Press Release
York, PA, USA, April 18, 2026 — While the country was preparing to celebrate its 250th birthday, Hake’s hosted a grand celebration of its own. Premier Auction #246, which closed on March 24-25, presented more than 1,400 lots of historical Americana and pop culture collectibles in a sale that totaled $1.9 million. Fittingly, many of the lots featured wonderful examples of important political memorabilia.
“Hake’s continues strong into 2026, with bidders turning out in force for both sessions of our March auction,” said Hake’s General Manager Kelly McClain. “Each night brought impressive results with spirited bidding that saw several lots set new world record prices. We’re going to run with that energy, and collectors will be excited to know that our Action Figures Prototypes auction, which closes on April 29, is open for bidding right now.
Is there anything more American than Captain America? The overall top lot of the auction was a coveted copy of Captain America Comics #1 (Timely Comics, March 1941), with a CGC Qualified Grade of 4.0. The key Golden Age comic featured the origin and first appearance of Captain America, his young ally Bucky and their nemesis The Red Skull. The classic World War II cover by Jack Kirby showed Captain America punching Adolf Hitler. Other artists included Joe Simon and Al Liederman, with stories written by Simon, Kirby and Ed Herron. The comic achieved a world record price of $71,554.
A blister card containing a 2¼-inch-tall Star Wars Jawa action figure of the initial “Vinyl Cape” variety, made by Kenner in 1978, sold for a world record $55,152. It was graded AFA 95 Mint, the highest grade Hake’s had ever offered for the toy. There are only three known examples in an AFA 95 grade, according to the AFA Population Report, with none higher. Hake’s sold an AFA 90 Vinyl Cape Jawa in its July 2024 auction for $44,261. The one that just sold was on an unpunched card.
A copy of Amazing Fantasy #15, graded CGC 3.5 and featuring the debut of Spider-Man, as well as the first appearances of Peter Parker’s Aunt May and Uncle Ben, breezed to $27,584. It was also Spidey’s first cover appearance, created by Jack Kirby
About Hake’s Auctions:
To discuss consigning a collection or single item to a future Hake’s pop culture memorabilia auction, call +1 866-404-9800 (toll-free) or +1 717-434-1600; or email [email protected]. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential and there is never an obligation to consign. Visit Hake’s online at https://hakes.com
