Today, eBay announced a copy of Action Comics #1, with white pages and a grade of 9.0 from the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), sold at auction for $3.2M, making it the most expensive comic in the world. The previous record for the most expensive comic book was set in 2011 when another copy of Action Comics #1, also with a 9.0 grade, but off-white pages sold for $2,161,000. The record-breaking comic was sold by prominent collectibles dealer Darren Adams, owner of Pristine Comics in Federal Way, Wash.
Widely regarded as the “Holy Grail” of comic books, there are believed to be as few as 50 unrestored original copies of Action Comics #1 still in existence. The comic hit newsstands in 1938 for $.10 and marked Superman’s historic debut, giving birth to the multi-billion dollar global franchise that thrives today.
“I’m proud to have owned the most valuable comic book in the world,” said Darren Adams. “Working with eBay on this auction allowed me to share this rare treasure with their global community and ensure the next owner is just as passionate about its place in history.”
“This was a record auction for eBay as it was the most expensive comic book ever sold on our marketplace. The sale of Action Comics #1 is a prime example of how eBay plays a role in popular culture by connecting shoppers to must-have merchandise, including rare and valuable collectibles,” said Gene Cook, General Manager of Emerging Verticals for eBay Marketplaces. “This was an extraordinary opportunity to bring a comic – one that has captured the attention of passionate collectors and casual fans alike. We will continue to bring more of the world’s most unique and compelling merchandise to our passionate and global community of 149 million buyers, at a wide range of accessible price points.”
"It's a historic moment that not only speaks to the greatness of Adams' Action Comics #1, but also the overall health of the comic book market," said CGC Director of Operations, Harshen Patel. "You see it with collectors enjoying record sales, with the performance of Guardians of the Galaxy at the box office and with the attendance at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con this past week. It's a dynamic time for the comic book industry and its future is very bright."
A portion of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
