Superman #15 CGC 9.6 Sells for $45,000 - New Record

A stunning CGC 9.6 copy of Superman #15 (1942) sold for $45,600 at a Heritage Auctions online event yesterday, setting a new record for the issue. The sale underscores the continued strength of high-grade Golden Age keys as alternative investments during volatile economic periods.

The Book

Superman #15 features the first comic book adaptation of Superman merchandise licensing, making it historically significant beyond the superhero genre. The issue includes stories by Jerry Siegel and art by Joe Shuster's studio, with a classic cover featuring Superman breaking chains.

The CGC 9.6 copy is one of only three in that grade, with none graded higher. The previous record for this issue was $32,000, set in 2022.

Auction Context

The Superman #15 was the highlight of Heritage's "Golden Age Giants" auction, which totaled $1.2 million across 85 lots. Other notable sales included:

• Captain America Comics #3 (CGC 7.5): $18,000 - First Stan Lee comic story
• Flash Comics #1 (CGC 5.5): $125,000 - First Flash and Hawkman
• Whiz Comics #2 (CGC 6.0): $95,000 - First Captain Marvel
• Detective Comics #38 (CGC 4.5): $78,000 - First Robin

Market Analysis

"Golden Age Superman books in high grade are practically non-existent," says Heritage's Comics Director. "When something like this surfaces, serious collectors know they may not see another opportunity for years."

The buyer was identified as a private collector from Singapore, continuing the trend of international buyers entering the high-end American comic market. Asian collectors have been particularly active in Golden Age superhero keys over the past 18 months.

Investment Implications

Record sales like this have a halo effect on related books. Expect renewed interest in early Superman issues (#1-20) across all grades, as well as other 1940s DC titles. For investors unable to afford five-figure books, Golden Age issues in the CGC 3.0-5.0 range still offer historical significance at more accessible price points.