The graded magazine market, particularly focused on Sports Illustrated (SI) issues, has gained substantial traction within the collectibles industry. Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a pioneer in magazine grading for over 15 years, has examined more than 28,000 editions of SI, showcasing the growing demand for these preserved relics of sports history.
Over the years, the pinnacle of magazine prices was set at $126,000 for a 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 SI edition, spotlighting Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls debut. Titled “A Star is Born,” this cover is just one of over 2,000 SI issues rated at 9.8.
Nevertheless, a new contender is poised to challenge this longstanding record in the realm of magazine grading. In a groundbreaking moment, CGC bestowed a perfect 9.9 grade to a December 2022 SI edition featuring soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé just before the 2022 World Cup. This extraordinary rating was assigned to a publication submitted by a collector from the Midwest, marking the first SI issue to attain a 9.9 grade. The magazine, currently up for auction through Goldin, has already attracted significant interest. Recognizing the rising interest in graded magazines, Goldin has introduced a dedicated category for these sought-after items.
The allure of these graded SI issues extends beyond sports enthusiasts, capturing the attention of photography enthusiasts as well. Many renowned photographers have contributed to the iconic covers of SI over the years, adding an extra layer of appeal to these collectibles.
The SI edition featuring Mbappé was produced in two versions, with the alternative cover showcasing the US soccer team. As bidding progresses towards the June 8 closing date, the high bid for the Mbappé cover has reached $1,708.
Aside from the highly anticipated Mbappé issue, the auction includes other remarkable items such as a 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded at 8.5, a rare 1956 Floyd Patterson card rated at 9.0, a 1989 SI for Kids edition featuring Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967.
While a significant portion of graded magazine sales takes place on platforms like eBay, where there are over 6,000 active listings, noteworthy transactions also occur at specialized auctions. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded SI issue featuring soccer icon Pele from 1975 fetched $25,000 in March 2023, and a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 commanded over $11,000 in the previous year. Notably, four out of the top six highest-selling graded SI editions on eBay since last year featured Michael Jordan on the cover, reaffirming the enduring popularity of the basketball legend.
This burgeoning market for graded magazines not only showcases the diverse interests of collectors but also underscores the expanding appeal of sports memorabilia as a viable investment option.
