A rare copy of Action Comics #1, once owned by actor Nicolas Cage, has sold at auction for $15 million, setting a new record as the most expensive comic book ever sold. The sale was confirmed on 11 January, with the buyer remaining anonymous.
Originally published in 1938, Action Comics #1 features the first appearance of Superman and is considered one of the most important publications in comic book history. Fewer than 100 copies are believed to still exist, and only a small number are in high-grade condition.
The copy sold was graded CGC 9.0, making it one of the best‑preserved examples known. Its condition was a major factor in driving the price well beyond previous records for comic book sales.
The issue had a notable history. Cage, a long‑time comic book fan who takes his screen name from Marvel character Luke Cage, bought the comic in the 1990s. It was stolen from his home in 2000 and recovered more than a decade later from a storage locker.
After the recovery, the actor sold the comic at auction in 2011 for $2.2 million. Since then, its value has risen sharply as demand for high‑end collectibles has grown.
“This sale reflects not just the rarity of the book, but its unmatched historical importance,” said Matt Nelson, president of the Certified Guaranty Company. “Action Comics #1 remains the most iconic comic ever published.”
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