When a key issue is not a key issue .................. 1 1

[Mokiguy]

I found this very interesting. Looking at eBay listings for books to add to my low budget collection, I ran across a book I don't have ........ Superman #261. 20 cent cover price, Feb 1972, and comics price guide says it is just a run of the mill issue and worth $5.04 in 6.0 ungraded condition, ComicBookRealm has a 6.0 at $7.20, and Nostomania at $33.20, and yet almost all instances of this book being offered at eBay auctions are listed at $40. to $200. ............... and people are buying ungraded copies in various conditions at those prices. Sure, it's a racy cover but what of it? So can a key issue be created because people are willing to pay up for a racy picture? Here's an example of a a few that sold recently, one even calls it a "key" issue .................

[OtherEric]

That book hasn't been run of the mill for several years, as far as I know.  I would agree that "Key" isn't the right word, and "Classic Cover" is more appropriate. 

I won't even argue if you say you think it shouldn't be a classic cover, just that enough people think it is to drive up the value.

[shadroch]

As people abandon runs and switch to type set collecting, classic and semi-classic covers will increase in demand. 

[Readcomix]

It also is a legit battle between Superman and Star Sapphire, Pretty early DC example of another hero’s major villain crossing over to battle another hero. (Of course, Spidey and DD made that mold a few years earlier over at Marvel.)