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Marvel ‘Amazing Spider-Man’ #1 (March 1963), CGC 9.6 NM+, white pages, one of only five CGC 9.6 copies in existence and one of only three in its grade to have been offered for public sale in the past 10 years. Provenance: John B. Goodrich collection. Estimate: $350,000+. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

High-grade ‘Amazing Spider-Man’ #1 could capture $350K+ at Hake’s, July 25-26

Sheila Gibson Stoodley
Sheila Gibson Stoodley
Marvel ‘Amazing Spider-Man’ #1 (March 1963), CGC 9.6 NM+, white pages, one of only five CGC 9.6 copies in existence and one of only three in its grade to have been offered for public sale in the past 10 years. Provenance: John B. Goodrich collection. Estimate: $350,000+. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Marvel ‘Amazing Spider-Man’ #1 (March 1963), CGC 9.6 NM+, white pages, one of only five CGC 9.6 copies in existence and one of only three in its grade to have been offered for public sale in the past 10 years. Provenance: John B. Goodrich collection. Estimate: $350,000+. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

YORK, Pa. – Hake’s July 25-26 auction of pop culture memorabilia serves as an exciting virtual showcase of “firsts” – first appearances of comic book superheroes, rare first issues, and first iterations of classic action figures. The 1,930-lot sale encompasses dozens of categories of America’s most sought-after collectibles, from political and sports to Star Wars and Transformers. View the fully illustrated catalog on LiveAuctioneers.

More than 300 CGC-certified comic books will change hands, including examples of nearly all of Marvel’s key Silver Age titles. “There are even multiple copies of some of the most desirable issues, so it’s definitely going to be a ‘collector’s choice’ auction,” said Alex Winter, president of Hake’s Auctions.

Without question, the most buzzworthy comic book in the sale is a CGC 9.6 NM+ copy of Amazing Spider-Man #1 (March 1963) with white pages. It is one of only five CGC 9.6 copies known to exist and one of only three at that grade level to reach the auction marketplace in more than a decade. The most recently auctioned ASM #1, which had off-white pages as opposed to the more-desirable white pages seen in Hake’s example, sold in 2022 for $336,000. “Even the most advanced comic book collectors are expected to go after the one in our sale with a vengeance, because a better copy might not come to auction anytime soon – if ever. This is a very rare opportunity for collectors to get their hands on an incredible, very high-grade example of this key book,” Winter said.

CGC has graded a total of 4,688 Spider-Man #1 comics. The one consigned to Hake’s, from the collection of John B. Goodrich, was graded very recently and is one of the seven best copies documented in two decades of record-keeping, The issue will be displayed at Comic-Con from July 19 to 23 in San Diego and is expected to draw huge interest from fans.

Another significant book from the Marvel universe, Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962) features the first appearance of Spider-Man/Peter Parker and also introduces the agile superhero’s guardians, Aunt May and Uncle Ben. A CGC 7.5 VF copy of the book, also from the John B Goodrich collection, is entered with an auction estimate of $100,000-$200,000.

Neal Adams original pen-and-ink art for Page 19 of the DC comic book ‘Green Lantern’ Vol. 2, #80 (October 1970). Inked by Dick Giordano and Mike Peppe. Action-packed depiction from the ‘Even An Immortal Can Die!’ storyline, with Green Lantern’s power ring employed in all four panels and viewable in three of them. Size: 10.75in x 15.75in. Estimate: $20,000-$35,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Neal Adams original pen-and-ink art for Page 19 of the DC comic book ‘Green Lantern’ Vol. 2, #80 (October 1970). Inked by Dick Giordano and Mike Peppe. Action-packed depiction from the ‘Even An Immortal Can Die!’ storyline, with Green Lantern’s power ring employed in all four panels and viewable in three of them. Size: 10.75in x 15.75in. Estimate: $20,000-$35,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

As original comic book art continues to wield its impact in fine art circles, increasing numbers of collectors are flocking to Hake’s sales to acquire choice pieces. The July 25-26 event is packed with important highlights, such as Neal Adams’ original pen-and-ink art for Page 19 of the DC comic book Green Lantern Vol. 2, #80 (October 1970). Inked by Dick Giordano and Mike Peppe, the page is an action-packed depiction from the “Even An Immortal Can Die!” storyline. Green Lantern’s power ring is in use in all four panels and is viewable in three of them, including an incredible closeup view. The artwork is estimated at $20,000-$35,000.

