The world of collectibles has taken an intriguing turn towards graded magazines, with a particular focus on the iconic Sports Illustrated issues. Certified Collectibles Group (CGC) has been at the forefront, meticulously grading over 28,000 copies of Sports Illustrated magazines over the past 15 years. This surge in interest reflects a deep appreciation for preserving these timeless pieces of sports history.
Breaking records and setting new benchmarks is all part of the game in this industry. Historically, the highest price paid for a graded magazine was an astounding $126,000 for a 9.8-rated newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 issue featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan in his Chicago Bulls debut. Titled “A Star is Born,” this particular cover is just one of over 2,000 SI issues that have received a 9.8 grade.
However, the stage is set for a new record-breaker. In a recent development, CGC awarded a perfect 9.9 grade to a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated showcasing soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé just before the 2022 World Cup. This flawless grade was bestowed upon a magazine submitted by a collector from the Midwest and marks the very first SI issue to achieve a 9.9 rating. The said issue is currently on auction through Goldin, and the bidding war has already begun in earnest. Recognizing the potential of graded magazines, Goldin has even created a dedicated category for these unique items.
The allure of these magazines extends far beyond just sports enthusiasts. Goldin’s Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography underlines that the appeal also lies in the artistic aspect, with renowned photographers having contributed to many of the iconic covers over the years. In the current auction, the high bid for the Mbappé cover has already reached a substantial $1,708, with more expected as the bidding continues until June 8.
Apart from the rare Mbappé issue, the auction features a range of other collectible items that are sure to captivate enthusiasts. Among them 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 featuring Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967.
While most graded magazines find their way to buyers through platforms like eBay, where over 6,000 listings can be found, significant sales also occur at dedicated auctions. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded issue featuring soccer icon Pele from 1975 fetched an impressive $25,000 in March 2023, while a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 brought in over $11,000 last year. Notably, four of the top six highest-selling graded SIs on eBay in the past year prominently featured Michael Jordan on the cover, demonstrating the lasting appeal of the basketball legend in the world of collectibles.
This burgeoning market for graded magazines not only showcases the diverse interests of collectors but also highlights the expanding landscape of sports memorabilia as an investment opportunity. With each auction and record-breaking sale, the allure of graded magazines as a unique and valuable collectible continues to grow, drawing in enthusiasts from various backgrounds to partake in this exciting world of graded Sports Illustrated treasures.
