The collectibles industry is buzzing with excitement over the growing trend of graded magazines, with a recent standout being a 9.9 graded issue of Sports Illustrated hitting the auction block. The Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a pioneer in the magazine grading niche for the past 15 years, has evaluated a staggering number of over 28,000 issues of SI. This highlights a significant surge in appreciation for these meticulously preserved pieces of sports history.
Looking back, the highest price ever achieved for a graded magazine, not just Sports Illustrated but any publication, was an impressive $126,000. This record was set by a 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the iconic December 10, 1984 issue featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan during his debut with the Chicago Bulls. Titled “A Star is Born,” this cover is among the over 2,000 SI issues that have received a 9.8 grade.
However, breaking records and making waves in the world of magazine grading is a new milestone set by CGC. In February, 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 extraordinary grade was bestowed upon a magazine submitted by a collector from the Midwest, making it the first SI issue to achieve the coveted 9.9 grade. The magazine is now being auctioned through Goldin, stirring up considerable interest in the market. Recognizing the potential of graded magazines, Goldin has even introduced a dedicated category for these unique items.
Beyond just attracting sports enthusiasts, these graded magazines have captivated photography enthusiasts as well, given the impressive array of renowned photographers who have contributed to the magazine’s iconic covers over the years. The issue spotlighting Mbappé is available in two versions, with the alternate cover featuring the US soccer team. The auction for the Mbappé cover is set to conclude on June 8, with the highest bid currently at a noteworthy $1,708.
The auction lineup doesn’t stop there. Alongside the graded SI issues, the auction features other standout items such as a 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle card with an 8.5 grade, a unique 1956 Floyd Patterson card graded at 9.0, a 1989 SI for Kids edition starring Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967.
While many graded magazines are typically sold through platforms like eBay, where a plethora of listings can be found, significant sales also take place at specialized auctions. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded magazine showcasing soccer legend Pele from 1975 fetched an impressive $25,000 in March 2023. Additionally, a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 raked in over $11,000 last year. Noteworthy is the fact that four out of the top six highest-selling graded SI issues on eBay in the past year were Michael Jordan covers, showcasing the enduring appeal of the basketball icon.
As the market for graded magazines gains traction, it emphasizes the diverse interests of collectors and the evolving landscape of sports memorabilia as a lucrative investment opportunity.
