The allure of graded magazines has reached new heights, particularly within the realm of Sports Illustrated collectibles. Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a key player in the grading of magazines for the past 15 years, has marked its territory in this niche sector of the collectibles market. With over 28,000 issues of Sports Illustrated assessed by CGC, it’s evident that the appeal of these preserved pieces of sports history is on the rise.
Setting a historic benchmark, a graded 9.8 newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 issue of Sports Illustrated featuring Michael Jordan’s debut with the Chicago Bulls previously held the record for the highest price paid for a graded magazine at $126,000. This iconic cover, titled “A Star is Born,” is just one of over 2,000 SI issues graded at 9.8 by CGC. However, the record may soon face a challenge with the emergence of an even rarer find.
In a groundbreaking move, CGC awarded a pristine 9.9 grade to a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated showcasing soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé right before the 2022 World Cup. Submitted by a collector from the Midwest, this particular SI edition has become the first to receive a perfect 9.9 grade. Naturally, this exceptional piece has stirred significant interest in the collecting community and is currently up for auction through Goldin, a renowned auction house that has recognized the potential of graded magazines and established a dedicated category for these prized items.
Goldin’s Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography emphasizes that the appeal of these graded magazines extends beyond sports enthusiasts to include art and photography aficionados, given the contributions of esteemed photographers to SI’s iconic covers over the years. The significant attention garnered by the Mbappé cover at auction is a testament to the growing recognition of graded magazines as valuable and sought-after collectibles.
The auction, scheduled to conclude on June 8, features a diverse array of notable items alongside the rare SI Mbappé issue. Among the standout pieces are a 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded at 8.5, a unique 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, all contributing to the allure of sports memorabilia in the market.
While a significant portion of graded magazines are typically sold through platforms like eBay—with over 6,000 listings available—dedicated auctions also have their fair share of noteworthy sales. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded issue highlighting soccer legend Pele from 1975 fetched $25,000 in March 2023, signifying the growing demand for these meticulously graded collectibles. Moreover, a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 garnered over $11,000 last year, underscoring the value and appeal of iconic sports personalities within the graded magazine market.
The burgeoning interest in graded magazines not only reflects the evolving tastes of collectors but also highlights the expanding landscape of sports memorabilia as a viable investment avenue. As the market for these graded treasures continues to flourish, the unique allure of Sports Illustrated issues and other iconic memorabilia items shows no signs of waning.
