A forgotten treasure from America’s Golden Age has shattered records, proving that traditional values and classic American heroes still command respect and extraordinary value in today’s marketplace.
Story Highlights
- Original 1939 Superman No. 1 comic sells for world-record $9.12 million at Heritage Auctions.
- Three San Francisco brothers discovered the comic in their late mother’s attic in 2024.
- The comic received a rare 9 out of 10 condition rating despite being stored in a cardboard box for decades.
- The sale represents appreciation for classic American superhero values and traditional storytelling.
Golden Age Discovery Breaks Records
Heritage Auctions confirmed the sale of an original 1939 Superman No. 1 comic for $9.12 million, establishing a new world record for comic book sales.
The Texas-based auction house handled the transaction for the rare DC Comics publication, which represents Superman’s first title appearance. This sale surpassed the previous record of $6 million set by an Action Comics No. 1 graded 8.5 in April 2024.
A copy of the first Superman issue, discovered by three brothers cleaning out their late mother's attic, sold for $9.12 million this month at a Texas auction house, which says it is the most expensive comic book ever sold.
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— ABC News (@ABC) November 25, 2025
Family Heritage Preserved Through Generations
Three brothers in San Francisco discovered this American treasure while sorting through their late mother’s attic in 2024. Heritage Auctions Vice President Lon Allen revealed the family members, now in their 50s and 60s, chose to remain anonymous.
Their uncle had purchased the vintage comics between the Great Depression and World War II, creating an unexpected inheritance that remained hidden for decades in a simple cardboard box.
Exceptional Condition Despite Simple Storage
The Certified Guaranty Company awarded the comic an extraordinary 9 out of 10 condition rating, making it their highest-graded comic ever. Remarkably, the comic survived decades protected only by old newspapers in a cardboard box.
Only seven known Superman No. 1 comics have achieved a CGC score of 6 or above, highlighting this specimen’s rarity. The 64-page comic promises readers “the complete story of the daring exploits of the one and only Superman.”
Classic Values Command Premium Prices
This record-breaking sale demonstrates that authentic American heroes and traditional storytelling retain tremendous value. Superman represents timeless virtues of truth, justice, and moral courage that resonate with collectors who appreciate classic American ideals.
The anonymous buyer’s willingness to pay over $9 million reflects growing appreciation for cultural artifacts from America’s Golden Age, when heroes embodied clear moral principles and defended traditional values without apology.
