The article will explore the world of comic book collecting by showcasing the most expensive comic books ever sold. It will delve into the reasons behind their high values, including rarity, historical significance, and cultural impact. It is also worth noting that numbers can change in the future, as the time passes, the old comics of Golden and Silver age get even more valuable. Just like good wine.
What are the most expensive comic books ever sold at auction?
The most expensive comic books ever sold have fetched prices that go well into the millions in some cases. Factors affecting a comic book’s value at auction include its rarity, condition, historical significance, and the presence of iconic characters or creators – so in case you want to sell comic books, you know what to think of when putting a price tag. A high-grade issue featuring a superhero’s debut or a landmark story can drive bids to unprecedented heights, as can comics that have had a profound comic book impact on the industry or popular culture.
1. ACTION COMICS #1
“Action Comics #1” is a big thing in comic book history, as it features the debut of Superman, the first superhero. Published by DC Comics in 1938, it was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster. This comic not only introduced the world to the Man of Steel but also set the foundation for the superhero genre. Its significance in pop culture and comic book lore cannot be overrated. The “Action Comics #1” highest price reaching $6 million for a CGC 8.5 grade copy at Heritage Auctions in 2024, making it the most expensive comic book in the world sold at the auction so far. Even at its lowest, a CGC .5 grade copy fetched $408,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2023.
2. SUPERMAN #1
“Superman #1,” released in 1939 by DC Comics, is a truly monumental issue that was entirely dedicated to the Man of Steel. Following Superman’s debut in “Action Comics #1,” this solo title offered an expanded look into the superhero’s adventures, origin story, and characters in his universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman’s creators, this comic established Superman as a cultural icon. “Superman #1” has commanded impressive prices and is in one of the most high value comic books, with the highest recorded sale being $5.3 million for a CGC 8.0 grade copy in a private sale in 2022. The lowest known sale price was $360,000 for a CGC 3.0 grade at Heritage Auctions in 2023.
3. AMAZING FANTASY #15
Amazing Fantasy #15″ was published by Marvel Comics in 1962. It is known for introducing the world to Spider-Man, the teenage superhero alter ego of Peter Parker, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko. This issue broke new ground by featuring a younger hero with everyday problems, making Spider-Man one of the most relatable and enduring characters in the genre. The comic’s cover, showcasing Spider-Man swinging through New York City with a criminal in tow, has become iconic.
The highest price it was sold for was $3.6 million for a CGC 9.6 grade copy at Heritage Auctions in 2021, making it one of the most valuable comic books. On the lower end, a CGC 9.4 grade copy sold for $454,100 at Heritage Auctions in 2016.
4. CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #1
“Captain America Comics #1,” released by Timely Comics (the precursor to Marvel Comics) in 1941, introduced readers to Captain America, the patriotic super-soldier created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, making it one of the most valuable comics. This comic book made a bold statement even before the United States entered World War II, featuring the iconic cover of Captain America delivering a knockout punch to Adolf Hitler. The issue contained stories that established the character’s origins, including the transformation of Steve Rogers into the symbol of American strength and perseverance through the Super-Soldier Serum.
The highest price achieved was $3.12 million for a CGC 9.4 grade copy at Heritage Auctions in 2022. The lowest known sale price was still impressive, with a CGC 9.2 grade copy reaching $750,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2024.
5. MARVEL COMICS #1
“Marvel Comics #1,” published by Timely Publications in 1939, is the birthday of Marvel Comics, one of the most influential comic book publishers in history. This issue features the first appearances of several iconic characters, including the Human Torch, the Sub-Mariner, and the Angel, among others. The contributions from creators like Carl Burgos, Bill Everett, and Paul Gustavson made this comic a hit in the Golden Age of Comics.
At auction, “Marvel Comics #1” has fetched remarkable prices. The record sale was for a CGC 9.4 grade copy, which went for $2.4 million through ComicConnect in 2022. On the lower end, a CGC 7.5 grade copy sold for $675,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2023.
