A rare copy of Action Comics No. 1, featuring Superman's debut and once stolen from actor Nicolas Cage, sold for $15 million in a private sale announced Friday. The comic, originally priced at 10 cents, was purchased by an anonymous collector, according to Metropolis Collectibles Comic Connect, the New York-based broker that negotiated the sale.
This sale surpasses the previous record for a comic book, set in November when a Superman No. 1 fetched $9.12 million at auction. The Action Comics No. 1 copy was graded nine out of a possible 10 points by the Certified Guaranty Company, a specialist in authenticating collectibles, making it one of the highest-graded copies in existence. Both the seller and the buyer wished to remain anonymous, according to Metropolis Collectibles Comic Connect.
Action Comics No. 1, published in 1938, is widely credited with defining the superhero genre. It features Superman's first appearance and is an anthology of several tales. Fewer than 100 copies are believed to still exist, adding to its rarity and value.
The comic book's journey includes a stint as part of Nicolas Cage's collection before it was stolen from his home. It was recovered over a decade later and returned to him. The sale highlights the enduring appeal and investment potential of vintage comic books. The original 10-cent price tag equates to roughly $2.25 in today's money, underscoring the significant appreciation in value over the decades.
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