Superman #1 was initially estimated to sell for £20,000. The issue, written by Jerry Siegel and illustrated by Joe Shuster, retells the origin story of Superman and features a pin-up back cover.

A copy of Batman #1 was also sold at the auction and was purchased for £31,375, more than five times its starting price of £5,000 pounds.

Jonathan Torode from Excalibur Auctions said there was fierce bidding for both comics on the phones, online and in the room, ABC News reports.