While clearing out their late mother’s attic in California last Christmas, three brothers stumbled upon a remarkable treasure: one of the earliest Superman comics ever published.
This rare June 1939 edition of Superman #1 was in extraordinary condition, preserved beneath a pile of old newspapers. Its pristine state caught the attention of Texas-based Heritage Auctions, which hosted the sale and described the comic as the “pinnacle of comic collecting.”
The brothers discovered six vintage comics in total, all tucked away in a cardboard box surrounded by cobwebs. After a few months, they contacted Heritage Auctions, prompting vice-president Lon Allen to visit them in San Francisco.
The comic’s history is as fascinating as its value. Their mother had purchased these comics with her brother between the Great Depression and the early years of World War II, keeping them carefully for decades. Allen noted that Northern California’s cool climate helped preserve the delicate pages, contributing to the comic receiving a 9.0 grade from CGC—beating the previous highest-rated copy.
When auctioned, the comic sold for an astonishing $9.12 million (£7 million), setting a new record for the most expensive comic book ever sold. This price surpasses the previous record held by Action Comics #1 ($6 million), which introduced Superman to the world in 1938.
The brothers, who remain anonymous, reflected on the discovery: “This isn’t just about a collectible. It’s a testament to memory, family, and the unexpected ways the past resurfaces.”
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