Disclaimer:
When you click on link title "Check Live eBay Prices Here" on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include the eBay Partner Network. Check our Privacy Policy for more information.

Archie Comics

Archie // Winter 1942 - September 1960
Issue count: 101

Easily the most iconic character in American humor comics! Earlier issues of young Mr. Andrews' exploits have become very collectible and valuable! Scour your back issues and see if you may own any of the issues included in our free price guide!

Archie Comics

The rise of teenage culture can be traced back to the 19th Century novels by Horatio Alger. Alger’s books, which were immensely popular in the latter quarter of the 1800’s, often featured a juvenile protagonist of modest means that through sheer hard-work, ingenuity and force of intellect, rose above their station and made themselves into “somebody.” That is, successful at whatever it is that they may have chosen to do, despite the odds and obstacles against them. People, especially teenagers, loved these stories; they were inspiring and represented what would shortly be called “The American Dream.”


In general, after The Great War there was a pervasive loosening of attitudes toward sex and economic independence that swept infectiously through America - and these mores eventually trickled down to the teenagers. Before this, teenagers were viewed as “better to be seen and not heard” by the adult establishment. The expectation, economically, for the young man, was to apprentice at the same jobs that their fathers were doing, or to grow up being groomed to take over the family-farm. Artistic and intellectual pursuits were considered “distractions” or “phases,” and wastes of time that little Johnny and Sally would surely just simply “grow out” of.


Then along came mass media. This was a game-changer. Beginning in the early 30’s, young people across the country could revel, weekly, in the tales of The Aldrich Family on the radio. This particular radio show was largely centered around the exploits and foibles of teenage son Henry Aldrich, who was always coming up with some “crazy scheme” with his friends, with often no-so-great results. But he always learned a lesson in the end, and always had the loving support of his Mom and Dad, if not always their understanding…


Also with broadcast technology and the phonograph, there became what were called “crooners,” that is, singers of popular ballads (decidedly NOT the operatic or symphonic music of parents) that no longer needed the concert hall to gain a recognition, we could listen to them at our convenience in our own homes because there was a new delivery system via consumer recordings and radio. In film, there became the concept of the “star,” and for the first time teenagers had entertainment choices that were specifically targeted to appeal exclusively to their age-group.


The Big Band Era brought a new kind of music that emphasized “swing,” with a more aggressive beat that was made for dancing. Girls swooned, and boys took notice. The problem was, that in order for the boys to get the girls they needed one thing : money. Shop and service industry workers started getting younger and younger, and the idea of the “afterschool job” for teenagers, for the first time, became viable; one needed “dough” to take their best gals out dancing or to the cinema, and to keep up with the hottest new music.


Reflecting this kind of changing order, one could point to the very successful series of Andy Hardy movies from MGM in the late 30’s. Andy, effectively portrayed by Mickey Rooney, was a precocious, enterprising and headstrong teenager whose prime motivators in his young life seemed to be a healthy attraction to girls, and thus, finding ways to make money. Andy was a teenage character that was a bit more complex than an audience had previously seen in that he often experienced romantic dilemma and economic anxiety; Andy and his gang of faithful buddies were, in true Alger-esque fashion, continually devising new ways to get money and girls.


America finally entered the Second World War. Shortly thereafter came a popular song called “They’re Either Too Young Or Too Old,” inevitably sung by a woman lamenting that the dating pool had dwindled due to the fact that all the men in their age group were off fighting the Axis. The notion of the “afterschool job” was no longer a choice - it was mandatory; America needed it’s teenagers to pick up the slack in the adult workforce if commerce and industry was going to survive for “the duration.”


In comic books, amidst this perfect storm, emerged Archie Andrews, and a cast of archetypal characters which would orbit his teenage world. It was a no-brainer for publisher M.L.J. to give a character like Archie a shot given the popularity of Andy Hardy and Henry Aldrich.The most odd detail in the history of Archie, was that his character, maybe betraying a bit of tentativity on M.L.J.’s part, was introduced in Pep Comics (#22, December 1941), smack-in-the-middle of a book that was dominated by stories in the popular superhero trend of The Golden Age.


