The coveted world of graded magazines has found a niche within the collectibles industry, with a particular focus on issues of Sports Illustrated. In the spotlight is the Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a key player that entered the magazine grading arena 15 years ago. With over 28,000 issues of Sports Illustrated already assessed, it’s evident that there’s a burgeoning interest in these meticulously preserved slices of sports history.
Stepping back in history, the previously top-priced graded magazine belonged to a 9.8 newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 issue of Sports Illustrated. This issue, featuring the iconic debut of Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls under the title “A Star is Born,” set a benchmark with a staggering price tag of $126,000. Among the over 2,000 SI issues graded at 9.8, this one certainly stands out.
However, the reigning record might soon face some tough competition as a groundbreaking moment in magazine grading unfolds. In February, CGC granted a perfect 9.9 grade to a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated showcasing the superstar soccer player Kylian Mbappé just before the 2022 World Cup. This exceptional grade, a first for any SI issue, belonged to a magazine from a collector in the Midwest. The magazine has now found its way to an auction through Goldin, generating substantial buzz. Recognizing the rising potential of graded magazines, Goldin has even designated a specific category for these unique items.
According to the Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography at Goldin, the appeal of these graded magazines transcends beyond the realm of sports enthusiasts to include those with an appreciation for photography. Many celebrated photographers have contributed their art to the iconic covers of these magazines over the years, adding an extra layer of allure to these collectibles.
The featured issue showcasing Mbappé was one of two versions released, with the alternate cover highlighting the US soccer team. As the auction progresses towards its June 8 culmination, the bidding for the Mbappé cover has already reached an impressive $1,708.
The auction lineup doesn’t stop there, with a range of other notable items vying for collector’s attention. Among them are a 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded at 8.5, a rare 1956 Floyd Patterson card graded at 9.0, an SI for Kids edition from 1989 featuring Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967.
While a significant portion of graded magazines change hands through online platforms like eBay, boasting over 6,000 active listings, substantial sales also occur through dedicated auctions. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded issue showcasing soccer legend Pele from 1975 fetched a remarkable $25,000 in March 2023. Similarly, a Mike Tyson cover from 1986, graded at 9.0, pulled in over $11,000 last year. Noteworthy is the fact that four of the top six highest-selling graded SIs on eBay in recent times featured the basketball legend Michael Jordan on the cover, underscoring his enduring popularity.
The rising trend of graded magazines reflects the diverse interests of collectors and the expanding landscape of sports memorabilia as a promising investment avenue.
