This Superman Comic Sold for $9 million -- 5 Places Your Hidden Treasure Could Be
Superman did, indeed, save the day for a Northern California family — to the tune of $9.12 million. The highest-ever graded copy of Superman No. 1, published in 1939, was nestled in a stack of newspapers in a family's attic, according to a press release from Heritage Auctions.
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In the quest for valuable collectibles, the comic had several things going for it. It is:
The first comic in the series of a beloved superhero
In excellent condition, graded 9.0 out of 10 by comic grading service Certified Guaranty Company
Rare, with only seven copies graded 6.0 or higher and just one of fewer than 100 copies sold by Heritage Auctions
As baby boomers clear their belongings to move after retirement — or clean out their parents' homes — you never know what treasures may be hidden. Old comics and baseball cards may still go for thousands, if not the millions fetched by this Depression-era Superman comic.
Other collectibles worth substantial sums in the 2020s include Pokémon cards, with a rare Pikachu Illustrator recently selling for $5.3 million, according to GOBankingRates, as well as certain coins, rare books and some vintage toys.
Before you donate those bags, boxes or bins of cookware and kitchen essentials, books, toys or anything else, use Google Lens to find out how much similar items are going for.
In need of some extra cash? Check these spots for hidden treasure.
Attic
Attics may hold antique furniture, vintage toys and kitchen items that are worth money. Make sure to look beyond the surface. Open bins and sort through each item. Check the pockets of clothing for cash or even valuable old coins. Don't sell furniture without checking inside.
Basement
Like attics, basements often end up as storage space. Don't forget to check hidden closets that might be beneath the stairs.
Garage
Garages may store old tools with significant value. Antique wooden tools, along with tools from brands like John Deere and Stanley, may go for thousands. Even newer tools that are no longer being made, such as 20th-century Craftsman models from Sears, may earn a few hundred dollars or more on eBay.
When you're clearing out a garage — as with the attic or basement — look beyond the obvious. People often store nails, screws and other small items inside metal coffee cans or plastic margarine containers. These types of odd storage containers could also hide money, jewelry or other items people wanted to tuck away for safekeeping.
Old Bags and Suitcases
Check inside old bags and suitcases before you sell or donate them. Reddit users in a thrift store thread reported finding hoop earrings valued at $150, a quarter-carat solitaire diamond ring, gift cards and even "$10,000 cash sewn into an old hunting vest."
You probably don't want to cut the linings of all the outerwear you find, but feel around for anything unusual before you get rid of an item.
Dresser Drawers
Emil Knoll from Texas was shopping at a yard sale when he spotted a wooden dresser with a marble top selling for less than $100, according to a video on YouTube. As he and staff from the estate sale lifted the dresser to load it into Knoll's truck, they heard a loud noise. After examining the dresser closely, they found a secret drawer.
It contained items worth more than $15,000, including jewelry, currency and American Civil War-era collectibles.
Knoll returned the items to the family, selling the dresser, according to the video. But there's a valuable lesson for anyone clearing out old furniture: Always check inside and inspect items carefully.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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