In some alternate reality, the editors may have well said “Ok. Here are some super-serious stories featuring super-serious Nazi-fighters The Shield and The Hangman… and oh yeah, here’s a little humorous co-feature introducing you to a character that will come to not only be a solidifier of American teenage culture, but go on to be the most immediately recognizable iconoclastic “ginger” ever to be woven into the fabric of the American consciousness for the next 90-or-so years.”


Proving immediately popular, the always amiable and friendly Archie Andrews was relatable to generations of comic-book readers, and although kept as a regular feature in Pep, also spawned his own book, Archie Comics (and after 1959, simply “Archie”), a giant-sized title in 1942. Conceived as a quarterly, it quickly went bi-monthly due to overwhelming demand…


Almost every supporting character in the book went on to gain their own title, and each character served as a formulaic prototype (stereotype?) that would influence a good deal of all teen-based media that would follow. We had Betty and Veronica continuously vying for Archie’s affections - one was super sweet and considerate, and the other was aggressive and manipulative. We had Jughead, faithful comic-relief goofball best friend who was more interested in eating and napping than in girls and money. And there’s always a rival - Archie’s was Reggie, a pompous, egotistical twit always angered and frustrated at Archie’s good fortune.


A lot of these characters can be directly linked to those featured in later teen-oriented media, from Bud in Father Knows Best, to Ricky and David in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriett, To Wally and the Beav in Leave It To Beaver, and even up to Ritchie, Ralph and Potsie in Happy Days.


Early Archie appearances in Pep, and Golden-Age Archie Comics - especially those featuring first-appearances of prominent supporting characters (Sabrina, Moose, Dilton) are the ones that collectors want to get their hands on, as values have risen drastically over the last ten years or so.

Do you own an issue of Archie Comics that you’d like to have valued? Our expert comic book enthusiasts have been appraising rare issues of comics for over 20 years. Get your FREE comic appraisal today. Alternatively, check out our issue by issue Archie Comic price guides below for an estimate.

Read More

Looking to sell your comic books?

Browse our selection of key issues from Archie Comics below to get an instant estimate of their value.

We have been buying and selling for 20 years and have tons of experience working with sellers just like you!

Get Your Free Appraisal

Key Art: Comic Book Price Guide

Issue #1

What's Archie Comics #1 worth in 2024?

Archie #1 in mint condition has yet to be discovered but if a CGC NM+ 9.6 copy came up for sale, we think it could sell for $300,000 to $400,000. The highest graded copy known is aCGC 8.5 that sold for $167,000 in 2011 setting a record for a non-super hero comic. That copy could easily bring $200,000 or more in today’s market. By any standard this is a rare book. A low grade copy (CGC VG 4.0) sold for $9,000 in 2008. That same grade sold for $35,000 in March of 2018. Now that is what we call a good return on an investment. If this is the book you are looking for and you happen to find one, especially unrestored and complete, you simply have to get it whatever the condition. If this is the book you have things are definitely looking up!

Why is this comic book valuable?

Following the success of Archie in Pep Comics, MLJ Magazines decided to change their name to Archie Publications and add a new series - Archie Comics in 1942.  Archie Comics featured Archie Andrews as well as Veronica Lodge and Jughead Jones. Archie Comics #1 is the first issue in this popular, long running title.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$20,000 $40,000 $80,000 $160,000 $425,000 $167,300

Sell Archie Comics #1

Issue #2

What's Archie Comics #2 worth in 2024?

This is a highly valued Golden Age comic with a price to match. A single VF 8.0 is the highest grade available, and it sold for $31,070 in 2012! It's a small market of 29 total copies, so there's limited data for market information. It is worth noting that one year after that massive top sale, VG 4.0 went for $8,600 in 2013 before dropping all the way down to today's $3,900.

Why is this comic book valuable?

This issue contains the first solo Veronica story as well as the first time we see Riverdale High School.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$2,500 $5,000 $9,500 $25,000 $70,000 $31,075

Sell Archie Comics #2

Issue #3

What's Archie Comics #3 worth in 2024?

