A rare copy of Superman No. 1 has set a new record in the comic book world, selling for an astounding $9.12 million at Heritage Auctions on Thursday, officially making it the most valuable comic book in history. The 1939 issue, graded a near-perfect 9.0 by the Certified Guaranty Company, wowed collectors thanks to its exceptional condition and historic significance, featuring key first appearances and defining moments that shaped the Superman franchise.
The comic was discovered unexpectedly by three brothers in California while sorting through their late mother’s belongings. Although they knew about their mother and uncle’s comic collection, they had never seen this treasure until now. Its rarity, high-grade condition, and landmark content contributed to the record-breaking price.
This sale surpasses the previous record for a Superman comic, a private-sale copy sold for $5.3 million in 2022, and outshines other notable comic auctions, including Action Comics No. 1 ($6 million in 2024), Amazing Fantasy No. 15 ($3.6 million in 2021), Captain America Comics No. 1 ($3.12 million in 2022), and Batman No. 1 ($2.22 million in 2021). Collectors are calling this a once-in-a-lifetime discovery, cementing the comic’s place in both pop culture and auction history.
