The world of collectibles is constantly evolving, and one niche that has been gaining significant traction recently is graded magazines. Among these, issues of the iconic Sports Illustrated have captured the attention of collectors and investors alike. Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a renowned grading company that delved into magazine grading 15 years ago, has evaluated over 28,000 copies of Sports Illustrated, highlighting the increasing interest in these preserved artifacts of sports history.
An intriguing highlight in this realm was the sale of a 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 issue of Sports Illustrated, featuring the legendary Michael Jordan during his debut with the Chicago Bulls. This particular edition, titled “A Star is Born,” fetched an impressive $126,000, setting a benchmark for high-priced graded magazines. With over 2,000 SI issues graded at 9.8, it is evident that the market for such collectibles is robust and continuously growing.
Despite the notable achievements in graded magazine sales, a new milestone appears on the horizon. In a groundbreaking move, CGC recently bestowed a perfect 9.9 grade upon a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated. This specific edition showcases soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé just before the 2022 World Cup, making it the first SI issue to receive such a prestigious rating. The magazine, originally submitted by a dedicated collector from the Midwest, is now set to be auctioned through Goldin, attracting widespread attention due to its exceptional grading.
Goldin, recognizing the immense potential of graded magazines, has introduced a dedicated category for these unique collectibles. The Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography at Goldin revealed that the appeal of these graded magazines transcends sports enthusiasts, with a significant draw for photography aficionados, given the iconic covers contributed by renowned photographers over the years.
The auction featuring the unprecedented CGC 9.9 graded Mbappé issue also includes a diverse array of notable items such as vintage sports cards and iconic magazine covers. Standout pieces in the auction lineup include a 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded at 8.5, a rare 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, adding to the allure of the event.
While many graded magazines are typically sold through online platforms like eBay, where a vast selection of over 6,000 listings can be found, dedicated auctions continue to be a prominent avenue for significant sales. Recent examples include a CGC 9.6 graded 1975 issue of Sports Illustrated featuring soccer legend Pele, which fetched an impressive $25,000 in March 2023, and a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 that sold for over $11,000 last year. Dominating the top sales on eBay are graded SIs with Michael Jordan on the cover, emphasizing the enduring popularity of the basketball icon among collectors.
The burgeoning market for graded magazines shines a spotlight on the diverse passions of collectors and the expanding landscape of sports memorabilia as an appealing investment opportunity. With the CGC 9.9 Sports Illustrated issue starring Kylian Mbappé making waves in the auction sphere, the allure of these meticulously graded magazines as coveted collectibles continues to grow.
