The allure of graded magazines, particularly coveted issues of Sports Illustrated, has captivated the collectibles industry with its unique appeal. Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a pioneer in magazine grading for the past 15 years, has evaluated over 28,000 editions of Sports Illustrated, symbolizing a rising interest in these encapsulated artifacts of sports history.
Traditionally, the pinnacle price for a graded Sports Illustrated—or any magazine—stood at $126,000, achieved by a pristine 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 edition featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan in his debut for the Chicago Bulls. Titled “A Star is Born,” this cover represents one of the over 2,000 SI issues rated at 9.8.
However, a new frontier in magazine grading may be on the horizon. In a groundbreaking move, CGC awarded a perfect 9.9 grade to a December 2022 Sports Illustrated edition showcasing soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé just before the 2022 World Cup. This remarkable grade was bestowed upon a magazine submitted by a collector from the Midwest, marking the first-ever SI issue to achieve a 9.9 rating. The magazine, now up for auction through Goldin, has already attracted significant interest. Goldin has recognized the potential of graded magazines and established a dedicated category for these prized items.
According to Goldin’s Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography, the allure of these graded magazines transcends sports enthusiasts to appeal to photography enthusiasts, given the array of renowned photographers who have contributed to the iconic covers over the years.
The highlighted Mbappé issue had an alternative cover featuring the US soccer team. As the auction progresses with a closing date of June 8, the leading bid for the Mbappé cover has reached $1,708.
In addition to the record-breaking SI issue, the auction features other noteworthy items such as 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 showcasing Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967.
While a majority of graded magazines are traded through eBay, boasting over 6,000 listings, significant transactions also take place at specialized auctions. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded issue featuring soccer icon Pele from 1975 fetched $25,000 in March 2023, and a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 accumulated over $11,000 last year. Noteworthy is the fact that four of the top six highest-selling graded SI issues on eBay since last year featured Michael Jordan on the cover, emphasizing the enduring charisma of the basketball icon.
The ascendancy of the graded magazine market underscores the diverse tastes of collectors and the expanding landscape of sports memorabilia as a lucrative investment.
