A forgotten treasure tucked away in a Northern California attic has soared to new heights, selling for a staggering $9.12 million and claiming the title of the most expensive comic book ever sold.
The Record-Breaking Sale
The historic sale took place at Heritage Auctions, where the original Superman #1 comic from 1939 shattered expectations. The final hammer price of $9.12 million decisively eclipsed the previous record of $6 million, which was set just last year by a copy of Action Comics #1 from 1938.
This particular issue is not just valuable for its age; it received an exceptional grade of 9.0 out of 10 from professional assessors. This near-perfect score is a testament to its unrestored condition, a remarkable feat for a publication of its era.
A Family's Unexpected Windfall
The journey of this comic book from a dusty attic to the auction block is a story in itself. The book was discovered by three brothers who were sorting through their late mother's belongings. It turns out their mother and uncle had originally purchased the comic during the period spanning the Great Depression and World War II.
For decades, the comic sat undisturbed, its immense value completely unknown to the family. Its discovery turned out to be a life-changing windfall, transforming a piece of family history into a multi-million dollar asset.
Why This Comic Is So Rare
Experts at Heritage Auctions were quick to explain the factors behind the comic's monumental value. Superman #1 is widely considered one of the most challenging Golden Age comics to find in high-grade condition.
A significant reason for its scarcity is a common practice among young readers of the time: cutting out pinups from the centre of the book. This widespread activity destroyed the integrity of countless copies, making an intact, high-grade version like this one exceptionally rare and desirable to collectors.
This sale not only sets a new benchmark in the collectibles market but also highlights the potential for extraordinary stories and value to be hidden in the most ordinary of places, waiting for the right moment to be revealed.
