Detective Comics #42 (1940) — Comic Book Value

Detective Comics

What Detective Comics #42 (1940) is worth — ungraded and CGC graded (6.0, 8.0).

Detective Comics #42 (1940) value — Ungraded $666 · Grade 6.0 $4,020 · Grade 8.0 $7,506. Prices updated August 2026.

Series · Detective Comics
Live on eBay now
Steady
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Selling on eBay right now · by condition
New
$925
6 listings asking
Used
$15
5 listings asking
Median of current eBay asking prices — live, not sold data.
Value by grade
$666
Ungraded
6.0×
$4,020
Grade 6.0
11.3×
$7,506
Grade 8.0

Real sold prices per grade — the Grade 8.0 premium on this card is 11.3× raw.

Complete-in-box price history

Monthly CIB value, based on sold comps.

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Which version do you have?

To simply own Detective Comics #42, buy the Standard version for $4. The Teen Titans version, priced at $4, offers a slight variation, but the $666 Standard version represents a significant premium for condition or rarity, not just the basic comic. Casual collectors should stick to the $4 options, while serious investors should consider the higher-priced Standard copy for its value.

JunkPal AI· resale insightanalyzing sold comps…

Price data verified against · 1

Item details

Series
Detective Comics
Publisher
DC
Issue
#42
Key issue
No
Release date
August 1, 1940

Detective Comics #42 (1940) comic value

An ungraded copy of Detective Comics #42 (1940) averages around $666. A CGC 6.0 runs about $4020, and a CGC 8.0 commands $7506.

What drives the price

Grade is everything in comics — spine ticks, page color, and restoration decide the number, and the jump from raw to high grade can be 10×+. Key issues (first appearances, origins, deaths) carry the biggest premiums, and early printings beat reprints.

Price guide

Sold values by grade vs. what sellers ask today

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ConditionValueBased on
Ungraded$666eBay sold comps
Grade 6.0$4,020eBay sold comps
Grade 8.0$7,506eBay sold comps
Live asking — low / typical / high$2.9 / $24 / $3,64020 live eBay listings

Market check: As of July 19, 2026, 20 live eBay listings ask $2.90–$3,639.99 (median $24.00).

Frequently asked questions

What is the estimated value of Detective Comics #42 in ungraded condition?
The ungraded price for Detective Comics #42 is currently listed at $666.
How much more is a Grade 8.0 copy worth compared to an ungraded copy?
A Grade 8.0 copy sells for $7514, significantly more than the $666 ungraded price.
What is the price point for a Grade 6.0 copy of this comic?
A Grade 6.0 copy of Detective Comics #42 is valued at $4020.

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