The allure of graded magazines in the collectibles sphere, particularly issues of Sports Illustrated, has been steadily gaining traction in recent years. Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a key player in grading magazines since its inception 15 years ago, has examined and rated over 28,000 editions of Sports Illustrated, reflecting the escalating interest in these preserved relics of sporting history and iconic photography.
In the annals of magazine collecting, a significant milestone was reached with the sale of a CGC 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 issue of Sports Illustrated, featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan in his Chicago Bulls debut. This record-setting sale, fetching $126,000, showcased the appeal and value attached to high-grade magazine issues, such as the renowned cover titled “A Star is Born.” Among the plethora of SI issues graded at 9.8, this particular edition holds a special place in collectors’ hearts.
Yet, as the landscape of magazine collecting evolves, a new contender has emerged to potentially break existing records. In a groundbreaking move, CGC bestowed a pristine 9.9 grade upon a December 2022 edition of Sports Illustrated spotlighting soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé just before the 2022 World Cup. This exceptional grading, a first for SI editions, was assigned to a submission from a collector in the Midwest, paving the way for a new era in magazine grading. The highly coveted Mbappé issue is currently being auctioned through Goldin, with bids soaring and attention mounting as collectors vie for this unparalleled gem.
Acknowledging the burgeoning interest in graded magazines, Goldin has curated a dedicated category for these prized items, recognizing their appeal not just to sports enthusiasts but also to photography aficionados. The thrill of owning a graded magazine lies not solely in its sports content but also in the artistic contributions of acclaimed photographers who have graced the covers of these iconic editions over the years.
One of the key attractions in the ongoing auction is the magazine featuring Mbappé, accompanied by an alternative cover showcasing the US soccer team. As bidding intensifies leading up to the June 8 deadline, the high bid for the Mbappé cover has already surpassed $1,700, a testament to its desirability among collectors seeking premium magazine editions.
Beyond the acclaimed Mbappé edition, the auction lineup boasts a diverse array of coveted items, including a 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle card rated at 8.5, a rare 1956 Floyd Patterson card graded at 9.0, a 1989 SI for Kids issue highlighting Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967, further enriching the allure of this event.
While a substantial portion of graded magazines change hands on online platforms like eBay, with over 6,000 listings available for eager buyers, there is a notable trend of significant sales taking place at specialized auctions. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded edition featuring soccer icon Pele from 1975 fetched an impressive $25,000 in March 2023, underscoring the increasing value placed on these rare and well-preserved magazine issues. Similarly, a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 fetched over $11,000 last year, demonstrating the enduring appeal of iconic sports figures in the collectibles market.
The rising prominence of graded magazines signals a broader shift in collectors’ preferences and the expanding investment potential within the realm of sports memorabilia. As auction houses continue to showcase these prized artifacts, the allure of graded magazines only looks set to grow, captivating enthusiasts and investors alike with their blend of sporting history, artistic merit, and potential financial returns.
