The world of collecting has always been a captivating realm full of surprises, and now, a new star is shining bright in the arena of graded magazines. The tradition of grading magazines, especially coveted issues of Sports Illustrated, has gained traction, appealing not only to die-hard sports enthusiasts but also to aficionados of photography and historical memorabilia.
Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a stalwart in assessing and grading collectibles, has delved into the meticulous evaluation of over 28,000 issues of Sports Illustrated in the past 15 years. The allure of owning a piece of preserved sports history has driven this surge in interest, with collectors seeking out these certified gems.
A groundbreaking moment in the realm of graded magazines was marked by the sale of a CGC 9.8 graded copy of the December 10, 1984 issue of Sports Illustrated. This particular edition, featuring the iconic debut of basketball legend Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls, fetched an impressive $126,000, setting a record for the highest price paid for a graded magazine. Titled “A Star is Born,” this cover stands tall among the over 2,000 SI issues currently graded at 9.8, showcasing the enduring popularity of the basketball icon.
However, the coveted title for the most expensive graded magazine might soon witness a new challenger in the form of a CGC 9.9 graded Sports Illustrated issue. CGC recently awarded this exceptional grade to a December 2022 edition highlighting soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé right before the 2022 World Cup. Submitted by an avid collector from the Midwest, this pristine SI issue is now up for auction through Goldin and has already stirred significant buzz in the collecting community. Goldin, recognizing the growing value of graded magazines, has even set up a specialized category dedicated solely to these valuable items.
The appeal of these graded magazines goes beyond sports aficionados, as noted by Goldin’s Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography. This appeal extends to photography enthusiasts, given the rich history of renowned photographers contributing to the iconic covers of Sports Illustrated over the years.
Eager bidders have set their sights on the sought-after issue featuring Mbappé, one of two cover versions produced, with the bidding war culminating on June 8. The current high bid for this rare edition stands at an impressive $1,708, hinting at the escalating interest in these graded collectibles.
The auction at Goldin not only features the prized Mbappé issue but also includes a myriad of 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 edition showcasing Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967.
While many graded magazines find their new homes through online platforms like eBay, where over 6,000 listings can be spotted, significant sales are also made through dedicated auctions. Recent notable transactions include a CGC 9.6 graded issue spotlighting soccer legend Pele from 1975, which sold for $25,000 in March 2023, and a Mike Tyson cover from 1986 graded at 9.0, fetching over $11,000 last year. An interesting trend emerges with four out of the top six highest-selling graded SIs on eBay since last year featuring the legendary Michael Jordan on the cover, showcasing the enduring appeal of the basketball maestro.
The burgeoning market for graded magazines not only reflects the eclectic tastes of collectors but also underscores the evolving landscape of sports memorabilia as a lucrative and rewarding investment for enthusiasts and investors alike. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan, a photography buff, or a savvy investor, the world of graded magazines offers a delightful fusion of history, art, and sports in a tangible and collectible form.
