CGC-certified Superman #1 and Batman #1 Unite in $13 Million Sale

Two of the most important comic books in existence, both graded by CGC®, have teamed up in one of the largest private comic book sales ever completed: a $13 million transaction finalized by Heritage Auctions!

The deal involved and a Superman #1 with a Mile High pedigree graded CGC 8.5, the second highest-graded example of that historic issue, that sold for $7 million, and a Batman #1 graded CGC 9.4, the highest-graded copy known, that sold for $6 million.

“Superman and Batman are the world’s most iconic superheroes, meaning these two comic books make quite the pair,” said CGC President Matt Nelson. “When comics of this magnitude come to market, CGC certification is essential. Expert authentication and accurate grading give collectors and investors the confidence to operate at this level.”

The Batman #1 CGC 9.4 stands alone at the summit of condition rarity. Featuring the Dark Knight’s earliest adventures under his own title and the first appearances of the Joker and Catwoman, the issue is a cornerstone of modern superhero mythology. The sale resets the world record for a Batman comic, nearly tripling the previous high and firmly establishing the book as a blue-chip cultural asset.

Its partner in the deal, the Mile High pedigree Superman #1 graded CGC 8.5, carries equal historical weight. Long revered for their exceptional preservation, Mile High copies are considered the gold standard of Golden Age comics. As one of the finest surviving examples of the book that launched the superhero genre, the Superman #1 anchors the transaction with both provenance and prestige.

Heritage Auctions facilitated the sale following its record-setting $9.12 million public auction of a Superman #1 graded CGC 9.0 in November. Recognizing continued demand at the very top of the market, Heritage Consignment Director Nathan Howerton worked with a longtime client to explore a private sale that would unite two generational books in a single transaction. SemperFi Comics’ Jordan Seymour ultimately connected the books with the buyer, who has chosen to remain anonymous.

“It was more than a transaction to me,” says Howerton. “It was a chance to help two friends by placing two incredible pieces of history in a new home.”

Now secured in a private collection, these two CGC-graded legends demonstrate that when Superman and Batman team up with CGC, the results are historic.

About CGC

Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for sports cards, TCGs 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. CGC Home Video provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of videocassettes, DVD, Blu-ray and more. CGC also offers seamless solutions for autograph collectors with CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services.

CGC is part of the Certified Collectibles Group, a global provider of expert and impartial authentication and grading services for collectibles. Since 1987, the Certified Collectibles Group companies have certified more than 100 million collectibles, including coins, banknotes, comic books, cards, autographs and stamps.