Which Comic Was The Best Buy? Amazing Fantasy 15, King of the Silver Age

[@l.greenemachine66]

The second one with the purple label I like the way the red really pops still on his Spidey suit.

[@davelaughey431]

I'm a collector who lives in the UK and I buy pence copies if possible, (usually UK sellers, so postage is significantly cheaper)!!.But I feel despite many good KZbin channels like yourself,(who presents the facts on the UK price variants print history and rarity) that the stigma of a strange denomination on the cover will never be accepted by the majority of collector's. I say this with great sadness because I think they should be a accepted for the very rare collectables that they are. Thanks for all the excellent content Ryan it's much appreciated. 👍👍

[@AutomaticComics]

Always like to hear insights from collectors in other countries, and thanks for watching 👍

[@Phrawst25]

The faded color of the US blue copy makes me want the purple label. 😂

[@l.greenemachine66]

Oh my God, number three the red looks even better! Wow thanks for this video. Very informative again.

[@AutomaticComics]

Yeah, it’s interesting how the pence copies always seem to have deep colors like that.

[@MetalBum]

@@AutomaticComicsI wonder if the UK pence editions are earlier prints? Is that why the colors are deeper and brighter on those UK variants?

[@TheDiceMustFlow]

Thanks for the analysis Ryan! This was really intersting to watch.. now to figure out how to parley that into an ASM #1!

[@kurtcruppenink6143]

Thanks for the informative video on a topic not often touched upon. Great food for thought.

[@michaeltan4204]

Would love to have the pence copy. But since these books are already way beyond my budget I don't think about it anymore. Thanks for the interesting scenario.

[@SBAVoltronProdt]

Great vid. I’ll keep this in mind when I can afford this book in the future hopefully 😂

[@calvinpoulsen9083]

I have a couple of Avengers pence comic, I agree on the colors, Great video, thanks.

[@kestonsoldschoolcomicbooks6842]

Great video Ryan. Interesting topic and clearly explained. It's rare to put these three books head to head to head. Totally agree with you that there is this strange floor effect with the silver-age keys. People are so hungry to get a copy that the floor is elevated. But, the 3.0s to the 4.5s are much better deals. I bought a 3.5 a few years ago just for that reason. 2.0s were selling for 15k at the time, and I was able to snag a 3.5 for just under 20k. Seemed like a no brainer to me. If there's compression in pricing, I want the high end of that compression :-)

[@AutomaticComics]

I feel the same way. Whenever you see that price compression, get the best one possible.

[@davidnix1590]

I only had a budget of $25k. Was the 2nd highest bidder in the premium auction for a CBCS restored 8.5. The professional restoration was color touch, staples replaced, cover cleaned and reinforced. THAT was the deal of last week.

[@MetalBum]

Great analysis can you do like this for maybe a grail from Bronze Age like GSX 1 or MS 5?

[@mistere.thelowgradeking5514]

I actually have Strange Tales #110 ($630), Tales to Astonish #44 ($244), Journey into Mystery #85 ($260), Iron man #55 ($320) and Tomb of Dracula #10 ($480) in pence copies. The reason why is they were cheaper and the only copies I could afford at that time. They were about half of what the cent copies were at the time. I have a budget I stick to. I bought the copies from the UK at different times. I just bought Journey into Mystery #94 pence copy for $70.75. I would definitely buy Amazing Fantasy #15 pence copy. Loved the video!!!

[@alienfleet3702]

I think you nailed it. My order is the same. For those that don't know, here's the CGC census breakdown for AF15: Universal - 2362 Restored - 946 UK Price Variant - 56 There are 298 Signature Series (not sure of breakdown between Universal and Restored) There are 14 Restored UK Price Variants, plus 4 Signature Series IMO, UK Price Variant has the greatest upside. For years, they called them the UK Edition, with many considering them a reprint. We now know that's not true, and as Ryan said, they are identical to the cents version in every way except for price(and no date under issue number.) They were printed at the same place, at the same time.

