The world of collectibles is no stranger to rare finds and unique treasures, but the market for graded magazines is now making waves with a particular focus on issues of Sports Illustrated (SI). Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a pioneer in magazine grading for 15 years, has evaluated over 28,000 copies of SI, showcasing a rising fascination with these encapsulated pieces of sports history.
One of the most iconic moments in graded magazine history was the sale of a 9.8 CGC-graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 issue of SI, featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan in his debut for the Chicago Bulls. This issue, titled “A Star is Born,” set a record with a staggering price of $126,000. With over 2,000 SI magazines graded at 9.8, this illustrious cover remains a sought-after gem in the collector’s world.
However, a new chapter in magazine grading is now unfolding, potentially challenging existing records. In February, CGC bestowed a rare 9.9 grade upon a December 2022 edition of Sports Illustrated showcasing soccer phenom Kylian Mbappé just before the 2022 World Cup. This unique grade was assigned to a magazine submitted by a collector from the American Midwest, marking the first SI issue to receive a perfect 9.9 rating. The magazine is currently up for auction through Goldin, drawing significant interest and attention from collectors and enthusiasts.
Goldin Auctions has recognized the burgeoning interest in graded magazines by creating a dedicated category for these valuable items. The Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography at Goldin highlighted the broad appeal of these magazines, catering not only to sports fans but also to photography enthusiasts who appreciate the renowned photographers behind the iconic covers.
The featured issue of SI, showcasing Kylian Mbappé, is one of two variants produced, with the alternative cover featuring the US soccer team. As the auction progresses towards its conclusion on June 8, the bidding for the Mbappé cover has already reached an impressive $1,708, indicating the fervor surrounding this historic graded magazine.
In addition to the headline-grabbing Mbappé magazine, the auction includes a diverse array of notable items 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 issue featuring Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967.
While many graded magazines find their way to collectors through online platforms like eBay, where over 6,000 listings can be discovered, significant sales also take place at specialized auctions. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded magazine showcasing soccer legend Pele from 1975 was sold for $25,000 in March 2023, while a 9.0 graded Mike Tyson cover from 1986 fetched over $11,000 last year. Notably, the top-selling graded SIs on eBay in the past year prominently featured Michael Jordan, underlining the enduring fascination with the basketball icon in the world of sports memorabilia.
This growing interest in graded magazines signifies a thriving market that caters to diverse collectors, showcasing the expanding scope of sports memorabilia as both a passion and a valuable investment.
