Action Comics #1 (1938)
The most important comic book ever published. Introduces Superman and marks the official beginning of the Golden Age of Comics.
Estimated Market Value
Live Market Benchmark$3.2M
Value Range: $150.0K (Low Raw) – $6.0M (CGC High-Grade)
Guide data reviewed July 2026. Estimates are informational and vary by edition, condition, and completed-sale timing. Read the valuation disclaimer.
🏛️ CGC Census & Population Rarity
Total Graded copies
78
CGC 9.8 Population
2
Price by Condition (CGC Grade Matrix)
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P 1.0) | $150.0K |
| Good (G 2.0) | $450.0K |
| Fine (F 6.0) | $1.2M |
| Very Fine (VF 8.0) | $2.8M |
| Near Mint (NM 9.4) | $5.0M |
| Mint (M 9.9) | $6.0M |
* Values are weighted market estimates based on recent auction sales and CGC slab history.
Variant & Edition Multipliers
Original 1938 Edition
Standard 10-cent original newsstand edition.
Recent Verified Sales Log
| Date | Grade | Marketplace | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-04-04 | CGC 8.5 | Heritage Auctions | $6.0M |
| 2022-01-15 | CGC 6.0 | Heritage Auctions | $3.2M |
Key Issue Specifications
- Series
- Action Comics
- Issue
- #1
- Year
- 1938
- Publisher
- DC Comics
- Writer
- Jerry Siegel
- Cover Artist
- Joe Shuster
Characters Featured
Related Key Comics
Detective Comics #27
DC Comics · 1939
First appearance of Batman (Bruce Wayne) & Commissioner Gordon.
Est. Value
$1.8M
Batman #1
DC Comics · 1940
First solo Batman title; First appearance of The Joker and Catwoman (The Cat).
Est. Value
$550.0K
Sensation Comics #1
DC Comics · 1942
First cover appearance of Wonder Woman.
Est. Value
$120.0K
All-Star Comics #8
DC Comics · 1941
First appearance of Wonder Woman (Diana Prince).
Est. Value
$180.0K
Action Comics #1 FAQ
How much is Action Comics #1 worth?
Action Comics #1 (1938) has an estimated average market value of $3.2M, ranging from $150.0K in low raw condition to $6.0M or higher in top CGC graded condition.
What is a high-grade CGC copy of Action Comics #1 worth?
In Near Mint (9.4+) condition, Action Comics #1 is valued at approximately $5.0M, with Mint (9.9/10.0) copies reaching up to $6.0M.
Why is Action Comics #1 a key comic book?
Action Comics #1 is a key issue because: First appearance of Superman (Clark Kent) & Lois Lane. Holy Grail of comics.. The most important comic book ever published. Introduces Superman and marks the official beginning of the Golden Age of Comics.