The sale of a CGC 9.0 graded copy of Superman #1 for $9,120,000 has redefined the landscape of comic book collecting, marking a significant moment for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The highest graded copy of Superman #1 CGC 9.0 has just sold for a record $9,120,000 at Heritage Auctions. This groundbreaking price surpasses the previous record set by an Action Comics #1 CGC 8.5, which sold for $6,000,000 in April 2024. Released in Summer 1939 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster under DC Comics, Superman #1 features stories from the first four issues of Action Comics, in addition to new material. Notably, the world record price for comic books has increased more than 26-fold since 2009, when it was last recorded at $350,000.
“What a momentous day,” remarks Heritage Auctions Vice President Lon Allen. “I’m thrilled for our consignor. Superman No. 1 is a milestone in pop culture history, and this copy is not only in unprecedented condition, but it has a movie-worthy story behind it. I was glad to see the price reflect that and am honored Heritage was entrusted with this iconic book.”
The dramatic rise in value is reflected in the fascinating provenance of this copy of Superman #1, discovered by three brothers sorting through their late mother’s belongings, who found six comics stashed away in their family’s attic. One notable comparison is with a previously sold Superman #1 graded CGC 8.0 (now CGC 8.5), which fetched $5,300,000 in January 2022, demonstrating the growing demand for high-grade copies.
As collectors are acutely aware, the rarity of Superman #1 in high grades significantly influences its market performance. The CGC census reports only three copies above CGC 7.5, while Action Comics #1 has five entries in that grade range. With a total print run of 900,000 copies across three printings for Superman #1, the distribution dynamics—especially towards urban centers such as New York—may have played a role in the relative scarcity of high-grade examples. Theories suggest that increased population density likely led to higher rates of wear and loss compared to comics that circulated in more suburban areas.
In addition to the reprinted stories from Action Comics #1-4, this issue comprises seven new pages created by Siegel and Shuster under the guidance of M.C. Gaines. These include an expanded origin story and an explanation of Superman’s powers, enriching the superhero’s mythology. Particularly groundbreaking was the introduction of Krypton as Superman’s home planet and the naming of the Kent family—elements that would shape the character’s narrative for generations to come.
The cover art for Superman #1 repurposes Joe Shuster‘s art from Action Comics #10 and hints at the character’s burgeoning impact amidst rising competition in the comic book industry. While the issue was initially copyrighted as a pamphlet—lacking any issue numbers—subsequent demand led to the quick release of Superman #2 just months later, solidifying the series’ place in comic book history.
Additionally, this particular copy is confirmed as a first printing, as documented by Heritage and verified in CGC’s grading notes. The back-page ad for Action Comics #14 indicates a release date of “On Sale June 2” for first prints, while later prints have generic ads stating “Now On Sale.” Awareness of these distinctions is growing within the collector community, making the details of first printings of increasing importance for future valuations.
Heritage Co-Chairman Jim Halperin aptly summarizes the significance of this record-breaking sale: “This new record may someday be remembered as an early stage of popular culture collecting’s trajectory into the upper reaches of the auction field. The value and historical importance of these objects are becoming increasingly well-known to collectors worldwide. Thanks in part to Heritage Auctions’ reach and platform, market values have become more accessible and trackable than ever before. We’re proud of Heritage’s role in helping to standardize, popularize, and grow the entire collectibles hobby.”
Based on reporting by https://www.facebook.com/markseifert01. Read the full story at https://bleedingcool.com/comics/most-valuable-comic-superman-1-cgc-9-0-sells-for-record-9120000/.