[@HaveNoFearComix]

Interesting analysis. I completely agree about the brightness of pence copies. Although I agree pence copies sell for about 70-75 of cents copies in the U.S. , I can tell you they sell for the same amount here in the UK, this was not the case 10/20 years ago when Cents were more sought after, in fact some UK collectors are willing to pay slightly more for pence copies of mega grails. Another thing I've noticed recently is that I've been selling more pence copies to the U.S. but only in higher grade keys 8.0+ especially when that places the book in the top 5-10 U.K. graded of that issue.

[@newcompasscollectibles]

Do you have a store or instagram page I can follow? Will be looking to fill out some of my pence keys over time.

[@AutomaticComics]

Thanks for your insight from the UK. That’s interesting about the difference in pricing there.

[@captain_uk]

A really enjoyable video I think the differences in prices sum up the story, a vast majority of my collection is cents copies I have always been of the opinion in 50 years of collecting that I am collecting American comic books so cents copies for me have always been far more desireable, I do have pence copies in the collection but very few and completely get that some people do have a preference for pence copies especially long time UK collectors I think a part of this is nostalga its what they bought off the stands and you are right a lot of the times the printing does seem to be more vibrant on pence copies more than likely because they had to be off the presses first for the sake of shipping at a time when it really was SHIPPING and they probs had a month long journey across the Atlantic that is why they never put a month on the cover of the pence books so that they would have a longer shelf life. As for restored books well it depends what the restoration is to me, I can live with some spine glue but wont consider colour touch.

[@christianb.4517]

Hey Ryan. Thanks for sharing your opinion and knowledge about the af15. Im fortunate to own one. It's a 1.5 cgc yellow label. Do you have an estimate as of how much mines will be worth? I'm loving the avengers 1 and x men 5 I got from you. You are truly a professional guy!

[@AutomaticComics]

Stan lee signatures can be tough. They often add a pretty significant premium to the big keys. But you have to find the right buyer that is looking for that signed book. But from the video I had a 1.5 at $18,000 right now so I could see a stan Lee signed copy go for potentially $22-25k. With lower grades it also depends how well the book presents, and the signature placement.

[@melw2100]

I wouldn’t hesitate to pink up a pence copy. I do believe that was the best value.

[@dailycomicsfix]

Awesome video Ryan!! I'm convinced people think pence copies are reprints or not part of the original American print run....or printed overseas and think of them as foreign books. It makes no sense that Canadian/Australian price variants fetch a premium over American cents copies but UK price variants are a fraction of the American copies. Keep up the great videos!!!

[@AutomaticComics]

Thanks 👍

[@Saboten_Ken]

Hi Ryan, another entertaining video. I agree with all your points but would discount the restored copy even further. I’ve personally started with an unrestored AF 15 raw that ended with a cgc 4.5. I then traded this copy and a blue label X-Men 1 cgc 9.2 (I bought raw in 1990 from Motor City) with $2K cash for an 8.0 bucket list AF 15 over 14 years ago. The AF 15 is my pride and joy !!

[@DanSchawbel]

Very interesting

[@eggplantcomics8336]

Great video! So which one did you buy? Lol Do you think it would have been different if they ran them in a different order? Pence/restored/universal?

[@AutomaticComics]

None of them for me =). It’s possible the prices may have been different in another order, but impossible to know for sure.

[@rwc3500]

Love the topic - totally agree there aren't really any right or wrong answers - it's what someone is looking for for their own needs. For me, I would lean towards the 2.0 restored. Not so much because of potential ROI for the removal, but more for the appearance. The universal was real close, but agreed the price felt a little high. I also personally wouldn't plan on buying a AF15 for resale purposes, just for the personal collection. Yes, I do know that someday I (or my heirs) would sell the book, but its more enjoyable for me for the aesthetic vs pure financial qualities of a AF15.

[@AutomaticComics]

I’m rooting for you. I hope you keep the 2.0. That would be a great win with that book. When it eventually comes back please let me know how it turns out.