A single VF 8.0 represents the top grade for this issue, selling for a historical high of $8,222 in 2012. Like many other issues in this series it showed a serious drop, going down to today's value of $4,865. Buying early produced better results: GD 2.0 went for $400 in 2006, peaked at $1,500 in 2014 and stayed over the $1,000 range before dropping to today's $700. Still a profit, but you got better value if you unloaded it at the right time.

Why is this comic book valuable?

This issue contains the first "Betty and Veronica" story.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$725 $1,975 $4,000 $7,600 $19,000 $8,225

Sell Archie Comics #3

Issue #4

What's Archie Comics #4 worth in 2024?

This issue had a top sale of $6,573 in 2009 for the single VF- 7.5 on record. Like some other books in the series it's since seen a steep drop, falling down to $1,150 in 2011. It is likely that a new sale today would provide a rebound. There is a VF 8.0 above it with no sales data. Other issues showed a similar decline, though VG- 3.5 performed much better. It doubled in value from $1,000 in 2010 to today's $2,000.

Why is this comic book valuable?

The cover features a plug by NBC for the Archie Radio show.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$380 $800 $1,600 $3,200 $10,000 $7,325

Sell Archie Comics #4

Issue #5

What's Archie Comics #5 worth in 2024?

A single VF+ 8.5 represents the top sale price for this issue, going for $4,755 in 2017. Like some other issues in this series, the market for #5 has been volatile. FN/VF 7.0 dropped from $8,000 in 2012 to today's $3,250. Lower grades in this series have performed much better. FN 6.0 went from $650 in 201 up to $1,450 in 2018 before going down to today's $650. It could be a great buy-low opportunity if you're willing to take the risk.

Why is this comic book valuable?

It is the first Halloween-themed Archie cover . . . yet there is no Halloween story inside!

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$600 $1,300 $2,400 $4,500 $13,500 $8,200

Sell Archie Comics #5

Issue #6

What's Archie Comics #6 worth in 2024?

The top price for this issue was $3,585 for FN+ 6.5 in 2018. By contrast: eleven years prior in 2009, VF 8.0 above it sold for a lesser price of $2,868. There's limited sales data available for this Golden Age book, but if you've held onto that higher end grade it's safe to say you'd turn an excellent profit today. Other issues in this series have proven to be high risk investments. But 4.5 VG+ for #6 was steady and stable, increasing from $1,775 in 2014 to today's $2,045.

Why is this comic book valuable?

This issue has the first of only five Archie pinups.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$700 $1,350 $2,650 $5,000 $14,000 $3,575

Sell Archie Comics #6

Issue #7

What's Archie Comics #7 worth in 2024?

A single copy of VF 8.0 is the top graded copy of this issue, with a historical high sale of $6,340 in 2013. It was a nice $3,000 increase from $3,346 in 2006! Other grades showed flat to moderate growth. For example, VG/FN 5.0 went from $1,500 in 2010 to today's $1,875. GD/VG 3.0 fared much worse, from $1,175 in 2014 to today's $400.

Why is this comic book valuable?

We find out that Betty and Veronica are now Archie's rivals!

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$310 $1,225 $2,025 $4,050 $11,000 $6,340

Sell Archie Comics #7

Issue #8

What's Archie Comics #8 worth in 2024?

This issue has no high end at all! There are eighteen registered books on file, with the top grade represented by a single VG/FN 5.0. It sold for a record $1,315 in 2014. Other issues in this series have a history of high risk, and this one is no different. That VG/FN 5.0 lost over $550 in value down to today's price of $747. It could be a good opportunity to buy in low.

Why is this comic book valuable?

The first page is a pin-up depicting Veronica as she admires pictures of Archie on her wall.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$600 $1,200 $2,000 $4,000 $11,000 $1,325

Sell Archie Comics #8

Issue #9

What's Archie Comics #9 worth in 2024?

A single VF 8.0 represents the highest registered grade of this issue, selling for a top price of $4,780 back in 2009. Other issues in this Golden Age series have proven to be risky investments, but FN 6.0 of #9 provided solid returns. It generated $1,200 in profit, from $2,000 in 2012 to today's $3,200.