Howard Chaykin pen-and-ink original art for Page 26 of the Marvel comic book ‘Star Wars’ #1 (July 1977) and from Part I of the ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ movie adaptation. Features Luke Skywalker searching for C-3PO and R2-D2 at the Lars Homestead. First time original art from this particular issue has ever appeared at auction. Last of six panels is artist-signed. Marvel copyright stamp on verso. Size: 10.5in x 15.75in. Opening bid: $10,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Howard Chaykin pen-and-ink original art for Page 26 of the Marvel comic book ‘Star Wars’ #1 (July 1977) and from Part I of the ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ movie adaptation. Features Luke Skywalker searching for C-3PO and R2-D2 at the Lars Homestead. First time original art from this particular issue has ever appeared at auction. Last of six panels is artist-signed. Marvel copyright stamp on verso. Size: 10.5in x 15.75in. Opening bid: $10,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

Comic book, comic art and Star Wars collectors will likely engage in a crossover bidding war for Howard Chaykin’s pen-and-ink original art for Page 26 of the Marvel comic book Star Wars #1 (July 1977), and also from Part I of the Star Wars: A New Hope movie adaptation. The six panels – the last of which is artist-signed – show Luke Skywalker searching for C-3PO and R2-D2 at the Lars Homestead. This offering marks another first for Hake’s, since original art from this debut issue has never before appeared at any auction. It has an opening bid of $10,000.

Kenner, 1979, Star Wars Boba Fett L-slot rocket-firing prototype action figure, AFA 75+ EX+/NM, 3.75in tall, unpainted, no rocket. Accompanied by notarized CIB COA. Estimate: $100,000-$200,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Kenner, 1979, Star Wars Boba Fett L-slot rocket-firing prototype action figure, AFA 75+ EX+/NM, 3.75in tall, unpainted, no rocket. Accompanied by notarized CIB COA. Estimate: $100,000-$200,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

The Star Wars thrills continue with action figures, led by a 1979 Kenner Boba Fett L-slot rocket-firing prototype. AFA-graded 75+ EX+/NM, the unpainted 3.75-inch-tall figure does not have its rocket accessory, but that should not deter fans of early Star Wars toy productions. “It should still hit six figures,” Winter said. Accompanied by a notarized CIB COA, the figure will cross the auction block with an estimate of $100,000-$200,000.

Kenner, 1978, Star Wars Luke Skywalker 12 Back-C action figure with double-telescoping lightsaber, AFA 85 NM+ (highest-graded example ever auctioned by Hake’s), 3.75in tall. Card unpunched, no price sticker. Archival case. Estimate: $50,000-$75,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Kenner, 1978, Star Wars Luke Skywalker 12 Back-C action figure with double-telescoping lightsaber, AFA 85 NM+ (highest-graded example ever auctioned by Hake’s), 3.75in tall. Card unpunched, no price sticker. Archival case. Estimate: $50,000-$75,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

The highest-graded (AFA 85 NM+) example of a 1978 Kenner Star Wars Luke Skywalker 12 Back-C action figure ever to be offered by Hake’s will make its appearance complete with its double-telescoping lightsaber, on an unpunched card with no price sticker. The 3.75-inch figure in its archival case is one of the nicest of any of its type known to exist and is cataloged with a $50,000-$75,000 estimate.

Original movie prop from ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope: Destruction of the Death Star,’ used in film’s climactic ‘Trench Run’ sequence in which Luke Skywalker and other Rebel Alliance pilots navigate perilous conditions to ultimately destroy the Death Star. Painted polyurethane foam panel crafted circa 1977 by Industrial Light & Magic’s model miniature department. Size: 17.25in x 22in x 4in deep. Estimate: $35,000-$50,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Original movie prop from ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope: Destruction of the Death Star,’ used in film’s climactic ‘Trench Run’ sequence in which Luke Skywalker and other Rebel Alliance pilots navigate perilous conditions to ultimately destroy the Death Star. Painted polyurethane foam panel crafted circa 1977 by Industrial Light & Magic’s model miniature department. Size: 17.25in x 22in x 4in deep. Estimate: $35,000-$50,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

An original movie prop from Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope: Destruction of the Death Star ranks among the most iconic and immediately identifiable film props Hake’s has ever handled. Painted polyurethane-foam panel comes from the climactic “Trench Run” sequence in which Luke Skywalker and other Rebel Alliance pilots navigate perilous conditions to ultimately destroy the Death Star. It was created around 1977 by Industrial Light & Magic’s model miniature department and is expected to sell for $35,000-$50,000.

Cardback photoart (airbrushed/enhanced photographs) depicting (L to R) Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as The Joker from Kenner’s 1990 ‘Batman: The Dark Knight Collection.’ Both artworks served as masters for mass-produced printed images on toy packaging and action figure cardbacks. Each measures 20in x 23in and has an individual estimate of $10,000-$20,000. Images courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Cardback photoart (airbrushed/enhanced photographs) depicting (L to R) Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as The Joker from Kenner’s 1990 ‘Batman: The Dark Knight Collection.’ Both artworks served as masters for mass-produced printed images on toy packaging and action figure cardbacks. Each measures 20in x 23in and has an individual estimate of $10,000-$20,000. Images courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

Original photoart (airbrushed/enhanced photographs) from Kenner’s 1990 “Batman: The Dark Knight Collection” will debut at Hake’s in the form of portraits of Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as The Joker. Both of the artworks served as masters for mass-produced printed images on Kenner toy packaging and action figure cardbacks. Each measures 20 by 23 inches and carries a $10,000-$20,000 estimate.

