A rare copy of "Action Comics No. 1," the comic book that introduced Superman, recently sold for $15 million in a private transaction, establishing a new record for a comic book sale. This transaction surpassed the previous record of $9.12 million, which was set in November for a copy of "Superman No. 1" that had been discovered in an attic.
Record Sale of "Action Comics No. 1" for $15 Million
The private sale of a copy of "Action Comics No. 1" was announced on a recent Friday. The transaction, facilitated by New York-based Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, involved a sale price of $15 million, which is equivalent to approximately $22.4 million AUD. Both the seller and the buyer of the comic have requested anonymity.
"Action Comics No. 1," originally published in 1938 and sold for 10 cents (approximately $2.25 in current value), is recognized for its role in defining the superhero genre by introducing the character of Superman. The comic features his origin story, detailing his birth on a dying planet, his journey to Earth, and his decision to utilize his abilities for the benefit of humanity.
This particular copy of "Action Comics No. 1" received a grading of 9 out of a possible 10 points from the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), a firm specializing in authenticating collectibles. This rating positions it as one of the highest-scoring copies known to date. The comic also has a unique history, having been previously stolen from actor Nicolas Cage's residence and subsequently recovered more than a decade later. It is estimated that fewer than 100 copies of "Action Comics No. 1" are currently in existence.
Previous Record Set by "Superman No. 1" at $9.12 Million
The previous record for a comic book sale was $9.12 million, established in November for a copy of "Superman No. 1." This sale was conducted through a Texas auction house, Heritage Auctions.
The specific "Superman No. 1" comic was discovered by three brothers, aged in their 50s and 60s, while they were clearing out their late mother's attic in San Francisco. The discovery occurred as they prepared their mother's house for sale. The comic was found in a cardboard box alongside other rare comics that their mother and her sibling had collected prior to World War II. Lon Allen, Vice President of Comics at Heritage Auctions, traveled to San Francisco to authenticate and appraise the copy.
"Superman No. 1," released in 1939 by Detective Comics Inc., holds cultural significance as it features Superman, recognized as the first superhero. Experts identified the sold copy as originating from the first edition of 500,000, with estimates suggesting fewer than 500 copies remain today. The comic was found in excellent condition, with a firm spine, vibrant colors, and crisp corners, a state of preservation partly attributed to the Northern California climate. It received a grading of 9.0 out of 10 from CGC. The brothers and the buyer involved in this transaction also requested anonymity.
Market Context and Historical Value
Both "Action Comics No. 1" and "Superman No. 1" are significant for their historical impact on the superhero genre and their rarity. The condition of these comics, as evidenced by their high grading scores from CGC, is a key factor in their market value, contributing to sales prices that far exceed their original 10-cent cost.