Rare superman comic Shatters Records, Selling for $9.12 Million
A remarkable discovery in a California attic has rewritten comic book history. A pristine copy of Superman #1, one of the earliest issues featuring the iconic superhero, has been sold at auction for a staggering $9.12 million (£7 million), becoming the most expensive comic book ever sold.
The remarkable find occurred last christmas when three brothers were clearing out their late mother’s attic. Hidden beneath a collection of old newspapers, they unearthed a cardboard box containing six comic books, including the coveted superman #1. The comic, a June 1939 first edition, was found in remarkably well-preserved condition, a testament to the cool, dry climate of northern California.
“It’s a twist on the old ‘Mom threw away my comics’ story,” remarked Lon Allen, Vice President of Heritage Auctions, the Texas-based auction house that facilitated the sale. The brothers, who have chosen to remain anonymous, were unaware of the potential value of their mother’s collection, as she had only alluded to possessing expensive comics throughout their lives.
According to Heritage Auctions, their mother adn her brother originally purchased the comics between the Great Depression and the onset of World War II. The box remained undisturbed in the attic for decades, largely forgotten amidst the challenges of daily life. As one of the brothers explained in a press release, “As the years unfolded, life brought about a series of losses and changes…The demands of everyday survival took centre stage, and the box of comics, once set aside with care and intention, was forgotten. Until last Christmas.”
The exceptional condition of the comic was confirmed by CGC, a leading third-party comic grading service, which awarded it a near-perfect 9.0 rating on a 10-point scale – surpassing the previous record of 8.5.This pristine state considerably contributed to its record-breaking sale price. Including the buyer’s premium, the final price of $9.12 million eclipsed the previous record holder by a ample $3 million.
Prior to this sale,Action Comics No. 1, the 1938 comic that introduced Superman to the world, held the title of the most expensive comic book ever sold, fetching $6 million in 2023.
This discovery underscores the enduring appeal of golden Age comics and the potential for hidden treasures to emerge from unexpected places. As one of the brothers poignantly stated,”This isn’t simply a story about old paper and ink. This was never just about a collectible…This is a testament to memory, family and the unexpected ways the past finds its way back to us.”
The sale of Superman #1 marks a pivotal moment in comic book collecting, solidifying its place as the “pinnacle of comic collecting,” as described by Heritage Auctions.