The world of collectibles just got a whole lot more exciting with the recent surge in interest in graded magazines, especially when it comes to coveted issues of Sports Illustrated. The Certified Collectibles Group (CGC) has been at the forefront of this trend for the past 15 years, meticulously grading over 28,000 copies of Sports Illustrated to cater to the growing demand from collectors and investors alike.
When it comes to top-dollar sales, one particular issue stands out in the history of graded magazines – a 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 Sports Illustrated featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan debuting with the Chicago Bulls. This iconic cover, titled “A Star is Born,” fetched an impressive $126,000, setting a benchmark for Sports Illustrated and magazine grading in general. With over 2,000 SI issues graded at 9.8, the market for these preserved pieces of sports history has seen a steady rise in value and popularity.
However, the record may soon be shattered with the introduction of a new milestone in magazine grading. In a groundbreaking move in February, CGC bestowed a perfect 9.9 grade upon a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated highlighting French soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé just before the 2022 World Cup. This exceptional grade, a first for any SI issue, was assigned to a magazine submitted by a dedicated collector from the Midwest, sparking a wave of excitement and anticipation in the collectibles community. The pristine issue is currently up for auction through Goldin, a renowned auction house that has identified the untapped potential of graded magazines and dedicated a special category for these unique items.
The appeal of these graded magazines extends far beyond just sports enthusiasts, attracting those with a keen interest in photography as well. With a stellar lineup of renowned photographers contributing to the iconic covers over the years, these magazines serve as a captivating blend of sports history and visual artistry, making them an irresistible addition to any collection.
The featured magazine showcasing Mbappé wasn’t the only gem to come out of the auction. Alongside it were other notable items including 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 highlighting Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967, adding to the allure of the event. As the auction progresses towards its closing date on June 8, the bids for the Mbappé cover have already surpassed $1,700, signaling a strong interest in this historic piece of memorabilia.
While many graded magazines find their way to eager buyers through online platforms like eBay, which boasts over 6,000 listings of these unique collectibles, dedicated auctions also play a crucial role in driving significant sales. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded issue featuring soccer legend Pele from 1975 fetched an impressive $25,000 in March 2023, while a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 raked in over $11,000 last year, showcasing the enduring appeal and value of graded magazines in the eyes of collectors and investors alike. Interestingly, four of the top six highest-selling graded Sports Illustrated issues on eBay in the past year featured none other than the iconic Michael Jordan on the cover, underscoring the timeless popularity of the basketball legend even in the realm of collectibles.
The burgeoning market for graded magazines serves as a testament to the ever-evolving interests of collectors and the expanding landscape of sports memorabilia as a lucrative investment opportunity. With each new record-breaking auction and historic issue hitting the market, the world of collectibles continues to dazzle and allure both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.