Record-Breaking Sale of Superman #1 Comic Hits $9.12 Million at Auction
A copy of Superman #1 has achieved unprecedented fame in the comic book world by selling for a staggering $9.12 million at a recent Heritage Auctions event held on November 20, 2025. This historic sale not only sets a new benchmark for comic book sales but also marks a significant chapter in the legacy of Superman, who originally graced the pages of Action Comics #1 in 1938, forever changing the landscape of superhero storytelling.
The comic in question was preserved for decades in a California attic before it was authenticated and graded by Certified Guaranty Company (CGC). The Superman #1 received an impressive CGC grade of 9.0, making it the highest-graded known copy. This sale dethrones the previous record holder, Action Comics #1, which sold for $6 million in April 2024. The latter was also notable for its pedigree, with a CGC grade of 8.5, surpassing a high-grade copy of Superman #1 itself that sold for $5.3 million in 2022.
Matt Nelson, president of CGC, expressed his excitement at witnessing such a major milestone in comic book history. "It's fascinating to see this Superman #1, the highest-graded example certified by CGC, break the previous all-time auction record for any comic book," he noted. The backdrop of this monumental sale reflects not just the rarity and condition of the comic, but also the essential role that CGC plays in the collectibles market, ensuring that items are preserved and authenticated for collectors.
Superman is a cultural icon, symbolizing hope and heroism since his debut, and the popularity of his character led to an explosion in comic book sales after his introduction. Following his launch, Action Comics experienced a surge in sales with each consecutive issue, prompting DC Comics to grant Superman his eponymous series - a first in the comic industry. Superman #1 was released in the summer of 1939, initially selling half a million copies, followed by two additional print runs of 250,000 and 150,000 copies, respectively.
Today, reports from CGC's Population Report show that there are only 209 recorded copies of Superman #1, and less than half of those hold the coveted blue Universal Seal of CGC authentication. This extraordinary sale underscores the sustained demand for rare and historically significant comic books and emphasizes CGC's commitment to preserving and authenticating these treasures for passionate collectors.
The final auction figures reflect a buyer's premium, showcasing the escalating values in the collectibles market fueled by the enthusiasm and financial investment of collectors.
Certified Guaranty Company continues to innovate in the comic book credentialing field with expert and impartial certification services. With over 20 million certified collectibles spanning comics, trading cards, sports cards, video games, and more, CGC is the largest and most trusted third-party grading service in the world. Their services also extend to autograph collectors via CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services.
CGC is a part of the Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), dedicated to enhancing the passion, value, and community spirit of collectors worldwide. With a growing portfolio of certified items across various categories, CCG is synonymous with expertise and integrity, having certified over 100 million items across its four brands: CGC, Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), Paper Money Guaranty (PMG), and Authenticated Stamp Guaranty (ASG).
In conclusion, the record-breaking sale of Superman #1 is more than just a financial milestone; it reflects a broader appreciation for comic book history and the cultural significance of this legendary character that has resonated with fans for generations. As the industry evolves and the market for collectible comics continues to grow, it will be interesting to see what record-breaking sales lay ahead in the future.
The comic in question was preserved for decades in a California attic before it was authenticated and graded by Certified Guaranty Company (CGC). The Superman #1 received an impressive CGC grade of 9.0, making it the highest-graded known copy. This sale dethrones the previous record holder, Action Comics #1, which sold for $6 million in April 2024. The latter was also notable for its pedigree, with a CGC grade of 8.5, surpassing a high-grade copy of Superman #1 itself that sold for $5.3 million in 2022.
Matt Nelson, president of CGC, expressed his excitement at witnessing such a major milestone in comic book history. "It's fascinating to see this Superman #1, the highest-graded example certified by CGC, break the previous all-time auction record for any comic book," he noted. The backdrop of this monumental sale reflects not just the rarity and condition of the comic, but also the essential role that CGC plays in the collectibles market, ensuring that items are preserved and authenticated for collectors.
Superman is a cultural icon, symbolizing hope and heroism since his debut, and the popularity of his character led to an explosion in comic book sales after his introduction. Following his launch, Action Comics experienced a surge in sales with each consecutive issue, prompting DC Comics to grant Superman his eponymous series - a first in the comic industry. Superman #1 was released in the summer of 1939, initially selling half a million copies, followed by two additional print runs of 250,000 and 150,000 copies, respectively.
Today, reports from CGC's Population Report show that there are only 209 recorded copies of Superman #1, and less than half of those hold the coveted blue Universal Seal of CGC authentication. This extraordinary sale underscores the sustained demand for rare and historically significant comic books and emphasizes CGC's commitment to preserving and authenticating these treasures for passionate collectors.
The final auction figures reflect a buyer's premium, showcasing the escalating values in the collectibles market fueled by the enthusiasm and financial investment of collectors.
Certified Guaranty Company continues to innovate in the comic book credentialing field with expert and impartial certification services. With over 20 million certified collectibles spanning comics, trading cards, sports cards, video games, and more, CGC is the largest and most trusted third-party grading service in the world. Their services also extend to autograph collectors via CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services.
CGC is a part of the Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), dedicated to enhancing the passion, value, and community spirit of collectors worldwide. With a growing portfolio of certified items across various categories, CCG is synonymous with expertise and integrity, having certified over 100 million items across its four brands: CGC, Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), Paper Money Guaranty (PMG), and Authenticated Stamp Guaranty (ASG).
In conclusion, the record-breaking sale of Superman #1 is more than just a financial milestone; it reflects a broader appreciation for comic book history and the cultural significance of this legendary character that has resonated with fans for generations. As the industry evolves and the market for collectible comics continues to grow, it will be interesting to see what record-breaking sales lay ahead in the future.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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