6. BATMAN #1
“Batman #1,” released by DC Comics in 1940, is truly a legendary issue, not only the first solo title for Dark Knight but also introduced some of the most iconic characters such as the Joker and Catwoman. Created by Bob Kane, along with Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson, this issue was a start for Batman’s dark and complex world, setting him apart from other superheroes of the time with its unique mix of noir mystery and adventure.
The highest price it reached was $2.22 million for a CGC 9.4 grade copy at Heritage Auctions in 2021. The lowest known sale price was also significant, with a CGC 6.0 grade copy selling for $552,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2023.
7. TALES OF SUSPENSE #39
“Tales of Suspense #39,” published by Marvel Comics in 1963, marks the debut of Iron Man, one of the most influential and enduring characters in the Marvel Universe. Created by a writer and editor Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, artist Don Heck, and character designer Jack Kirby, this issue introduced readers to Tony Stark, genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist.
The highest price it was sold for was $2 million for a CGC 9.8 grade copy at ComicLink in 2023. The lowest known sale price for a still remarkable CGC 9.6 grade was $375,000 at ComicLink in 2012.
8. DETECTIVE COMICS #27
“Detective Comics #27,” released by DC Comics in 1939, is the first appearance of Batman, the iconic character created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. This issue features the debut of the Caped Crusader in “The Case of the Chemical Syndicate,” introducing readers to the dark and gritty world of Gotham City. Batman’s introduction marked a very important moment in comic book history, establishing one of the most famous and beloved characters in the superhero genre. The issue’s cover, showcasing Batman swinging over a cityscape, has become one of the most recognized images in comic culture.
The highest recorded sale was $1.82 million for a CGC 6.5 grade copy at ComicConnect in 2024. The lowest known sale price, though still impressive, was $600,000 for a CGC 3.0 grade at Heritage Auctions in the same year.
9. ALL-STAR COMICS #8
“All-Star Comics #8,” published by DC Comics in 1941, is the first appearance of Wonder Woman. Created by William Moulton Marston and artist H.G. Peter, Wonder Woman was introduced as a character embodying strength, wisdom, and justice. This issue features her origin story, revealing her Amazonian heritage and her journey from Themyscira to the world of man. Wonder Woman’s debut was a big thing, as she was one of the first female superheroes.
The highest sale reached $1.62 million for a CGC 9.4 grade copy at Heritage Auction in 2022. The lowest known sale price was also notable, with a CGC 9.0 grade copy fetching $411,011 at ComicConnect in 2016.
10. FANTASTIC FOUR #1
“Fantastic Four #1,” released by Marvel Comics in 1961, started a new era in the Marvel Universe. Created by the legendary duo of writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, this issue introduces the Fantastic Four – Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing. As a group of astronauts who gain superpowers after exposure to cosmic rays in space, they embody themes of exploration, family, and heroism. The comic portrayed superheroes with human flaws and interpersonal conflicts, setting it apart from the idealized, flawless heroes of the era.
At auction, “Fantastic Four #1” has reached some heights, with the highest sale recorded at $1.5 million for a CGC 9.2 grade copy at Heritage Auctions in 2022. The lowest was CGC 9.0 grade copy fetched $420,000 at the same auction.
What are the most expensive, known private sales?
Some sales can have crazy numbers, and if we talk about private sales, then most expensive were:
- “Superman #1” (Summer 1939, CGC 8.0, White Pages). This comic book holds the title for the most expensive comic book ever sold in a private transaction. In April 2022, it was sold for an astonishing $5.3 million, a sale by Tony Arnold and Roy Delic, marking the highest price ever paid for a comic book private sale.
- “Action Comics #1 Rocket Copy” (DC, 1938, CGC FN 6.0, White Pages). Not far behind in value, this comic has a fascinating resale history. Initially, it went for $3.4 million in September 2022, sold by Goldin. But it changed hands again a few months later, fetching $3.55 million in January 2023 in a transaction through ComicConnect.
These prices are accurate as for now, but maybe we’ll see even bigger numbers in the near future?
