity in high condition supports high prices.

Daredevil #16-17 (May-June 1966) — First Spider-Man crossover

Content :Spider-Man guest stars in a two-part story. John Romita Sr drawing #16 (his first Daredevil cover). The DD/Spider-Man crossover will become a tradition of the title.

Odds #16:CGC 9.0: $800-1,200. CGC 6.0: $200-350. CGC 4.0: $80-130. Spider-Man appeal doubles the potential collector base.

Daredevil #18 (July 1966) — First Gladiator appearance

Content :first appearance of Melvin Potter/Gladiator, recurring villain who appears in the Netflix series. A long-ignored number that has gained value thanks to adaptations.

Odds:CGC 9.0: $400-600. CGC 6.0: $100-180. Still relatively accessible for a first appearance of a character with screen presence.

Daredevil #20 (September 1966) — Debut Gene Colan

Content :Gene Colan took over the drawing and remained on the title for over 100 issues. His fluid, atmospheric, cinematic style defined Daredevil's aesthetic for a decade. An important editorial transition issue.

Odds:CGC 9.0: $300-500. CGC 6.0: $80-130. Underrated for its importance as an era start.

Daredevil #36 (January 1968) — First Doctor Fear

Content :first appearance of Mister Fear (Zoltan Drago), recurring villain concept with several bearers of the title. Gene Colan at the visual peak.

Odds:CGC 9.0: $250-400. CGC 6.0: $60-100. Pure collector's number without immediate MCU catalyst.

Daredevil #53 (June 1969) — Origin Detailed

Content :complete retelling of Daredevil's origins with additional details compared to #1. Important for character continuity and often used as a canonical reference.

Odds:CGC 9.0: $200-300. CGC 6.0: $50-80. Accessible and interesting for the origin-stories completist.

Silver Age acquisition strategy

Silver Age Daredevil is a bargain in patience. Prices are high for the top-tier (#1, #4, #7) and moderate for the rest. The recommended strategy:

• Priority 1:DD #7 in FN-VF ($500-1,000) — the most “collectible” issue after #1, with a still reasonable price.
• Priority 2:DD #4 in VG-FN ($200-500) — first appearance with proven MCU catalyst.
• Priority 3:DD #1 at the best grade your budget allows — even a 1.0 is significant.
• Completion:the “filler” numbers (#5-6, #8-15, #19-50) can be found in VG for $30-80 each. Ideal for batches.

The Silver Age DD market is less liquid than that of Spider-Man or X-Men: issues take longer to sell but prices are also more stable, with less speculative volatility.