Superman Comic Sells for Record $9.12 Million in Historic Auction

Historic Discovery in California Attic

Three brothers from Northern California made the discovery of a lifetime while cleaning out their late mother's home in 2024. Hidden beneath a stack of decaying newspapers in the attic, they found a pristine copy of Superman No. 1 from 1939 - a comic book that would later sell for a record-breaking $9.12 million at Heritage Auctions in November 2025.

The brothers, who wish to remain anonymous, had heard stories from their mother about a valuable comic collection but assumed the tales were exaggerated. 'Their mother had told them she had a valuable comic collection, but never showed it to them,' said Heritage Auctions director Joe Mannarino in the auction announcement. 'She couldn't remember where she had stored the comics.'

Unprecedented Condition and Value

The Superman No. 1 comic was certified by Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) with a grade of 9.0 out of 10, making it the highest-graded copy ever recorded. This exceptional condition contributed significantly to its record-breaking price, which shattered the previous comic book auction record of $6 million set by Action Comics No. 1 in 2024.

According to CGC's official statement, only 209 copies of Superman No. 1 are recorded in their population report, with fewer than half receiving the coveted blue Universal label. This particular copy is one of only seven known copies with a CGC grade of 6.0 or higher, highlighting its extreme rarity.

The Original Purchase and Preservation

The comic was originally purchased for just 10 cents in the late 1930s by the brothers' mother and her sibling. It remained untouched in the family's attic for over 85 years, preserved in a cardboard box alongside five other valuable comics from the same era. The collection included Action Comics Nos. 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21, though their auction results remain undisclosed.

'This discovery represents everything that makes comic collecting so exciting,' said comic historian David Mandel. 'A family treasure, perfectly preserved, with a story that captures the imagination of collectors worldwide.'

Market Impact and Cultural Significance

The $9.12 million sale establishes a new benchmark for comic book valuations and demonstrates the growing market for rare collectibles. As reported by The Los Angeles Times, this sale solidifies Superman No. 1's status as the ultimate prize for comic book collectors and investors.

Superman No. 1 holds particular historical significance as the first comic book dedicated to a single superhero character. Published in summer 1939, it followed Superman's debut in Action Comics No. 1 from June 1938. The character's immediate popularity helped launch the entire superhero genre that continues to dominate popular culture today.

The Heritage Auctions sale attracted international attention, with bidding reaching unprecedented levels for comic book collectibles. The final price of $9.12 million (approximately €7.9 million) represents one of the most significant sales in comic book history and underscores the enduring appeal of vintage superhero comics as both cultural artifacts and investment assets.