ComicLink President Josh Nathanson is reporting the recent sale of an Action Comics #1 in CGC 6.5 for $625,000. This is the highest public sale ever reported for an example of this mega-key in this condition and the third highest amount ever paid for any Action Comics #1.
“This is an important record result for a monumental issue and demonstrates the continuing strength of the market for top-end material” says Nathanson. “Action Comics #1 introduced Superman to the world and ushered in a new age of superheroes. The influence of Superman and the wave of heroes he inspired over the next 80 years are so great that this comic transcends the boundaries of any particular hobby and stands as one of the most important cultural icons of the 20th Century. Because of this, examples continue to accelerate in demand and rise in price. This may seem like a lot to pay for a comic book, but we actually have a backup buyer for the 6.5 and buyers waiting in the wings for others!”
Only two examples of this landmark premier have ever been certified by CGC at the 6.5 FN+ tier and just three in total have ever been certified higher (single examples in CGC 7.5, 8.0, and 8.5). Not only is the CGC 6.5 one of the top 5 examples ever graded, but it is also one of just 50 in the world ever certified by CGC in any condition. Of those 50, only 28 in total have been graded CGC Universal, meaning that Action Comics #1’s significance is equally matched by its scarcity.
“It is extremely unusual for a book of this caliber to change hands, so it is always exciting to see one find a new home!” says Nathanson. “This result reinforces the standing of Action Comics #1 as the most important and sought-after comic book in the world and clearly shows the willingness of ComicLink’s client base to aggressively pursue items of this value level.”
Examples of other recent, high dollar comic book sales by ComicLink include Tales of Suspense #39 CGC 9.4 for $150,000, Journey Into Mystery #83 CGC 9.0 for $52,000, Showcase #22 CGC 9.0 for $51,000 and Fantastic Four #1 CGC 8.5 for $83,000. In May, 2010, a Batman #1 CGC 9.0 changed hands for a record $315,000 via ComicLink’s Featured Auction venue. The next ComicLink Featured Auction, which includes both vintage comic books and original artwork is slated for August.
ComicLink is a full service brokerage, exchange, and auction house for vintage, investment-quality comic books and original comic art. If you have important and valuable, key books and you would like to discuss selling them via a private placement sale, an Exchange sale, or through ComicLink Auctions, simply e-mail ComicLink the details of the items you wish to sell, or contact Douglas Gillock, Josh Nathanson, Jason Crosby or Sean Goodrich on Monday thru Friday at 617-517-0062, press option 1. Conversely, if you are interesting in procuring Action Comics #1, Detective Comics #27, or other valuable Golden Age or high-grade Silver Age key issues, feel free to alert them so that they may reach out to you when such items are available.
Registered sellers may also add items to the Comic Book Exchange and the Comic Art Exchange at any time, and these sections are updated throughout every day. Record sales prices are frequently realized and pricing experts, at your option, can be of assistance in setting prices.