RUNNEMEDE, NJ.- An original X-Men #1 comic released in September 1963, which contains the origin and first appearance of the X-Men, is up for auction at leading collectible marketplace Goldin ahead of the 60th Anniversary. The comic is graded a remarkable 9.2 by CGC and X-Men #1 comics of a similar high grade have sold regularly for over $100,000. Goldin expects this auction to be no different.

After the success of Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Iron Man and the Fantastic Four, legendary superhero creators Jack Kirby and Stan Lee were looking to create another superhero group to add to the Marvel Comics roster – but didn’t want to explain how they got their powers. Stan Lee remarked at the time, "I couldn't have everybody bitten by a radioactive spider or exposed to a gamma-ray explosion." In 1963, Kirby and Lee found a solution: they created a group of mutants, people born with an "X-Gene" that gave them superhuman powers. Several of these X-Men debut in this first issue, including Professor X, Beast, Cyclops, Angel, Iceman and Marvel Girl. X-Men #1 also features the first appearance of their greatest foe, Magneto.

In addition, the auction features a copy of Incredible Hulk #181 which is the most valued issue of the Bronze Age of comics. The comic features the first appearance of Wolverine, Marvel's most recognizable mutant hero. It comes as a surprise to many fans that Wolverine got his start not in his own comic or the pages of X-Men, but alongside long-time hero The Incredible Hulk. The copy up for auction is graded 9.8, and only 1 copy has ever achieved a higher grade. With the X-Men and Wolverine soon set to debut in Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe with the launch of Deadpool 3, Goldin expects this comic book to only accrue in value.

The items are included in the Goldin 100, one of the most significant elite auctions in Goldin history showcasing the rarest and most valuable collectibles valued at $100,000 and above. The auction includes 100 of the rarest and most desirable comic books, trading cards and memorabilia from sports, film, pop culture and more. Other items up for sale include:

·2013 Fleer Retro Marvel Factory-Sealed Hobby Case: This factory-sealed 2013 Fleer Retro Marvel case holds six hobby boxes, with each box containing 20 five-card packs. Each hobby box averages one Precious Metal Gems (PMG) card, one sketch card, two autographs, four inserts, four stickers, and 20 Retro cards. With at least six PMG cards likely residing inside this case, this is an incredibly sought-after hobby treasure trove.

Goldin is the leading marketplace for trading cards, collectibles and memorabilia. Founder Ken Goldin has sold more than $1.5 billion in memorabilia from many of the biggest names in sports, history, and pop culture. The company routinely sets records for the most expensive trading cards and other memorabilia ever sold. Lifelong collectors and new hobbyists alike trust Goldin because the company professionally authenticates everything it sells. Goldin is the official auction partner of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. Learn more at Goldin.com, and on Twitter and Instagram.

Goldin
60th Anniversary auction
Auction open through September 13.