Record-Breaking Sale: Rare Superman No. 1 Comic Book Fetches $9.3 Million
A pristine copy of Superman no.1, the 1939 debut of the iconic superhero, has shattered comic book auction records, selling for $9,336,000 at heritage Auctions on Thursday. The sale marks the highest price ever paid for a single comic book, eclipsing the previous record of $6 million for Action Comics No. 1 in 2022.
The comic was discovered in a family’s attic by three brothers sorting through their late mother’s belongings.Their mother,and her brother,originally purchased the comic – along with five others – between the Great Depression and World War II,keeping the collection a secret for decades. The extraordinary value stems from the comic’s extraordinary condition, earning a grade of 9 from the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), a leading comic book grading service. Fewer than 100 copies of this edition have been sold by Heritage Auctions in any grade, making this find exceptionally rare.
The Superman No. 1 comic’s radiant colors, sharp corners, and tight spine contributed to its high grading. CGC evaluates comic books on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest possible condition. This particular copy is one of only a handful to achieve a grade of 9.
Heritage Auctions notes the sale underscores the enduring appeal of Golden Age comics and the growing investment potential within the collectible market. The auction house continues to facilitate the buying and selling of rare comic books and other collectibles.