The allure of graded magazines, particularly notable issues of Sports Illustrated, has become a prominent trend within the collectibles industry. Certified Collectibles Group (CGC) has significantly contributed to this market over the past 15 years by evaluating more than 28,000 editions of SI, showcasing the growing fascination with these meticulously preserved relics of sports history.
Previously, the highest price ever achieved for a graded magazine stood at $126,000 for a 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984, issue spotlighting Michael Jordan’s debut with the Chicago Bulls. Titled “A Star is Born,” this cover adorns over 2,000 SI issues graded at 9.8, marking a noteworthy milestone in the realm of magazine grading.
However, a new era in magazine grading may be on the horizon with a groundbreaking achievement. In February, CGC assigned a pristine 9.9 grade to the December 2022 edition of Sports Illustrated featuring soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé just ahead of the 2022 World Cup. This remarkable grade was bestowed upon a magazine submitted by a collector from the Midwest, marking the first SI issue to obtain a perfect 9.9 grade. The elevated status of this issue has propelled it to an auction hosted by Goldin, where it has already attracted substantial interest. Goldin, recognizing the potential in graded magazines, has designated a specialized category for these unique items.
Goldin’s Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography highlights that the charm of these graded magazines transcends solely sports enthusiasts, appealing also to aficionados of photography due to the contributions of renowned photographers to the iconic covers over the years.
The highlighted issue featuring Mbappé was one of two variants created, with the alternative cover showcasing the US soccer team. The ongoing auction, scheduled to conclude on June 8, has seen bidding reach $1,708 for the Mbappé cover.
Beyond the stellar SI edition, the auction encompasses other noteworthy collectibles such as a 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded at 8.5, a rare 1956 Floyd Patterson card graded at 9.0, a 1989 SI for Kids edition featuring Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967.
Although the majority of graded magazines find their way to buyers through platforms like eBay, boasting over 6,000 listings, substantial transactions also occur at specialized auctions. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded 1975 issue featuring soccer icon Pele fetched $25,000 in March 2023, while a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 garnered over $11,000 last year. Noteworthy is the fact that four of the top six highest-selling graded SIs on eBay since the previous year showcased Michael Jordan on the cover, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the basketball legend.
The flourishing market for graded magazines emphasizes the diverse interests of collectors and the expanding realm of sports memorabilia as a valuable investment proposition. The surge in demand for these meticulously graded editions reflects a shifting landscape in the world of collectibles, sparking excitement and intrigue among enthusiasts and investors alike.
