Action Comics #1 Sells for Record-breaking $3.2M

[SAN JOSE] August 24, 2014 — Today, eBay announced a copy of Action Comics #1, with white pages graded CGC 9.0, 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, Washington.

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 multibillion-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 the 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 Guardians of the Galaxy's performance at the box office and with the attendance at Wizard World Chicago this past week. It's a dynamic time for the comic book industry and the future is very bright."

A portion of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

About eBay Marketplaces
eBay is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, connecting people with the things they need and love virtually anytime, anywhere. eBay has 149 million active buyers globally and more than 700 million live individual and merchant listings at any given time. With mobile apps available in 190 countries, eBay delivers a personalized shopping experience and seamless access to inventory from down the street and around the world. Tailored shopping experiences customize buying and selling; and eBay provides variety and choice for sellers by enabling them to offer goods through online, mobile and local channels to consumers around the world. For more information, visit ebay.com.

About Certified Guaranty Company (CGC)
Founded in 1999, Certified Guaranty Company is the hobby’s most preferred third-party grading service for collectible comics, magazines, photos and lobby cards. CGC offers expert condition analysis, including thorough restoration detection before grading and encapsulating collectibles in state-of-the-art, archival-safe holders. CGC does not buy or sell collectibles — it is committed to providing an independent opinion that collectors and dealers can always trust, so they can buy and sell with confidence.

This is a guest article. The thoughts and opinions in this piece are those of their author and are not necessarily the thoughts of the Certified Collectibles Group.