Heritage Spotlights CGC-certified Grails at Relatively Accessible Prices

Heritage Auctions is bringing together dozens of lower-grade grails from the Silver and Golden Ages of comics that are certified by CGC®, offering collectors a chance to own them at more accessible prices. In a nod to these iconic books’ less-than-ideal condition, Heritage Auctions has titled the sale Diamonds in the Rough: Iconic Keys Comic Showcase, and bidding will close May 29, 2025.

While these keys may show unmistakable signs of wear or have undergone professional restoration, they carry historical significance and considerable market demand. As an example, just a small piece from the cover of Action Comics #1 graded CGC CVR was sold for $7,101 in 2022.

Click images to enlarge.

Among the amazing keys found in this auction is a Superman #1 graded CGC .5. Released in 1939, Superman #1 is the first comic book ever devoted to a single superhero, setting the standard for the industry. The issue reprinted early Action Comics stories and introduced new material that expanded Superman’s world, reinforcing his role as a symbol of truth and justice during a time of global uncertainty. As the blueprint for generations of heroes that followed, Superman #1 remains a foundational key with lasting historical and cultural significance.

Another spectacular book offered is a Batman #1 graded CGC 5.0 Restored. Not only the Caped Crusader’s first solo title but also the debut of the Joker and Catwoman, Batman #1 is a pillar of Golden Age grails. Published in 1940, it helped solidify Batman’s darker tone and detective roots, distinguishing him from his superhero peers.

Other CGC-certified comics in this auction include:

• a coverless Action Comics #6 certified as CGC NG (first appearance of Jimmy Olsen)
• an All-American Comics #16 graded CGC 1.0 (first appearance of Green Lantern)
• an All Star Comics #3 graded CGC .5 (first appearance of the Justice Society of America)
• an All Star Comics #8 graded CGC 4.5 Restored (first appearance of Wonder Woman)
• an Amazing Fantasy #15 graded CGC .5 (first appearance of Spider-Man)
• an Amazing Spider-Man #1 graded CGC 2.0 (first issue of title)
• a Captain America Comics #1 graded CGC 3.0 Restored (first appearance of Captain America)
• a Detective Comics #1 graded CGC 3.5 Restored (first issue of title)
• a coverless Detective Comics #31 certified as CGC NG (classic Batman cover)
• a Detective Comics #35 graded CGC 2.0 (classic Batman cover)
• a Detective Comics #36 graded CGC 1.5 (first appearance of Dr. Hugo Strange)
• a Detective Comics #38 graded CGC 3.5 Restored (first appearance of Robin)
• a coverless Marvel Mystery Comics #9 certified as CGC NG (classic cover)
• a Sensation Comics #1 graded CGC .5 (second appearance of Wonder Woman)
• a Showcase #4 graded CGC 2.0 (first appearance of the Silver Age Flash)
• a Showcase #22 graded CGC 4.0 (first appearance of the Silver Age Green Lantern)
• a Sub-Mariner Comics #1 graded CGC .5 (first issue of title)
• a Whiz Comics #2 (#1) graded CGC .5 Restored (first appearance of Captain Marvel/Shazam)
• a Wonder Woman #1 graded CGC .5 (first issue of title)
• an X-Men #1 graded CGC 1.8 – first appearance of the X-Men

About CGC

Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for sports cards, TCGs and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation and more. CGC Home Video provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of videocassettes, DVD, Blu-ray and more. CGC also offers seamless solutions for autograph collectors with CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services.