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First Superman comic sold for $1m | First Superman comic sold for $1m |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A copy of the first comic to feature caped hero Superman has been sold on the internet for $1m (£646,000). | A copy of the first comic to feature caped hero Superman has been sold on the internet for $1m (£646,000). |
The 1938 edition of Action Comics No 1 - which originally sold for 10c - was sold by a private seller to a private buyer, neither of whom was named. | The 1938 edition of Action Comics No 1 - which originally sold for 10c - was sold by a private seller to a private buyer, neither of whom was named. |
Stephen Fishler, co-owner of the US auction website Comic Connect, said it was "the Holy Grail of comic books". | Stephen Fishler, co-owner of the US auction website Comic Connect, said it was "the Holy Grail of comic books". |
The sale smashes the previous record price for a comic book of $317,200 (£205,000) in 2009. | The sale smashes the previous record price for a comic book of $317,200 (£205,000) in 2009. |
That was also a copy of Action Comics No 1, but in poorer condition. | That was also a copy of Action Comics No 1, but in poorer condition. |
Mr Fishler said the transaction happened minutes after the issue was put on sale at around 1030 local time (1530 GMT) on Monday. | Mr Fishler said the transaction happened minutes after the issue was put on sale at around 1030 local time (1530 GMT) on Monday. |
He said that the seller was a "well-known individual" in New York with a pedigree collection, and that the buyer was a known customer who had previously bought an Action Comics No 1. | He said that the seller was a "well-known individual" in New York with a pedigree collection, and that the buyer was a known customer who had previously bought an Action Comics No 1. |
'A milestone' | 'A milestone' |
"The opportunity to buy an un-restored, high-grade Action One comes along once every two decades. It's certainly a milestone," said Mr Fishler. | |
He added: "It is still a little stunning to see a comic book and $1m in the same sentence." | He added: "It is still a little stunning to see a comic book and $1m in the same sentence." |
About 100 copies of Action Comics No 1 remain in existence and only two of those have a grading of 8.0 - very fine - including the one sold on Monday. | About 100 copies of Action Comics No 1 remain in existence and only two of those have a grading of 8.0 - very fine - including the one sold on Monday. |
The previous record-holder had a grading of 6.0. | The previous record-holder had a grading of 6.0. |
The cover of the rare issue pictures Superman lifting a car over his head. | The cover of the rare issue pictures Superman lifting a car over his head. |
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