Why is this comic book valuable?

Archie Comics #9 was published in 1944. This issue has the first cover appearance of Miss Grundy and also includes the first "alternate Archie" story.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$460 $1,000 $2,200 $4,000 $11,000 $4,775

Sell Archie Comics #9

Issue #10

What's Archie Comics #10 worth in 2024?

The top sale for this issue was $1,718 for a FN/VF 7.0 in 2013. There are three books above this one in quality: a single VF- 7.5, and two at VF 8.0. A VF- 7.5 sold for $1,620 in 2018, showing the market volatility that's been characteristic for this Golden Age series. Other grades showed a similar decline, though VG- 3.5 did quite well. It jumped from $120 in 2010 to today's $380!

Why is this comic book valuable?

This is the last issue with Harry Stahle as the primary artist.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$150 $260 $550 $1,625 $5,500 $1,725

Sell Archie Comics #10

Issue #11

What's Archie Comics #11 worth in 2024?

The highest sale price for this issue was $1,195 in 2014 for a VF+ 8.5. This is the single copy available of this top grade. With 26 total registered copies of this book on file, it's hard to gauge the market. Other issues in this series have been risky investments, but this one has been positive. VG/FN 5.0 more than doubled in price, moving from $250 in 2006 to today's $625.

Why is this comic book valuable?

This issue marks Mr. Weatherbee's first nude scene!

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$280 $400 $825 $1,600 $5,500 $3,050

Sell Archie Comics #11

Issue #12

What's Archie Comics #12 worth in 2024?

There are three registered copies of this issue at FN/VF 7.0. One set the historical high price of $1,315 in 2006. Three years later in 2009, the top registered grade of VF- 7.5 sold for a lesser value of $1,200. There's been another recent decline, with FN/VF 7.0 going down to $800 in 2013 and then back up to its current $950 price. VG 4.0 fared better, moving from $215 in 2011 to today's $335. There's only thirty known copies of this issue, so it could be a good buy-low investment.

Why is this comic book valuable?

"Mush, Oscar! Mush!" is Harry Sahle's last Archie story.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$100 $250 $450 $1,200 $4,000 $1,315

Sell Archie Comics #12

Issue #13

What's Archie Comics #13 worth in 2024?

A single FN/VF 7.0 is the top grade available for this issue, selling for a top price of $2,619 in 2014. The low end was very productive in a short period of time, with a GD/VG 3.0 moving from $150 in 2015 to today's value of $450. That's 300% profit!

Why is this comic book valuable?

This is the first issue introducing a new title format. Moving forward, Archie would hold up a sign that reads "Archie Proudly Presents" while Betty and Veronica hold up boxes that show the name of the story.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$140 $370 $1,200 $3,000 $8,000 $2,625

Sell Archie Comics #13

Issue #14

What's Archie Comics #14 worth in 2024?

It's hard to find top of the line grade quality for this early Golden Age Archie series, so the single NM 9.4 of this issue really stands out. It's priced accordingly, with a top historical sale of $3,360 in 2018. For scale, VF 8.0 has a current value of $800. Other grades showed market volatility, but VG 4.0 brought positive returns. It moved from $120 in 2002 to today's $225.

Why is this comic book valuable?

This issue is the first to reveal Archie's address: 5 Maple Ave.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$125 $230 $460 $900 $3,350 $3,350

Sell Archie Comics #14

Issue #15

What's Archie Comics #15 worth in 2024?

The top registered grade for this issue is a single VF/NM 9.0 with no sales data. From there, the next step goes all the way down to four copies of FN/VF 7.0. The top sale price came from this grade: $975 in 2012. All other grades showed small declines in value other than VG/FN 5.0. It produced a profit of $75, jumping from $200 in 2014 to today's $275.

Why is this comic book valuable?

This issue marks Pop Tate's first cover appearance.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$60 $160 $420 $850 $3,100 $975

Sell Archie Comics #15

Issue #16

What's Archie Comics #16 worth in 2024?

