Expert: Chris Brown - 12/5/2006

Question
I have a collection of comics, quite a few in fact.  I am trying to figure out if I should sell the comics outright, or if it would be more adventageous to check in the overstreet guide, and then donate all the comics to a charity, then write off the donation.  Do you have any ideas?
Thanks, Duane

Answer
Hi Duane

This really sounds more like a tax question than a comics question.  I don't know how the IRS would view a write-off based on Overstreet value as opposed to a set value of .50 or $1 per comic.

You don't describe the age or value of the comics.  If they were published after 1980, most comics have little resale value and will be difficult to sell.  If published between 1970 and 1980, they may be worth more, especially if in nice condition.  Pre-1970 comics have the potential to have significant value.

So personally I would be inclined to give away anything published after 1980 unless you think it has high value.  Ditto many comics from 1970 to 1980, which will still be pretty difficult to sell.  Earlier stuff I think you could potentially do much better financially by selling yourself.

Of course, there are many other issues that could affect your decision: the value of the comics, your cost basis, what income bracket you fall into (and I assume you itemize), the value you place on the time it would take to try to sell them yourself.

Good luck, though, and feel free to follow up if need be.

Chris