The original art for Wolverine's first appearance will be auctioned in May to benefit an initiative to help comic book creators in times of financial need.
Heritage Auctions says it was long believed the artwork, drawn by Herb Trimpe four decades ago for The Incredible Hulk No.180, had been lost until the person the artist gave it to contacted them.
Heritage vice-president Todd Hignite said on Wednesday he was astounded to see the full-page art in such pristine condition. The sale will benefit the Hero Initiative.
Trimpe said he gave the ink, graphite and blue pencil drawing to a visitor in 1983 as a gift.
Marvel Entertainment's Wolverine has become one of comics' enduring and best-known characters, appearing in several solo series and as a member of the X-Men.
