Throughout 2024, Heritage Auctions set many new records and had multiple headline-making sales on its way to a yearly total of $1.86 billion. This is Heritage’s highest yearly achievement and marks the fourth year in a row that the auction house bested its previous record.
They hosted a record-setting sports auction that realized $61.9 million and an entertainment auction that cleared $38.6 million. Heritage had a massive sale when Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz sold for $32.5 million. Major results continued with Babe Ruth’s game-worn World Series “Called Shot” jersey from 1932 that went for $24.1 million. In April, they sold Action Comics #1 CGC 8.5 Kansas City Pedigree for $6 million, setting a new record for most valuable comic book.
“Collectors continue to amaze us with their passion and curiosity, uncovering treasures that redefine what it means to preserve history and culture,” CEO and co-founder Steve Ivy said. “While much of the auction world faces its well-documented challenges, Heritage continues to thrive, driven by record-breaking results, innovative categories, technological advancements and a growing global community of collectors. As we welcome new generations into the world of collecting, we’re inspired by the opportunities to uncover new stories and connect people with the objects they love.”
Close behind their December entertainment auction, was the Game of Thrones auction that garnered $21 million for costumes, props, and more from the popular series. Their Treasures from Planet Hollywood auction brought in $15.68 million, led by the wood panel from Titanic that sold for $718,750.
Heritage’s new Action Comics #1 record was joined by several other notable comic sales. They sold The Amazing Spider-Man #1 CGC 9.8 for $1.3 million to become the most valuable copy sold at auction, and Fantastic Four #1 CGC 9.6, one of the two finest copies, realized a record $2.04 million. Additionally, Superman #1 CGC 7.0 cleared $2.34 million, Wonder Woman’s debut in All Star Comics #8 CGC 9.4 saw $1.5 million, and the first round of Christine Farrell’s Complete DC Collection brought in $5.26 million.
Comic art also drew in the bidders at Heritage, led by Rob Liefeld’s New Mutants #98 page 14 with Deadpool’s introduction that totaled $960,000. Lee Elias’ Black Cat Mystery #50 cover reached $840,000, becoming one of the most valuable comic covers in the world. John Buscema’s Wolverine cover from his first solo comic series went for $600,000.
“Our Comics and Comic Art department passed $200 million for only the second time in our history while serving our bidders and consignors with steadfast honesty and commitment,” says Halperin, who still oversees Heritage’s Comics category he started in 2001. “I’m so proud of this team, which remains unsurpassed in the auction world.”
