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A nearly pristine copy of Superman #1, published in 1939, has shattered auction records, fetching $9.12 million at Heritage Auctions. The sale makes it the most expensive comic book ever sold, underscoring the enduring value of Golden Age collectibles and the Man of Steel's cultural legacy.
The comic's journey to the auction block is almost as remarkable as its price. It was discovered by three brothers in a Northern California attic while clearing out their late mother's home. She had reportedly told her sons for years that she owned a valuable comic collection, which she had purchased with her brother before World War II. The book was found among stacks of old newspapers that likely helped preserve its condition over the decades.
Upon its rediscovery, the comic was sent to the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) for evaluation, where it received a grade of 9.0 on a 10-point scale. This designation makes it the sole-highest graded copy known to exist, a remarkable feat for an 86-year-old comic book. According to CGC, only two other copies have ever graded higher than 7.5, making this find exceptionally rare.
The final bidding at the November Heritage Auctions event soared past initial estimates, with the $9.12 million price eclipsing the previous benchmark of $6 million, set in April 2024 by a copy of Action Comics #1—the issue that featured Superman's first-ever appearance. This sale solidifies Superman #1's place as a pinnacle of comic book collecting, not only for its historical importance in launching the first solo title for a superhero but also for its newfound status as a record-setting collectible investment. The identity of the winning bidder has not been disclosed.
