The Highest CGC Graded Universal Copy of Marvel Comics #1 Sells for $1.26 Million at Heritage Auctions

The highest CGC graded Universal copy of Marvel Comics #1 sold for $1,260,000 million on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas. This book is considered by many to be the start of the Marvel Comics Superhero Universe we know today.

“This is a historic copy of a historic comic book,” said Ed Jaster, Senior Vice President at Heritage Auctions. “Without question, this is the granddaddy of all Marvel Comics, without which we would not have the characters and stories we enjoy in today’s comics and feature films.”

Marvel Comics #1 features an array of first appearances including the Human Torch, Ka-Zar, Angel and the Sub-Mariner. The iconic cover art was illustrated by the science fiction artist Frank R. Paul, and the interior art featured the work of Bill Everett, Carl Burgos, Paul Gustavson and others.

First purchased fresh off the newsstand by a mailman in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, this book has maintained a surprising high grade over the the past 80 years. The same mailman purchased every number 1 comic and magazine that he could get his hands on, starting in the 1940s. The books in this collection are known as the "Windy City" pedigree.

This Marvel Comics #1 marks the most expensive Marvel comic book ever sold at public auction. This is an astonishing milestone that further reinforces the importance of CGC certification and preservation.