The world of collectibles has seen a surge in interest in graded magazines, particularly editions of the iconic Sports Illustrated publication. Certified Collectibles Group (CGC) has been at the forefront of this trend, having graded over 28,000 issues of Sports Illustrated since entering the magazine grading market 15 years ago.
One of the most noteworthy achievements in the graded magazine realm was the sale of a CGC 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 issue of Sports Illustrated, featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan in his Chicago Bulls debut. This historic cover titled “A Star is Born” fetched an impressive $126,000, setting a record for the highest price paid for a graded magazine.
However, the record may soon be surpassed by a new milestone in magazine grading. In a groundbreaking move, CGC awarded a perfect 9.9 grade to a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated featuring soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé just before the 2022 World Cup. This exceptional grade marks the first-ever 9.9 grade given to a Sports Illustrated issue, sparking excitement among collectors and enthusiasts alike. The coveted magazine is now available for auction through Goldin Auctions, where bidding has already reached $1,708 with the closing date set for June 8.
Goldin Auctions has recognized the potential of graded magazines and established a dedicated category for these prized collectibles. The appeal of these magazines extends beyond sports fans, attracting photography enthusiasts due to the iconic covers created by renowned photographers over the years.
Aside from the record-breaking Mbappé issue, the auction also features a diverse array of memorabilia, including a 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded at 8.5, a unique 1956 Floyd Patterson card graded at 9.0, a 1989 SI for Kids featuring Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967.
While eBay remains a popular platform for selling graded magazines, with over 6,000 listings available, dedicated auctions have also seen significant sales. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded issue showcasing soccer legend Pele from 1975 sold for $25,000 in March 2023, while a Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 fetched over $11,000 last year. Notably, listings on eBay have shown a strong demand for issues featuring Michael Jordan on the cover, with four of the top six highest-selling graded Sports Illustrated magazines since last year featuring the basketball icon.
The rise of the graded magazine market underscores the diverse interests of collectors and the expanding landscape of sports memorabilia as a lucrative investment opportunity. As collectors continue to seek out rare and pristine magazine issues, the fusion of sports, history, and artistry showcased in these graded publications continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