[@rocketfighter8]

I got my slabed AF15 at less than $2000 a point 13 years ago.

[@paulshores8166]

I saw a video not too long ago of someone who had purchased a TTA27 pence copy and I believe that was where I heard quoted maybe 2 to 5 % of total print run back then was pence varieties. I know most American collectors want American copies, but if you are interested in rarity, then shouldn't these be looked at the same as the 30c to 35c 1970s American price variations? Sure, this comment won't change the general consensus, but it's definitely worth a consideration. And at a certain point, don't you just want a copy of the book, anyway?

[@AutomaticComics]

That was probably Bry’s comics. I think he got a pence copy of TTA 27.

[@MetalBum]

Good one buddy automaticcccc

[@newcompasscollectibles]

I think the UK price variants are awesome opportunities for buying into the major keys at a discount. Even if the price gap never closes, you save a bit of $ compared to the cents, and you get the upside of the scarcity. I don't think they should go for a premium, but I definitely don't think they should go for less than a restored cents copy. (Disclosure: I purchased the ASM 1, 3 and 6 uk price variants from this same auction :) ). It really hurt for me to let that pence copy go by but I just couldn't pay that price today. (Plus a little ding on the spider-man symbol on the chest was a detractor compared to the other two). Such a rare event to have this side by side comparison it's a perfect opportunity to have this discussion so thanks for highlighting it.

[@AutomaticComics]

There were a ton of pence copies in this auction. More than I think I’ve ever seen in a single auction before.

[@briangmurray6367]

Interesting comparison Ryan. Yes, pence variants should sell more than cents copies due to (as you said) scarcity. I believe they will start moving upwards, especially as there are FEW very high grade pence copies. I would like to see say an AF15 (say 9.4) sell as that should command a premium as that would be extremely scarce. (Oh, and as based in the UK, I will always be bias towards the pence variants and I have also heard they were printed before the cents copies)

[@barbaracoughlin6355]

I have a couple comics that I found after a while of searching but I don't know if they'd be would be worth something. Due to my age I am not knowledgeable of these things and was curious if I could set up a way to contact you and send you pictures to get an honest opinion.

[@pbales8951]

While pence copies would not necessarily be my first choice with all things being equal, I'd definitely take the pence copy in this case--leaving me $10K towards ASM 1. I would not knowingly purchase a restored copy of a comic--and in this case, it's a no-brainer to take the pence copy over the restored copy... especially at considerably less money.

[@bobmatteis4130]

Hey Ryan I was on your LIVE last week it was awesome. Well this proved a point to me because I am Bob in Connecticut and I always thought the UK version would always go for less but my friend has a comic book store for 30 years in Connecticut and he doesn’t think I am right but this proves my point. I told you a few times I have amazing fantasy 15 6.0 and I have my restored copy 8.0 No trimming and the restored I only paid $450 many years ago from the Comic newspaper comics buyers guide

[@bobmatteis4130]

@@User8vfjhejf because everybody asked me where I am from so I solve that by saying where I am from😳😳😳

[@bobmatteis4130]

@@User8vfjhejf 😮😮😮😮😮

[@bobmatteis4130]

@@User8vfjhejf This is all about comic book collecting I don’t work because of comic books I was a bartender. What the hell do you have that’s any better than amazing fantasy 15??? You probably don’t have shit!!!!

[@bobmatteis4130]

Tell me what you have that’s any better do you have all star comix 8 The first appearance of wonder woman do you have a copy of Superman 1 well I don’t have the wonder woman but I do have a copy of Superman 1 5.0 moderate professional restoration no trimming I only paid $12,500 for that book. I like to hear what everybody has that’s why the hell you are on here anyway or why the hell are you on comic books on KZbin if you don’t give a shit🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@omegaread3719]

Bob! Don’t let Kevin bother you. I’ve been following Ryan’s account for nearly two years now and have always enjoyed when you chime in about the books you’ve collected! Your sharing is always appreciated.

