Rare 1939 ‘Superman No. 1’ sells for record $9.12 million

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A near-pristine copy of the first-ever Superman comic, discovered in an attic by three brothers cleaning out their late mother’s San Francisco home, fetched a record-breaking $9.12 million at a Texas auction this month, setting a new high for comic book sales.

The brothers uncovered the comic, along with a handful of other rare pre-World War II issues, beneath layers of newspapers and dust. Their mother had once mentioned the collection’s value, but the siblings had never seen it until preparing the house for sale, according to Lon Allen, vice president of comics at Heritage Auctions. Allen inspected the comic earlier this year and confirmed its exceptional condition.

Released in 1939 by Detective Comics Inc., Superman No. 1 is among the rarest comics in existence, with fewer than 500 copies believed to survive. The comic’s historical significance—as the first appearance of the Man of Steel—combined with its excellent preservation, contributed to its staggering value. Experts noted its crisp corners, firm spine, and vibrant colors, preserved in part by Northern California’s cool climate. The copy earned a 9.0 out of 10 from grading company CGC.

Previously, the record for the world’s most expensive comic was set last year when Action Comics No. 1, which first introduced Superman, sold for $6 million. Another Superman No. 1 sold for $5.3 million in 2022.

“This isn’t simply a story about old paper and ink,” one brother said. “This is a testament to memory, family and the unexpected ways the past finds its way back to us.”

The identities of both the brothers and the winning bidder remain confidential, underscoring the extraordinary nature of this once-in-a-lifetime discovery.