CGC-certified Comics from The Promise Collection Realize an Incredible $7.95 Million in the First Sale of Several

An amazing selection of highly desirable comics from one of the largest pedigreed collections graded by Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®) realized close to $8 million in a Heritage Auctions sale on June 19, 2021. The Promise Collection consists of over 5,000 well-preserved comics, including some of the highest-grade Golden Age issues.

Additional selections from the Promise Collection will be offered in multiple sales, with the next one featuring more than 100 books in an auction scheduled for September 9-11, 2021. This incredible collection owes its existence to a promise a young man made to his brother to look after his comics should something happen to him in the Korean War. To read more about this amazing story, click here.

Riddle me this!

What is the highest-graded issue featuring the debut of “the prince of puzzles”? Answer: Detective Comics #140 graded CGC 9.6 (lot 93065). The Promise Collection edition realized $456,000. Detective Comics #140 is popular with fans because it introduces Batman’s diabolical enemy, The Riddler.

Detective Comics #140 graded CGC 9.6 and pedigreed to The Promise Collection. Realized: $456,000 Click images to enlarge.

A phenomenal Phantom Lady

Sharing the spotlight is a Phantom Lady #17 graded CGC 9.6 that also realized $456,000 (lot 93123). Although not the first appearance of the Phantom Lady, this issue was illustrated by renowned artist Matt Baker. Baker was the first African American artist to find success in the comic book industry during its Golden Age. His artwork is highly desired today.

Phantom Lady #17 graded CGC 9.6 and pedigreed to The Promise Collection Realized: $456,000 Click images to enlarge.

Other highlights in the first sale of Promise Collection rarities included:

• a Captain America Comics #74 graded CGC 9.2 (lot 93036) that realized $204,000
• a Captain America Comics #36 graded CGC 9.4 (lot 93033) that realized $204,000
• a Captain America Comics #46 graded CGC 9.2 (lot 93034) that realized $162,000
• a Detective Comics #114 graded CGC 9.8 (lot 93056) that realized $156,000
• an All-American Comics #61 graded CGC 9.6 (lot 93002) that realized $138,000
• a Startling Comics #49 graded CGC 9.6 (lot 93146) that realized $132,000
• a Detective Comics #69 graded CGC 9.0 (lot 93053) that realized $126,000
• a Detective Comics #124 graded CGC 9.8 (lot 93060) that realized $120,000
• a Phantom Lady #23 graded CGC 9.4 (lot 93129) that realized $108,000
• a Mask Comics #1 graded CGC 8.5 (lot 93106) that realized $102,000
• a Detective Comics #149 graded CGC 9.6 (lot 93067) that realized $102,000

All prices realized include buyer’s premium.