Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Superman No. 1 From 1939 Sells for $9.12 Million, Setting Comic Auction Record

The 9.0‑graded, first‑printing attic copy is one of fewer than 500 believed to survive.

Overview

  • Heritage Auctions confirmed the Nov. 20 sale at $9.12 million, the highest price ever paid for a comic book at auction.
  • Three brothers found the issue last year in their late mother's San Francisco home, and both they and the buyer remain anonymous.
  • CGC graded the copy 9.0, the top score recorded for this issue, noting firm spine integrity, vibrant colors and crisp corners.
  • Experts tied the book to the initial 1939 print run using a small in‑house advertisement, with Heritage estimating under 500 extant copies.
  • The result eclipses the previous $6 million record set in 2024 by Action Comics No. 1 and underscores demand for high‑grade Golden Age keys.