Action Comics 1 and Action Comics 1 Value

Apr 7
02:00

2022

Jenna Miller

Jenna Miller

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On a newsstand in 1938, a copy of Action Comics #1 would have cost 10 cents (USD 1.89 when adjusted for inflation). Today, however, the comic is considered the most valuable in the world and regularly re-sets the record for the most expensive comic at auction.

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Let’s discuss about Action Comics 1 and its value. Publisher Jack Liebowitz had to make some quick decisions about what to include in Action Comics #1 (1938) due to a looming deadline. Liebowitz decided to take a shot at a new comic called Superman and feature it on the anthology's cover. In addition to selling out of its 200,000 copies,Action Comics 1 and Action Comics 1 Value Articles Action Comics #1 also ushered in the Golden Age of Comic Books as collectors now refer to it. 

Value of Action Comics 1

Does everybody wonder what’s the action comic 1 value? Let’s dive into it. In 1938, a copy of Action Comics #1 would have cost 10 cents (USD 1.89 when adjusted for inflation). As of today, however, the comic is considered the most valuable in the world and regularly breaks the record for the most expensive comic at auction. Most comic book fans purchase Action Comics #1 for the cover and first 13 pages. Together, they introduced the world to Superman and Lois Lane. Superman destroys the car of a gangster who threatened Lane in the cover art. Frightened by the sight of such superhuman strength, onlookers flee in all directions. Superman's first comic book shows the hero landing on Earth and introducing his powers.

Despite the 200,000 copies brought to market, finding a collector-grade copy of Action Comics #1 in 2021 is difficult. “Kids read them, so they got ragged.” Brothers and sisters passed them down, cousins passed them down, you name it,” explains collectibles dealer Darren Adams. In World War II, the copies that survived the first few years of wear and tear were donated to America's paper drives.

In addition, it took decades for people to recognize the collectible nature of comic books. Even comic book fans during the Golden Age did not understand the importance of preserving the medium's history. The Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) was founded in 2000 as the first third-party grading service for comics. In addition to giving collectors peace of mind, the CGC system clarified the rarity of high-end copies, such as Action Comics #1, cementing their value for the new century.

Bidding war of Action Comic 1

Someone in West Virginia bought a copy of Action Comics #1 off the newsstand in 1938. Their idea to store the comic in a chest was even smarter. This, combined with West Virginia’s high altitude, created the perfect environment for comic book preservation. “Cool, dry, and dark,” explains a CGC representative. This copy of Action Comics #1 has changed hands several times over the years. Eventually, Darren Adams, the owner of Pristine Comics, acquired it. To give bidders from all over the world a chance to own the comic book, he put it on eBay. In honor of Superman's history, he donated 1% of his earnings to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

The comic book sold for $3.2 million at the end of the 24-day bidding war. That was not only a record price for Action Comics #1 but for any comic book at auction at the time. Among the reasons for its success was the accessibility of eBay, as well as the exceptional condition of the piece. CGC gave it a score of 9.0 out of 10, the highest ever for a copy of Action Comics #1.

 

Record break Action Comics 1 value

During the 1980s, a collector won a stack of old movie magazines at auction. A copy of Action Comics #1 was nestled inside one of the magazines as the collector sorted through the stack. I don't know if this was a preservation strategy or a lucky coincidence, but it was enough to protect this copy of Action Comics #1 from the elements over the years, preserving it in excellent condition. CGC graded this copy at 8.5 out of 10.  

This piece was offered by the online auction house and marketplace ComicConnect in April 2021. The comic still achieved $3.25 million despite its slightly worse condition than the 2014 example. This is a record for both Action Comics #1 and comic books in general. Although the buyer remains anonymous, he is described as a newcomer to comic collecting, with this being only his second major purchase.

 

Heritage Auctions offers latest copy of Action Comic #1

This month, Heritage Auctions will offer another copy of Action Comics #1 (lot #91001) after an already record-breaking year for the comic book. As of writing, proxy bidding for the lot is at $320,000.

CGC grades this duplicate of Action Comics #1 at a 5.5, which the organization characterizes as "a somewhat better than expected collectible with a few moderate imperfections." Bidders ought to likewise take note of that some preservation work has been done on the comic. That incorporates new staples and a support of the cover.

Prior to arriving at closeout, the outstanding authority Jon Berk possessed this duplicate of Action Comics #1. While functioning as a legal advisor in Connecticut, Berk gradually amassed his assortment more than quite a few years. He saw it not just as an opportunity to record comic book history yet in addition safeguard "a piece of American folklore."

 

Media Source: AuctionDaily