The world of collectibles is evolving, and a new player has entered the game: graded magazines. Specifically, graded issues of Sports Illustrated have captured the attention of collectors, highlighting a unique niche within the collectibles industry. Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a key player in the grading industry, has been at the forefront for 15 years, grading over 28,000 issues of Sports Illustrated alone. This influx of graded magazines reflects a growing interest in preserving and valuing pieces of sports history in a unique and tangible way.
In the realm of graded magazines, one issue stands out above the rest—the 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984, edition of Sports Illustrated featuring none other than basketball legend Michael Jordan in his Chicago Bulls debut. This iconic cover, titled “A Star is Born,” fetched an impressive $126,000, setting a historical record for the highest price paid for a graded magazine. With over 2,000 SI issues graded at 9.8, this particular edition remains a highly sought-after gem in the world of collectibles.
However, the record-breaking streak may soon face a challenge with a groundbreaking development in magazine grading. In a recent move that has sent ripples across the collectibles industry, CGC awarded a pristine 9.9 grade to a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated featuring soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé just before the 2022 World Cup. This remarkable grade, a first of its kind for an SI issue, has sparked immense interest as the magazine has hit the auction block through Goldin. The exceptional grade and significance of the issue have propelled its bidding war to new heights, symbolizing a potential shift in the landscape of graded magazines.
Goldin, recognizing the growing allure of graded magazines, has delved deeper into this market by establishing a dedicated category for these prized items. The appeal of these magazines extends beyond sports enthusiasts, drawing in photography connoisseurs who appreciate the artistic contributions of renowned photographers who have graced the covers of these iconic publications over the years.
The featured issue showcasing Mbappé comes in two versions, with an alternative cover spotlighting the US soccer team. As the auction progresses towards its closing date on June 8, the bidding for the Mbappé cover has already soared to $1,708, indicating the fervor surrounding this rare and exceptional graded magazine.
The auction extravaganza doesn’t stop there, with an array of noteworthy items up for grabs alongside the coveted Mbappé issue. From a 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded at 8.5 to a unique 1956 Floyd Patterson card graded at 9.0, sports memorabilia enthusiasts are in for a treat. Notable highlights include a 1989 SI for Kids edition featuring Michael Jordan graded at 9.6 and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967, adding a touch of historic significance to the auction lineup.
While the majority of graded magazines find their way to new owners through online platforms like eBay, which boasts over 6,000 listings, significant sales also take place at dedicated auctions. Recent auctions have witnessed impressive figures, with a CGC 9.6 graded issue of soccer legend Pele from 1975 fetching a staggering $25,000 in March 2023. Similarly, a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 garnered over $11,000 last year, underlining the value and appeal of graded magazines in the ever-growing realm of sports memorabilia.
The surge of interest in graded magazines, particularly focused on Sports Illustrated editions, underscores the diverse passions and investments of collectors within the dynamic world of collectibles. As the market continues to expand and evolve, these graded magazines serve as tangible relics of sports history, bridging the gap between past legends and present-day enthusiasts in a visually captivating and historically rich manner.
