Batman comic beats antiques valuation to sell for $492k
The book had an antiques valuation of $400,000.
A rare Batman comic has gone under the hammer for $492,937 (£306,772), beating its previous antiques valuation.
The book - which cost Robert Irwin just a dime when he purchased it - had been expected to fetch around $400,000 before being sold at Heritage Auctions in the US.
Mr Irwin, now 84, purchased the 1939 comic - entitled Detective No. 27 - in Sacramento when he was only 13.
The winning bidder, who wished to remain anonymous, placed his final bid by telephone to clinch the deal, which left Mr Irwin elated.
What's more, the tome marked the first appearance of the Batman character, which has gone on to make regular appearances in films since.
Some of the movies featuring the famous character include 2008 hit The Dark Knight, which had the late Heath Ledger playing the role of the Joker.
Christian Bale was cast as Batman, while Michael Caine played Alfred.
Posted by Lisa Marriott