Hasbro, 1984, Transformers Series 1 Optimus Prime Autobot Commander in rare ‘overprint’ box with Trademark logo as opposed to less-rare Registered logo, AFA 80 NM (Error Box / Light Blue Trailer). One of only three sealed examples graded by AFA. Extremely hard-to-find toy in original factory state due to brief production run before errors were corrected. Estimate $35,000-$50,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Hasbro, 1984, Transformers Series 1 Optimus Prime Autobot Commander in rare ‘overprint’ box with Trademark logo as opposed to less-rare Registered logo, AFA 80 NM (Error Box / Light Blue Trailer). One of only three sealed examples graded by AFA. Extremely hard-to-find toy in original factory state due to brief production run before errors were corrected. Estimate $35,000-$50,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

Hasbro Transformers have really come on strong at Hake’s last few outings. In the July 25-26 sale, a formidable lineup of the multifunctional toys is led by a 1984, Transformers Series 1 Optimus Prime Autobot Commander. It comes with a rare “overprint” box that displays a Trademark logo as opposed to a less-rare Registered logo. It is AFA-graded 80 NM (Error Box / Light Blue Trailer) and is one of only three sealed examples ever to have been graded by the service. Because so few of the toys were produced before the box errors were corrected, the auction example is extremely rare, warranting a pre-sale estimate of $35,000-$50,000.

From a 1960 series of political campaign buttons known as the ‘JFK Big Four,’ which will be auctioned by Hake’s as four consecutive lots, this is a very rare ‘Democracy For Jack Kennedy’ portrait button. It is regarded as the anchor to the coveted set. Size: 3.5in diameter. Estimate: $20,000-$35,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
From a 1960 series of political campaign buttons known as the ‘JFK Big Four,’ which will be auctioned by Hake’s as four consecutive lots, this is a very rare ‘Democracy For Jack Kennedy’ portrait button. It is regarded as the anchor to the coveted set. Size: 3.5in diameter. Estimate: $20,000-$35,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

Obscure, sometimes previously unknown political memorabilia is routinely found in Hake’s sales, and the July event is no exception. A complete set of impossibly rare 1960 campaign buttons known as the “JFK Big Four” – arguably in the same league as the exalted Cox and Roosevelt jugate buttons – will be auctioned as consecutive lots. A 3.5-inch “Democracy For Jack Kennedy” portrait button, considered the jewel of the elusive set, will be offered with a $20,000-$35,000 estimate.

1910 postcard from the sought-after ‘PC796 Sepia Postcards’ series. Depicts Ty Cobb (HOF) shaking hands with Honus Wagner (HOF) at the 1909 World Series which pitted Cobb’s Detroit Tigers against Wagner’s ultimately victorious Pittsburgh Pirates. PSA-graded 2 (MK) Good. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
1910 postcard from the sought-after ‘PC796 Sepia Postcards’ series. Depicts Ty Cobb (HOF) shaking hands with Honus Wagner (HOF) at the 1909 World Series which pitted Cobb’s Detroit Tigers against Wagner’s ultimately victorious Pittsburgh Pirates. PSA-graded 2 (MK) Good. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

An early treasure from the sale’s fascinating array of sports memorabilia is a 1910 postcard from the sought-after “PC796 Sepia Postcards” series. It depicts Hall of Famers Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner shaking hands at the 1909 World Series, which pitted Cobb’s Detroit Tigers against Wagner’s ultimately victorious Pittsburgh Pirates. PSA-graded 2 (MK) Good, it comes to auction with a $10,000-$20,000 estimate.

From a selection of fine jewelry by premier designers and watchmakers, a Tiffany & Co. (marked), 18K white gold, 17-jewel ladies pendant watch with accompanying 22in guilloche enameled station chain. Back of watch case adorned with 1.00 carat of old rose-cut diamonds. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
From a selection of fine jewelry by premier designers and watchmakers, a Tiffany & Co. (marked), 18K white gold, 17-jewel ladies pendant watch with accompanying 22in guilloche enameled station chain. Back of watch case adorned with 1.00 carat of old rose-cut diamonds. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

From a selection of fine jewelry by distinguished designers and watchmakers, a Tiffany & Co. (marked) 18K white gold, 17-jewel ladies pendant watch comes with a 22-inch guilloche enameled station chain. The back of the watch case is elegantly adorned with 1.00 carat of old rose-cut diamonds. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000

Hake’s July 25-26 auction is now open for bidding. For a free printed catalog or additional information on any item in the sale, call 866-404-9800 (toll-free) or 717-434-1600; or email hakes@hakes.com.

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