In an event that has sent shockwaves through the world of collectibles, a single copy of a Superman comic has soared to an astronomical £7.2 million ($9.12 million) at auction, officially claiming the title of the most valuable comic book ever sold.
A Stunning Attic Discovery
The historic sale took place on Thursday at Heritage Auctions, where the final hammer price shattered all previous records. The comic in question is a 1939 Superman No. 1 issue, but its journey to the auction block is as remarkable as its price tag. The book was unexpectedly discovered by three brothers from California while they were sorting through their late mother's belongings.
They were aware that their mother and uncle had a comic collection, but had never seen it. The brothers stumbled upon a dusty, forgotten box of relics in their attic, with little initial knowledge of the immense value they were holding.
Why This Comic Is So Valuable
The staggering final price of £7.12 million ($9.12 million) is largely attributed to the comic's pristine, near-perfect condition. Finding any graphic novel that is almost a century old is rare, but a collectible in high-grade condition is considered next to impossible.
The Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), renowned for its accurate and impartial assessment of comic books, awarded this specific copy a grade of 9.0 out of 10. This 'unrestored' status, meaning it has not been repaired or tampered with, significantly amplified its worth to collectors.
Beyond its condition, the comic's content is foundational to the Superman franchise. It features pivotal first appearances and defining moments that helped shape the entire storyline of the landmark series, making it a cornerstone of comic book history.
Redefining the Collectors' Market
This sale has decisively reset the market for vintage comics. The previous record for a Superman comic was held by a private-sale copy that fetched £4.2 million ($5.3 million) in 2022, which carried a lower condition grade of 8.0.
This new record also places it above other famously expensive comics, including:
- An Action Comics No. 1 (featuring Superman's debut) that sold for £4.7 million ($6 million) in 2024.
- Amazing Fantasy No. 15 (first appearance of Spider-Man) which sold for £2.8 million ($3.6 million) in 2021.
- Captain America Comics No. 1 valued at £2.5 million ($3.12 million) in 2022.
- Batman No. 1 which sold for £1.75 million ($2.22 million) in 2021.
The extraordinary sale of this attic-found Superman No. 1 demonstrates the ever-increasing appetite and financial power within the collectibles market, turning a piece of pop culture history into a multi-million-pound asset.
