I'm totally jaded. A year ago I would have been covering every bid. Now? I post twice.
Anyway, that's a big chunk of change for a mid-grade comic book. Is there any doubt that Action #1 (and the Golden Age) really rule the hobby? How many Silver Age books would outsell this copy? 1? 2? How many Golden Age?
Action #1 is king.
Because I haven't even mentioned these two books:
The 3rd most valuable comic book in the world surfaces? Or is it another copy? I'm going to be clicking refresh on the CGC forum thread until I get some answers.
Will it be at Baltimore?
(I will be, by the way. I'm not setting up, so it's going to be purely shopping/hanging out with my geeky brethren.)
Sorry! I've been busy.
I thought I might as well post them and point out that I updated the all time record comic book sales.
Metropolis sold this book for a ridiculous amount of money:
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One of the interesting things about running a site is seeing the searches that people enter into Google in order to arrive at my door. Sometimes they're interesting. Other times they're goofy. Looking over the list this week, I thought it might be interesting to share some of those questions and actually answer them directly.
This ought to be fun.
This is an easy one, but it's also a very common query, so I figure I ought to give it an official answer.
In general terms , it's Action Comics #1, the first appearance of Superman. The Mile High/Edgar Church copy is the finest copy in existence and is the most valuable comic book in the world.
Have you seen this man outside your house with a bag of money?
How about this man?
Yes? Then your book is worth big bucks
Failing that, most comics are actually worthless.
There are exceptions. If your comic book is from the 30s, 40s, 50s or 60s it's got a much better chance of being valuable- but even then you might be sitting on a worthless piece of crap.
If it's from one of those decades and features a character you've seen in a movie, you might be onto something. From there it's all about condition, the specific issue and overall demand for that character/title.
Compared to what? Bear Stearns?
Okay, okay… There are certainly some books that have increased in value rapidly over the past few years, but most comics are worth less than cover price. Will that change over the years? It's possible. Bulls say: The print runs now are smaller than they've been in a long time, so any key comics released now will be that much harder to find in 20 years. Bears say: Those lower print runs might just be the death knell of the monthly pamphlet. What would that do to the value of new comics over the next 10-15 years?
The best we know of is the CGC 9.6 copy. I personally wouldn't be surprised if there's an even nicer copy than that out there somewhere.
Maybe I'll be the guy to uncover it.
I can dream can't I?
I know, it'll be one of these guys.
Nothing? Probably. Still, a CGC 9.8 copy did manage to sell for $29, so there's some hope.
Seriously? If you've got a really nice collection you might want to contact one of the usual suspects, to ask about consignment opportunities:
If you'd like to meet someone local to get a better sense of what you've got, you can actually send me an email and I'll see if I know someone local to you who knows what's what.
Tough question…
According to the Overstreet Guide the top book is Detective #1 with a VF value of $70,000. From what I can tell the Denver copy is the best, having sold for $90,000 a few years ago, so that might be the most valuable single issue.
The CGC 9.4 Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #1 sold for $116,512.50 at Heritage, so that's another option. As of right now it's the record holder for a non-hero book.
To my mind, another option is the Mile High/Edgar Church Pep 22. Although… is that a superhero book? I guess it is, technically, even though no one is buying it for The Shield (t's the first appearance of Archie Andrews, for those of you unfamiliar with the book)
The Mile High Archie #1, then? Maybe.
I told you this was a tough question.
I added a book and updated two books in the $100,000 Club list. I added a Detective 27 that Metropolis sold in 2007 for $158,000, and updated the FF1 CGC 9.4 that sold in 2002 (with a scan and info about the venue) and the AF15 9.2 that sold this weekend for $190,000 (!) at Pedigree.
Saw this on the CGC Forum. Be on the lookout!
Board members, please be advised the following two comics were recently stolen from Metropolis Collectibles via mail order fraud to the tune of $3,400. The comics were shipped to and received in Flint, Michigain.
PLANET COMICS (1940-54) #7 CGC 9.0 (crm/ow pgs)
SHOWCASE #24 #24 CGC 8.0 (slight color touch)
A criminal investigation is underway. At this time, we may not divulge more information about the suspect(s) and leads surrounding the case. Any new details related to the theft are welcome, and Metropolis can be contacted via the details below.Phone: 212.260.4147
Toll Free: 1.800.229.METRO
International 001.212.260.4147
orders@metropoliscomics.comThanks, everyone, for any help you can provide.
Frank Cwiklik
Metropolis Collectibles
873 Broadway Suite 201
New York, NY 10003
A "slight r." Action #1. What's the going rate for one of those?
"call" is all the listing says. If comic dealers start doing that stuff I'm going to cry. There's nothing I hate more than the Antique dealer style of no visible prices.
"Metropolis Collectibles is proud to announce a comprehensive selection of rare and key Golden and Silver Age books, including many scarce issues and collectors’ grails! Many of these books have not made it to market in years, and some are almost impossible to obtain in this grade and condition.
"The highlights of the auction lots include the following keys, and
every issue of DETECTIVE COMICS #1 – #40!
*Detective Comics #27 (1st appearance of Batman)
*Batman #1
*More Fun Comics #52, #55 & EVERY SPECTRE COVER!
*Detective Comics #31 & #35 (classic Batman covers)
*Detective Comics #38 (1st appearance of Robin)
*Action Comics #2
*Flash Comics #1
*Fantastic Four #1
*Captain America Comics #1
*Human Torch #2 (#1)
*Sub-Mariner #1
"I can't help but be amazed at the scope and size of this selection," said Metropolis CEO Stephen Fishler, who arranged for these books to come to market. "It is books like these that make the collecting hobby so much fun!" After consultation with the consignor, it was decided to make these books available through eBay, to reach the widest possible customer base and to introduce newer collectors to Metropolis Collectibles, the nation's largest dealer of vintage comics."
