That Action Comics #1 On eBay Just Passed $2 Million

Remember that impossibly well-preserved copy of Action Comics #1 we told you about a few days ago? It passed the $2 million mark during today’s bidding, up more than $250,000 in the last 24 hours.

For review purposes, the comic book in question is the first appearance of Superman from 1939, and this is almost assuredly the finest of the 34 known unrestored copies in existence. It’s drawing this kind of money and attention for a reason. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this is the most significant comic book to ever be auctioned off.

There are two milestones to watch for over the last five days of the auction. The first is $2.16 million, which was the record closing price of the copy of Action Comics #1 that once belonged to Nic Cage the last time it changed hands three years ago. That one also graded out at 9.0 on the 10-point scale used by grading company CGC, though the one currently for sale is said to be even more impressive.

The other number to keep in mind is $3 million, which is what owner Darren Adams says he turned down to sell the book outright. He obviously felt it would fetch more in an auction, and he’s two-thirds of the way toward being right about that.

The identities of bidders are being kept secret (even their eBay handles can’t be viewed), but the current leader must be serious, as he or she has already sat atop the bidding eight times. How high will this book rise? That’s the big question that won’t be decided until the evening of August 24.