There's one copy of this issue graded at VF+ 8.5, and it sold for a record high of $1,278 in 2014. A single VF/NM 9.0 stands above it, but there's no sales data on file for it. Like other issues in this series, the small overall decline in value for #16 makes for an intriguing buy-low opportunity. VG 4.0 did double in value over the long run, increasing from $125 in 2005 to today's $250.

Why is this comic book valuable?

The epilogue box in this issue showcases an advertisement for war bonds, reflecting its publishing era during WWII.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$150 $260 $350 $800 $3,100 $1,275

Sell Archie Comics #16

Issue #17

What's Archie Comics #17 worth in 2024?

The only registered VF 8.0 for this issue sold for a historical high price of $1,495 in 2011. This was only a small increase from the single VF/NM 9.0 top grade above it: that book sold for $1,434 in 2006. The grade makes all the difference, as the next step down at FN+ 6.0 has a much lower current value of $450. Outside the top grades, this issue has shown flat or negative growth.

Why is this comic book valuable?

This issue presents the first appearance of Riverdale Beach.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$100 $250 $480 $1,500 $4,500 $1,500

Sell Archie Comics #17

Issue #18

What's Archie Comics #18 worth in 2024?

Top grades for this Golden Age Archie series are hard to come by. Accordingly, the single NM- 9.2 for this issue topped out at $3,107 in 2015. There's a single VF+ 8.5 below it. Whoever bought this copy for $380 in 2002 was very happy to sell it for $1,430 ten years later in 2012! Over $1,000 in profit is excellent, even if it required patience with this one.

Why is this comic book valuable?

This is the first issue with a page dedicated to puzzles (a maze, crossword puzzle, and riddle).

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$80 $150 $370 $600 $3,100 $3,100

Sell Archie Comics #18

Issue #19

What's Archie Comics #19 worth in 2024?

There are two copies of this issue at the top available grade of VF 8.0, with a top sale price of $1,315 in 2009. Other grades showed a decline in value, but FN 6.0 was the exception: it more than doubled in value and created $200 in profit from $130 in 2002 to today's $430.

Why is this comic book valuable?

This is the first issue to be published under the "Archie Comics" brand. We learn Mr. Weatherbee's initials are W.W.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$80 $210 $440 $800 $3,100 $4,800

Sell Archie Comics #19

Issue #20

What's Archie Comics #20 worth in 2024?

Two copies of this issue graded at VF 8.0 are the highest quality available, but there's no sales data available for them. There are three at VF- 7.5 on the next step down, with one selling for a top price of $1,225 in 2014. Other issues in this series have struggled to turn a profit, but that's not the case with #20. GD/VG 3.0 grew over $200 in value, moving from $79 in 2009 to today's $288. VG/FN 5.0 also produced over a double increase, from $140 in 2006 to today's $300.

Why is this comic book valuable?

This issue marks Archie's first nude scene!

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$125 $240 $460 $1,225 $3,800 $1,225

Sell Archie Comics #20

Looking to sell your comic books?

Browse our selection of key issues from Archie Comics below to get an instant estimate of their value.

We have been buying and selling for 20 years and have tons of experience working with sellers just like you!

Get Your Free Appraisal

Key Art: Comic Book Price Guide

Issue #50

What's Archie Comics #50 worth in 2024?

Most issues in this series generated a flat market, but #50 is a step up. It could be due to a stronger depth of 107 copies making it easier to determine values. There are six books at VF 8.0, with a high of $6,573 set in 2018. The same grade sold for $138 in 2005. 5,000% in profit! A single VF/NM 9.0 is on top, but has no sales data on record. FN 6.0 showed 400% growth from $560 in 2013 to today's $2,880.

Why is this comic book valuable?

This issue features a public service announcement warning to not test gas leaks with a match.

Price Guide Report

GD 2.0 VG 4.0 FN 6.0 VF 8.0 NM 9.4 RECORD SALE!
$675 $1,075 $2,875 $5,200 $16,500 $6,575

Sell Archie Comics #50