[@edwingeisslerjr.6371]

What about the Restored book? Since it already has restoration, go full Restoration. I would want Universal 2.0 personally but profit wise would this be the smartest move?

[@comicfanagain8405]

For a book of that caliber, I wud want a US edition!

[@kristopherjones8397]

The pence copy, by far!

[@ronaldbourgeois1255]

Friend of mine sold one few years ago 5.0 and got $10,000.00 now they realize they could’ve held on to it longer.

[@miguelh4750]

Strange that the pence copy doesn't have AUG. bellow 15 in the square

[@etrx87]

It's kind of crazy that that small cent price can be worth upwards of 10k! It's like Hulk 181... I guess people only buy that book for the Marvel value stamp because without it the book is like half-price 😂

[@kevinjameson7817]

I think I would have gone with the pence too. But right now my investment money is going to my son’s college education.

[@AutomaticComics]

Definitely a good priority =)

[@thomaspalmer6453]

I think there’s to much credence given to the “per point” method of valuing books. Collectors don’t really think about that when purchasing books.

[@AutomaticComics]

You may not think that’s how collectors actively think about pricing, but that’s generally how it works out. It’s only natural that books would increment up in price based on condition/rarity in grade.

[@benmatthaei3576]

I am not very knowledgeable about professional restoration, but if that glue cannot be removed is it also possible that some more professional, extensive restoration could at least help the restored grade of this book. I am not really sure how much could be done on this particular book, but does anybody know?

[@AutomaticComics]

They can do a lot with restoration. But it costs quite a bit and may not add as much value as you hope. I think if you can, it’s better to keep it unrestored (or as close to unrestored as possible, IMO)

[@zuffin1864]

I want any classic comic i like, who cares if the label is slightly different! More for me if they don't want it 😁

[@andrewcai5042]

Liked

[@thomaspalmer6453]

Collectors who have owned their copies of AF #15 for several years seem to be trying to unload their copies before the book goes even lower.

[@bronzevillecomics2581]

I do not understand why a pence copy is worth less. People flock to “variants” like Mark Jewelers or those awful Whitman books. It came out the same time and is only differs by the symbol on the cover. The pence book was a great deal - I think at some point the pence copies will catch and perhaps surpass the cents values.

[@TheSameoldjoe]

I would say the restored copy was the best deal. Slight restoration is not a deterrent to me. I would not even get the glue removed from the book. Why pay to ugly up the book. I have also noticed blue labels on books with slight glue on the spine. What gives? Pence copies are said to be from the early printing of the book. Still, they are frowned upon and might make the book difficult to sell for market value. IMO

[@AutomaticComics]

They can get a blue label if the glue isn’t doing anything functional. This is something I typically see with golden age books. Might have a small amount of glue on the spine, but it’s not keeping the cover attached. So it gets a blue label.

[@pauld_77]

Great video Ryan - I’d buy the pence copy in a heartbeat ( if I had the cash lying around :)

[@AutomaticComics]

Having that much money available is always the biggest challenge for sure =)

[@ComicCollectorGeek]

The UK price variant is definitely a great purchase. There are only 56 blue label UK books versus 2362 US books. I think they are way undervalued and in the future we might see a correction in this.

[@GHOST91991]

What is the best priceguide to use for comics?

[@AutomaticComics]

For pure pricing, it’s GPA (in my opinion).

[@GHOST91991]

@@AutomaticComics Thanks for messaging. I've tried looking at Comics Priceguide, and comicbookrealm, I'll give GPA a look 👍

[@thomaspalmer6453]

Buyers don’t really consider how much a key is selling per point. I don’t think that’s an especially good way of evaluating the value of a book in different grades. Sometimes books in lower grades actually sell for more than higher-grades books.

[@AutomaticComics]

I price a lot of books and I’ve found it is a very good way of estimating values. Whether buyers consciously think about it in price per point, that’s generally how it works out.

