One million dollars. I can't help but think of Dr. Evil from Austin Powers whenever I hear that amount of money. What can you buy with a million dollars these days? As of yesterday, one million dollars can buy you a single copy of Action Comics #1 from 1938. Yes, this is the issue that first gave Superman to the world. It can truly be said to be a piece of history.
On Monday, the Holy Grail of comic books was sold to a private buyer by a private seller. Like most superheroes, both buyer and seller chose to keep their identities a secret. The original comic cost only 10 cents. Everyone knows the origin of Superman and this story has been reprinted several times. The fact of the matter is, this is a rare copy. There are not many copies of this comic in good condition in existence. The previous record for Action Comics #1 occurred almost a year ago when a copy sold for $317,200.
The comic sold through Comic Connect. The copy that sold had a grade of 8.0. That makes it one of two with an 8.0 (Very Fine) grade. No copies with a higher grade exist. The previous copy that sold a year ago had a grade of 6.0. Will this be the highest priced comic we ever see? Could there ever be a comic that sells for more? If you owned this copy, where would you keep it?