Action Comics No. 1 Superman Sale Sets World Record at $15 Million

A piece of paper that cost just 10 cents in 1938 has just fetched a staggering $15 million. The rare copy of Action Comics No. 1, which introduced Superman to the world, has officially become the most expensive comic book ever sold, shattering previous records and solidifying its status as a cultural icon.

The $15 Million Legacy of Action Comics No. 1 Superman Sale

According to Metropolis Collectibles, the private sale was finalized this week between two anonymous collectors. This particular copy boasts a high grade of 9.0 from the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC). With fewer than 100 copies believed to exist, its scarcity is unquestionable, but its value was further driven by a legendary backstory involving one of Hollywood's biggest stars.

From Nicolas Cage's Home to a Storage Locker

The comic's journey is as dramatic as the stories within its pages. Actor Nicolas Cage purchased this copy in 1996 for a then-record $150,000. It was stolen from his home during a party in 2000 and remained missing for over a decade. It wasn't until 2011 that it was discovered in a California storage unit. Cage was reunited with his prize and subsequently sold it for $2.2 million later that year, unaware that its value would turn out to be much higher a decade later.