Identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
2, No. 2, dated Mar-Apr 1976, published by Ideametrics. The table of contents page bears a clear, handwritten inscription ('keep on computin'') and signature by the magazine's founder and publisher, David H. Ahl, elevating it from a standard reference copy to a signed association copy. The explicit publication dates and visible signature allow for high confidence.
Story
Creative Computing was founded by David H. Ahl in 1974 and was one of the earliest magazines devoted to the personal computing hobby. Ahl's influence on the early microcomputer era is profound, making his signature a highly relevant and desirable association for this specific publication. Vintage computing ephemera from the 1970s is highly collectible, driven by nostalgia and the growing field of tech history preservation. Early issues of Creative Computing are considered foundational texts of the microcomputer revolution.
Maker / Origin
Ideametrics
Condition & Value
Based on the visible evidence, the cover and signed table of contents page appear well-preserved for a mid-1970s periodical. The signature and inscription are bold, clear, and unaffected by fading. Very good vintage condition overall with bright covers, crisp corners, clean interior pages, and a clear, dark signature on page 3.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Vintage computing ephemera from the 1970s is highly collectible, driven by nostalgia and the growing field of tech history preservation. Early issues of Creative Computing are considered foundational texts of the microcomputer revolution. Signed copies by pioneers like David H. Ahl rarely surface and command strong premiums from dedicated tech historians, institutional archives, and private collectors.
▲ Clear signature and inscription by founder David H. Ahl provides a substantial premium over unsigned copies.
▲ Early 1976 publication date aligns with the highly desirable dawn of the microcomputer revolution.
▲ Features notable content, including articles by Isaac Asimov, increasing crossover appeal.
▼ Reliance on current asking prices for the signed tier, as recent verified sold data for this specific signature is sparse.
Best Venue
List on a platform with a strong tech-history collector base, such as eBay, or offer directly to vintage computing enthusiast groups. Given the exact comparable asking $152, an initial list price of $145-$150 with 'Best Offer' enabled is a sound strategy to test the market's appetite for the signature premium.
Upside Potential
If the magazine is confirmed to be internally pristine with no clipped coupons or loose pages, and two highly motivated vintage computing collectors bid against each other, it could realize or slightly exceed the $150 high-end asking price seen in the current market.
Also found — market-range context
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.