The world of collectibles has always been a fascinating one, filled with rare and cherished items that capture moments in history. One niche that has been gaining attention in recent years is the market for graded magazines, particularly issues of the iconic Sports Illustrated. This growing interest has been fueled by the Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), which has been grading magazines for 15 years and has already evaluated over 28,000 issues of Sports Illustrated, showcasing the enduring appeal of these preserved pieces of sports history.
In the realm of graded magazines, there is one undisputed king – a 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 issue of Sports Illustrated featuring none other than Michael Jordan in his Chicago Bulls debut. This legendary cover, titled “A Star is Born,” set a record price for any magazine at $126,000 and is just one of over 2,000 SI issues graded at 9.8.
However, the horizon of excellence may soon be expanded as CGC recently bestowed a rare 9.9 grade upon a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated showcasing the soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé just ahead of the 2022 World Cup. This exceptional grade, a first for a Sports Illustrated issue, was awarded to a magazine submitted by a collector from the Midwest. The auction of this historic piece through Goldin has ignited significant interest, signaling a potential shift in the world of graded magazines.
Goldin, recognizing the potential of graded magazines, has curated a dedicated category for these items. Their Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography highlights that the allure of these magazines extends beyond sports fans to photography enthusiasts, as many esteemed photographers have contributed to the iconic covers over the years.
The featured SI issue with Kylian Mbappé is distinguished by having two versions, with the alternative cover showcasing the US soccer team. The ongoing auction, set to conclude on June 8, has already seen bids reaching $1,708 for the Mbappé cover, reflecting the excitement and anticipation surrounding this groundbreaking event.
Apart from the record-breaking SI issue, the auction also includes other notable items 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 featuring Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967, adding to the diversity and allure of the event.
While eBay remains a popular platform for selling graded magazines, with over 6,000 listings available, dedicated auctions have also proven to be fruitful grounds for significant sales. A CGC 9.6 graded issue featuring soccer legend Pele from 1975 fetched an impressive $25,000 in March 2023, while a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 garnered over $11,000 last year. Notably, the top sales on eBay have prominently featured Michael Jordan on the covers, underscoring the enduring popularity and demand for the basketball icon within the collectors’ community.
The surging interest in graded magazines, especially Sports Illustrated, reflects the evolving landscape of sports memorabilia as an investment opportunity and a source of nostalgia for fans and collectors alike. The tension and excitement surrounding the auctions serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of these iconic covers that transcend time and continue to captivate audiences around the globe.
