Action Comics #1 Realizes $408,000, a Record for Any Book Graded CGC 0.5

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"We are thrilled with the performance of this Action Comics #1, which underscores the strength of CGC-certified comics in any grade,” said CGC President Matt Nelson. “It not only speaks to the historical significance of this iconic comic book but also reflects the trust collectors and investors place in CGC's authentication and grading process.”

Any opportunity to acquire this Golden Age grail at auction brings out the well-heeled bidders. In January 2023, a CGC 6.0 copy set a new record for the title when it was sold for $3.55 million.

Released in 1938, Action Comics #1 sold out its entire 200,000-print run. It has been estimated that only about 100 copies still exist today, and only 78 are recorded in the CGC Census. Among those graded, only 44 copies (a little over half the total) are in CGC’s coveted Universal blue label, including the one that just realized $408,000. Two other examples are also graded CGC 0.5.

Other CGC-graded comics in this auction included:

• a Batman #1 graded CGC 3.5 (lot 91029) that realized $228,000
• a Punch Comics #12 with a Crowley pedigree graded CGC 8.0 (lot 91036) that realized $204,000
• a Superman #1 graded CGC 1.5 (lot 91039) that realized $174,000
• a Captain America Comics #1 graded CGC 7.5 Conserved (lot 92042) that realized $168,000
• a Batman #1 graded CGC 1.8 (lot 92027) that realized $138,000
• an Avengers #4 graded CGC 9.8 (lot 91028) that realized $132,000
• a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 graded CGC 9.8 (lot 91040) that realized $120,000
• a Captain America Comics #1 graded CGC 2.0 (lot 91031) that realized $114,000
• a More Fun Comics #73 graded CGC 7.0 that realized $114,000
• an Incredible Hulk #1 graded CGC 7.5 (lot 91033) that realized $84,000
• a Detective Comics #29 graded CGC 5.5 (lot 91032) that realized $81,000
• an Amazing Fantasy #15 graded CGC 6.0 (lot 91027) that realized $75,000

Prices realized include a buyer’s premium.

About CGC

Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for many other types of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for TCGs, sports cards and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation and more. The newest division of CGC, CGC Home Video, provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of videocassettes.