What happened in one estate sale attic is the perfect reminder of why it’s important to sort contents with care, patience, and a little curiosity.
Most families, in the middle of grief and the overwhelming task of clearing a loved one’s home, understandably want the process to go quickly. It’s emotional. It’s exhausting. And it often feels easier to donate or discard boxes without looking too closely—especially when they appear to be filled with “junk.”
True Story: A mother in San Francisco often boasted to her three sons that she had very valuable items in her attic, but they never paid the comments too much attention. Mom never said exactly what she had, or its value specifically - but honestly - the sons never asked..
They’d seen the types of junk mom stored up there and figured she must be talking about her old dishes, or figurines. They didn’t pay her claims of sitting on a ‘gold mine’ too much attention. But after she passed, and the 3 sons gathered to clear her home and prepare it for sale, they came upon a surprise.
It was like any family dealing with a loss and an estate to clear. Going through a loved ones home is often a sad and reminiscent task , sorting through a life’s posessions. Luckily the brothers took their time when it came to sorting mom’s possessions. She took pride in her things and kept items in pretty good condition, so they took some care when taking stock.As they were clearing the attic, full with a lifetime of family heirlooms, old, and quite old, they discovered a box. A box that could have easily been thrown away. A box that would never on first glance appear to contain anything special.
The article quotes - “It was just in the attic, sitting in a box — could have easily been thrown away, could’ve easily been destroyed in a thousand different ways,”
But what the sons found, was that something special mom had talked about. It was an original. And this ‘original’ item so happened to contain an advertisement, from 1939, identifying it as a first print. It was in great condition, carefully pressed between other items. It had crisp corners, vivid colours and a sturdy spine. Every factor that could authenticate this item and add to its value was present. In that box. In moms attic. She held on to it this way for 86 years…
What they found was a shock to all the family - It was Superman Comic, Issue No.1, print run No.1.
Graded a 9 out of 10, for quality of preservation - the highest rating ever for an issue at auction. And it was not alone, there were others.
And although there were other well preserved original comics - this was the big one.
The brothers had the comic book professionally graded, and sold at auction for a cool $9.1 Million USD in 2025.
This family learned, value isn’t always obvious at first glance. Sometimes it’s tucked between papers, wrapped in old linens, or sitting quietly in a dusty box that hasn’t been opened in over 40 years. Sometimes attics contain near-mint condition first edition comic books among dusty furniture and forgotten relics.
This reminds me of the story told in our office of an old fireplace insert being sold for scrap that uncovered a box of grandad’s cash stash. Or the old coffee can hiding a lifetime of Grandma’s ‘pin money’ casually sitting in the pantry amongst other expired canned goods. Why Careful Sorting Matters. An estate is more than a collection of things—it’s a lifetime of stories, memories, and sometimes, hidden treasures. Whether or not there’s a $9.1 million comic book in the attic, families often come across:
Heirlooms they didn’t know existed
Important documents
Collectibles with real market value
Sentimental items worth preserving
These discoveries don’t happen when items are rushed to the curb. They happen when someone takes the time to sort thoughtfully and intentionally.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
The good news is: there are local professionals in Peterborough who specialize in helping families sort, catalog, and clear estates. From estate clean-out companies to certified appraisers and auction professionals, having the right experts ensures nothing important gets missed—or accidentally tossed. These specialists can:
Identify items of value
Organize belongings from room to room
Provide fair market estimates
Coordinate donation, disposal, or sale
Offer emotional support through a difficult process
Right at the centre of all this coordination is often a trusted REALTOR® experienced in estate sales who can:
Help families determine what needs to stay, sell, or be removed before listing
Provide referrals to reputable local clean-out and appraisal professionals
Help manage timelines so the home is market-ready without pressure
Understand the sensitive nature of selling a family home
Ensures that the process is respectful, efficient, and well-organized
Whether the estate is packed with memorabilia or modest household goods, having a knowledgeable guide during such a vulnerable time brings clarity and confidence. The San Francisco brothers were lucky—they took their time. They respected their mother’s belongings. And because of that care, they uncovered a piece of history worth millions. Most families may not find a Superman No. 1 hiding in the rafters… but you never know what treasures—financial or sentimental—are waiting to be discovered.
And with the right support, you can ensure your loved one’s belongings are handled with dignity, attention, and care.
