Family's Attic Discovery Becomes Multi-Million Pound Windfall
A Northern California family has struck gold after discovering a rare 1939 Superman #1 comic book in their attic that subsequently sold for an astonishing $9.12 million at auction. The sale, which took place on Thursday 21st November 2025 through Heritage Auctions, has shattered previous records for comic book sales, establishing this as the most expensive comic ever sold.
The Historic Find and Its Remarkable Condition
Three brothers, now in their 50s and 60s, made the incredible discovery while sorting through their late mother's belongings last Christmas. The comic had been tucked away in a box hidden under cobwebs in the family attic, completely forgotten until the festive season. According to the siblings, their mother and uncle originally purchased the comic books between the Great Depression and World War II.
The comic's condition was described as exceptional, with CGC - the world's largest third-party comics grading service - awarding it a 9.0 out of 10 rating. Experts noted its rarity, bright colours, sharp corners and tight spine as contributing factors to its outstanding preservation. Heritage Auctions described it as the "highest-graded unrestored copy" they had ever offered.
Breaking Records and Setting New Standards
This landmark sale comfortably surpassed the previous record set just last year, when a 1938 Action Comics #1 - which first introduced Superman to the world - sold for $6 million. The Northern California climate played a crucial role in preserving the comic's condition, with Heritage Auctions Vice President Lon Allen noting that if it had been stored in Texas, where the auction house is based, "it would have been ruined."
The brothers discovered five early issues of Action Comics in total, but Superman #1 proved to be the most valuable of the collection. This particular issue was published after National Allied Publications changed its name to Detective Comics, now famously known as DC.
In a heartfelt statement to the auction house, the youngest brother reflected: "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." He added that comics "became a treasured refuge" for the siblings, who grew up in a cramped apartment where luxuries were rare.
Allen emphasised the cultural significance of the find, stating: "Superman #1 is a milestone in pop culture history, and this copy is not only in unprecedented condition, but it has a movie-worthy story behind it. I was glad to see the price reflect that and am honoured Heritage was entrusted with this iconic book."
The Rarity That Drove the Record Price
According to Heritage Auctions, Superman #1 is considered the "hardest" of the top three Golden Age comics to find in good condition. While over half a million copies of the first edition were originally printed, most were likely damaged by children who cut along the dotted lines on the back cover to create Superman pinups as encouraged by the publication.
On Overstreet's Top 100 Golden Age Comics list, only two comics currently rank higher than Superman #1: Action Comics #1 and the 1939 Detective Comics #27, which featured Batman's first appearance. This recent sale not only sets a new benchmark for comic book valuations but also highlights how ordinary family possessions can transform into extraordinary assets with the passage of time.
