As previously reported, a copy of "Superman #1," graded CGC 9.0 and unexpectedly discovered by three brothers in a Northern California attic, was poised to shatter comic book auction records. Now, this 1939 classic has sold for $9,120,000 at Heritage Auctions, securing its place as the "most expensive comic book ever" and surpassing the $6 million record set in 2024 by an "Action Comics #1" graded CGC 8.5.
This "Superman #1" not only boasts astonishing preservation but is also a rare first-print edition. Its key identifier is the back cover advertisement for "Action Comics #14," marked "On Sale June 2." CGC only officially began designating print runs in 2023, making the appearance of a first-print edition at a 9.0 grade profoundly historically significant for collectors.
Lon Allen, Vice President at Heritage Auctions, stated, "This is a legendary moment in comic collecting history. A 'Superman #1' in such pristine condition is rare enough, but combined with the family story behind it, it becomes a truly unique cultural treasure."
Dubbed a "holy grail" comic, it was initially discovered by three brothers in the attic of their late mother's old home. Alongside "Superman #1," the trove included five early "Action Comics" issues. Their mother had mentioned her "childhood comic collection" during her lifetime but never publicly displayed them. Decades later, they have unexpectedly emerged as a multi-million dollar cultural legacy.
The rarity of "Superman #1" stems from the fact that, although 900,000 copies were printed, most were sold around the 1939 New York World's Fair. High urban population turnover and limited living spaces contributed to the extreme scarcity of high-grade preserved copies. In the CGC database, only three copies of "Superman #1" have been graded above 7.5, making it a classic example of scarcity far exceeding its original print run.
This 9.0-graded copy has been described as a "miracle survivor," with paper quality ranging from "off-white to white," a state of preservation nearly impossible to replicate.
Jim Halperin, Co-Chairman of Heritage Auctions, stated, "Today's record is not just a market victory; it signifies that the future of pop culture collecting is advancing to an even higher level."
via： Bleeding Cool