The world of collectibles has long been a playground for those who seek to preserve and invest in pieces of history. In recent years, a new trend has emerged within this realm – the market for graded magazines, particularly issues of Sports Illustrated, has gained significant traction. The Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a pioneer in magazine grading, has evaluated over 28,000 issues of the iconic sports magazine, reflecting a growing interest in these preserved pieces of sports history.
One of the most notable achievements in this niche market was 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 debut for the Chicago Bulls. This historic cover titled “A Star is Born” fetched a whopping $126,000, setting a precedent for high prices in the graded magazine market. With over 2,000 issues of SI graded at 9.8, the demand for top-quality collectibles continues to soar.
However, a new contender is now entering the ring to challenge this record. In a groundbreaking move, CGC recently 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 pristine magazine, submitted by a dedicated collector from the Midwest, marks the first SI issue to achieve a 9.9 grade. The rare copy is currently up for auction through Goldin, a renowned auction house that has recognized the growing appeal of graded magazines and established a dedicated category for such items.
The allure of these graded magazines extends beyond sports enthusiasts, attracting collectors interested in photography as well. Over the years, Sports Illustrated has featured covers by renowned photographers, adding an artistic dimension to these historical pieces. The auction for the Mbappé cover, with a closing date set for June 8, has already generated significant interest, with the current high bid standing at an impressive $1,708.
In addition to the groundbreaking Mbappé issue, the auction at Goldin includes a diverse range of memorabilia, such as 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. These items highlight the wide array of collectibles available in the market and cater to various interests among collectors.
While platforms like eBay serve as a popular marketplace for graded magazines, dedicated auctions play a significant role in driving high-value sales. Recent auctions have seen impressive prices for graded issues, including a CGC 9.6 graded magazine featuring soccer legend Pele from 1975 that sold for $25,000 in March 2023, and a 9.0 graded Mike Tyson cover from 1986 that fetched over $11,000 last year. Notably, the enduring appeal of basketball icon Michael Jordan is evident in the top-selling graded SIs on eBay, with four of the top six highest-selling covers featuring the basketball legend.
The bustling market for graded magazines exemplifies the evolving landscape of sports memorabilia collecting and the diverse interests of collectors seeking unique and high-quality items for their collections. As prices continue to soar and new milestones are reached in magazine grading, the allure of these preserved pieces of history only grows stronger in the eyes of avid collectors.