[@lostcanyon777]

Hard pass on the pence copies - they don't match the rest of my collection, would seem like an oddball.. .. to each his own.

[@AutomaticComics]

That’s what likely hurts them. People want their books to match.

[@eric4life497]

Honestly if i had my wish i would prefer to have an AF#15 cgc 5.0 of course that's a pipe dream unless i'm Nicholas Cage. Honestly i'm not a big fan of restorations. I just feel you lose value on it. IMO i would go with the 1st one, graded but not tampered with. BTW i just got my books back from CGC. I used the WK. Received on 8/31 and got it back 9/12. I remember a month ago u advised me to get it pressed and not let CGC do it. It was ASM #14 and Avengers #4 and Batman #251. ASM #14 i got a 6.0 and Avengers #4 i got a 4.5. I kind of expected that. For Batman #251 i got a 6.0, i was kind of dissapointed. I was thinking a 7.0. It had a minor chipping on bottom right corner of front cover and the tanning on both sides of the cover. Overall it was good experience.

[@AutomaticComics]

Glad you had a good experience with the submission 👍

[@eric4life497]

@@AutomaticComics And i guess on to round 2...btw good video !!👍

[@thomaspalmer6453]

Amazing Fantasy #15 is a dumpster fire!

[@pcorey182]

To me the Pence copy was the best value and the best looking copy, I thought the UK copy looked better than the universal Copy as the Universal Copy had fading to the cover and a big chip out of the bottom near the spine the UK copy did not and the Universal Copy Spider-Man's feet were very very faded to me fading like that is almost worse than rusted Staples just my take

[@MELLOWDRAMA88]

Hey man love your vids and this one was definitely interesting... buuuut you kind of overtalk? I don't mean to be mean but I think this would have been a better video if about 10 or so minutes shorter. Again I'm not trying to be mean but I think you'd get a bigger audience and also you should get some kind of mic so you're audio is better

[@AutomaticComics]

I’ve learned you can’t make everyone happy so I just do what I do. I’ve done videos with a mic and people say they like this audio more and vice versa. I’ve done shorter videos and people say they like longer ones. So I just make videos and don’t worry about it.

[@RedRockShane]

Pence copy was the best deal. That's the one I would have purchased.

[@zachbrobst9473]

It's irrational but I don't think I'd buy a pence copy. It's sets off some weird alarm bell. Makes a book look like a knock off somehow

[@AutomaticComics]

I’ve had a few pence books, but I’d prefer the cents copy as well

[@thomaspalmer6453]

Although AF #15 is the undisputed king of the Silver Age, I don’t think it’s a very good investment moving forward. It has really dropped in price as more copies have come to market as people who have owned their copies are trying to cash in before the book goes lower. I don’t see this slowing anytime soon. Moreover, there are other books like Hulk #1 that are much harder to find. Even if I had the money, I’d stay away from AF #15!

[@AutomaticComics]

I think it depends on the grade right now. Like I mentioned in the video, I think some still have some dropping to do (or at least stay flat for a while).

[@jeffcarlson3269]

speculation or not.. as far as which was printed first... Unless it is a Beatles album... In regards to.. most everything else.. it is better to buy American... as far as I have seen ....the American made product ALWAYS increases in value at a faster rate than foreign stuff... I would NEVER buy a foreign comic... even if you told me that comic cost less than 10,000.00 it would be too much for it.. IMO...

[@thomaspalmer6453]

I wouldn’t buy any of those Amazing Fantasy #15s. It’s the worst investment in comics now.

[@AutomaticComics]

I’d definitely disagree with that. Even at higher prices AF15 is far from the worst investment in comics. It may go down more in the short term but long term it will continue up.

[@bruh_hahaha]

Pence copies will always be the red-headed stepchild of the hobby. That uncanny valley- off-putting price box is a no-go for a lot of collectors. Shame. 🥸

[@AutomaticComics]

I think it will be difficult for them to overtake cents copies. You never know, direct used to sell for more than newsstand and that changed over time.