/PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A newly discovered copy of Superman #1 has made comics history, breaking the all-comic book record by fetching $9.12 million at Heritage Auctions’ special comic book auction on November 20, 2025. The comic’s move from the California attic where it had been stored for decades to the auction block included a stop at Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®), where it was authenticated and graded with CGC 9.0, the only one higher for the edition.
Superman1 (PRNewsfoto/Certified Guaranty Company)
It is now the most valuable comic book in history, having dethroned the CGC 8.5-rated Kansas City Pedigree Action Comics #1, which grossed $6 million in April 2024. That book had previously surpassed the legendary CGC 8.0-rated Mile High Pedigree Superman #1, which sold privately in 2022 for $5.3 million.
“It was fascinating to see this Superman #1, the highest-graded example ever certified by CGC, break the previous auction record for all comics,” said CGC President Matt Nelson. “This result is a testament not only to the rarity and preservation of the comic, but also to the experience and trust that define CGC’s role in the collectibles market.”
One of the most iconic fictional characters of all time, Superman launched the superhero genre when he first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938, introducing a new type of protagonist that harked back to ancient mythology. Superman inspired the creation of countless heroes who dominated newsstands during World War II and long after.
After Superman’s debut, sales of Action Comics increased with each publication. DC then decided to give Superman his own title, another first for the thriving comic book industry. Superman #1 hit shelves in the summer of 1939 and sold its first print run of half a million copies instantly. The company made subsequent editions of 250,000 and then 150,000. However, time took its toll, and today only 209 copies of this publication are recorded in the CGC Population Report, less than half of them on the coveted blue CGC Universal seal.
This monumental sale highlights the continued demand for rare and historically important comics and distinguishes CGC’s role in preserving and authenticating these treasures for collectors.
Final prices reached at auction include a buyer’s premium.
Acerca de Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®)
CGCrevolutionized comics collecting with the introduction of expert, unbiased certification services backed by a comprehensive warranty. Now with over 20 million certified collectibles, CGC is the world’s largest and most trusted third-party grading service for comics, collectible card games (TCG), sports cards, video games, home videos and more. CGC also offers perfect solutions for autograph collectors with its CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services. The company continues to grow, with the incorporation of new services, investment in the latest technology and record prices achieved.
CGC is part of the Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®), whose mission is to provide collectors with services that ignite passion, create value and build community. With more than 100 million certified collectibles across a wide variety of categories, CCG’s four brands – CGC, Numismatic Guaranty Company® (NGC®), Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) and Authenticated Stamp Guaranty® (ASG®) – are synonymous with trust and expertise in their interests.
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