Record-Breaking Sale: Superman No. 1 Fetches $9.12 Million at Auction

Posted on November 20, 2025 by Neil Cole

A CGC 9.0 copy of "Superman No. 1" has become the most valuable comic book ever sold, reaching an unprecedented $9.12 million at Heritage Auctions. The sale marks a milestone in both the collectibles market and the legacy of one of popular culture's most enduring icons.

The book surfaced after three brothers discovered a small stash of Golden Age comics in their late mother's attic in Northern California. The collection had been tucked away for decades among old newspapers and keepsakes, quietly preserved through stable climate conditions that helped maintain the comic's exceptional quality. The brothers, now in their 50s and 60s, had long heard their mother mention a valuable comic collection but were never shown its contents during her lifetime.

This record-setting copy stands at the top of the 94 unrestored "Superman No. 1" issues ever graded by CGC, surpassing a previous private sale that reached $5.3 million for a lower-graded example. Its condition, rarity, and compelling backstory combined to position it as one of the most desirable offerings ever brought to market.

The sale builds on the recent momentum surrounding key Superman issues; Heritage Auctions previously held the record with a $6 million sale of "Action Comics No. 1" in 2024. The new benchmark set by "Superman No. 1" reflects the sustained cultural power of the character and the increasing demand for high-grade Golden Age books.

This extraordinary result underscores both the historical significance of early Superman comics and the enduring appeal of a hero who continues to define the superhero genre nearly nine decades after his debut.