The collectibles industry is abuzz with excitement as graded magazines, particularly editions of Sports Illustrated, carve out a distinct niche in the market. With Certified Collectibles Group (CGC) leading the charge by grading over 28,000 issues of SI in the last 15 years, the interest in these preserved pieces of sports history continues to grow.
A historic moment was marked by the sale of a 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 issue of Sports Illustrated, featuring Michael Jordan in his Chicago Bulls debut. This iconic cover, titled “A Star is Born,” fetched a record-breaking $126,000, setting the bar high for graded magazine sales. Among the over 2,000 SI issues graded at 9.8, this particular issue held a special place in collectors’ hearts.
However, the record may soon see a new challenger with a groundbreaking milestone in magazine grading. In a move that shook the industry, CGC 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. Submitted by a collector from the Midwest, this exceptional grade marks the first SI issue to receive a 9.9 rating, sparking immense interest in the auction scene with Goldin now offering this gem to the highest bidder.
Goldin, recognizing the lucrative potential of graded magazines, has decided to create a dedicated category for these prized items. The Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography at Goldin acknowledges that the appeal of these magazines transcends sports fanatics to attract those with an appreciation for photography, given the lineup of renowned photographers who have contributed to the covers over the years.
The spotlight is currently on the issue featuring Mbappé, which was one of two versions produced, the other one showcasing the US soccer team. As the auction unfolds and heads towards its closing date on June 8, bidding for the Mbappé cover has already reached an impressive $1,708, showcasing the fervor surrounding this unique piece of sports history.
The auction lineup doesn’t stop there, with other notable items up for grabs. These 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 further excitement to collectors vying for these prized possessions.
While the majority of graded magazines find their way to collectors through platforms like eBay, significant sales also take place at specialized auctions. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded issue featuring soccer legend Pele from 1975 commanded a hefty price of $25,000 in March 2023, while a Mike Tyson cover from 1986 graded at 9.0 raked in over $11,000 last year. Notably, the top-selling graded SIs on eBay in the past year prominently featured Michael Jordan on the cover, spotlighting the enduring appeal of the basketball legend in the world of collectibles.
The emergence of a thriving market for graded magazines underscores the diverse range of interests among collectors and the expanding scope of sports memorabilia as a viable investment avenue. With each auction and sale, the world of graded magazines continues to evolve, captivating enthusiasts and rewriting the rules of collecting one historic issue at a time.
