10 Marvel Universe Collectibles That Sold for Thousands
For collectors who value lucrative investments and nostalgia, the Marvel Universe offers a treasure trove of valuable finds. From comic books featuring your favorite superheroes to limited-edition artwork and memorabilia, these 10 Marvel Universe collectibles aren’t just fan favorites — they’re cultural artifacts that actually fetched jaw-dropping prices.
Over the years, collectors have shelled out hundreds of thousands (or even millions) for pieces that capture the essence of Marvel’s most legendary characters.
1. Amazing Fantasy #15
This 1962 comic, which features Spider-Man’s debut, is considered a cornerstone of Marvel history. In 2021, a near-mint copy with a grade of 9.6 sold for a whopping $3.6 million at auction, smashing records for the most expensive comic book ever sold at the time. The hefty price tag was attributed to the character’s iconic status, coupled with the comic’s pristine condition.
2. Fantastic Four #1
With the introduction of Marvel’s first superhero lineup, this issue from 1961 is considered another rare gem within the Marvel world. In 2022, a copy with a near-mint grading of 9.2 sold at auction for a staggering $1.5 million.
3. Deadpool’s First Appearance Artwork
The original artwork for New Mutants #98, which introduced Deadpool, was listed at auction with an eye-watering asking price of $7.5 million (because who doesn’t have several millions just sitting in their bank account?). While the final sale price hasn’t been confirmed, the piece’s valuation reflects the cultural impact of one of Marvel’s most quirky and irreverent antiheroes.
4. Captain America’s Shield
In late 2021, the shield Captain America used in “Avengers: Endgame” sold at auction for over $200,000 ($259,539 to be exact). Clearly, Chris Evans’ portrayal of a scrawny underdog-turned-super-soldier appealed to fans with deep pockets (maybe they thought the prop would bestow powers on them, too). The film itself was also praised for tying together more than a decade of Marvel storytelling, while offering a deeper look into Steve Rogers’ backstory and legacy.
5. Iron Man’s Helmet
Similarly, Tony Stark’s helmet from “Captain America: Civil War,” sold for $127,000 at auction. For Marvel fans, the item represents a key piece of Marvel film history, as it belonged to the character that recruited all the OG Avengers.
6. Marvel Comics #1
As Marvel’s first comic, this series introduced characters like the Human Torch and Namor, the Sub-Mariner. In 2022, a near-mint condition copy from 1939 sold for 2.4 million at auction, cementing its status as one of the rarest and most valuable comic books in history. Its position as the beginning of Marvel’s comic book legacy also makes it a cherished item among collectors.
7. Thanos’ Infinity Gauntlet Replica
This high-end, limited-edition replica of Thanos’ infinity gauntlet, (you know, the one he used to wipe out half the world’s population) was bought by NBA star Zion Williamson for $50,000 in a private auction. The item’s connection to “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame,” two of the highest-grossing films of all time, also helped drive its value up.
8. X-Men #1
This comic from 1963 launched the X-Men franchise that introduced iconic characters like Professor X, Cyclops, and Magneto. High-grade copies have been known to “regularly sell” for over $100,000 at auction. The ongoing popularity of the X-Men across pop culture, including on television and film, helps the comic retain its high value.
9. Incredible Hulk #1
The first appearance of the Hulk — one of Marvel’s most beloved superheroes — makes this comic a holy grail for collectors. A near-mint copy (9.2 grade) from 1962 sold for $320,000 at an auction in 2014. As one of Marvel’s earliest creations, the comic holds both historical and nostalgic value, especially for fans captivated by Dr. Bruce Banner’s transformative story arc.
10. Spider-Man Costume
Spidey fans, watch out. A suit worn by Tobey Maguire in “Spider-Man 3” sold for a cool $18,500 at auction in March, 2024. According to the listing, the “endoskeletal fiberglass shell mask includes detachable mirrored eye lenses, a mouth grill screen and a soft foam liner shaped according to Maguire’s face.” So for nearly $20k, the bidder also bought some of his germs. Not sure how to feel about that.