The world of collectibles has taken an intriguing turn, with a growing fascination for graded magazines, particularly those featuring iconic sports moments. Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a pioneer in magazine grading, has been at the forefront of this trend, having assessed an impressive collection of over 28,000 Sports Illustrated (SI) issues. These graded magazines not only preserve moments of sports history but also serve as valuable and unique collectibles in the market.
One of the hallmarks of this market was the record-breaking sale of a 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 issue of Sports Illustrated. Featuring none other than basketball legend Michael Jordan in his Chicago Bulls debut, this issue fetched a staggering $126,000, setting a high bar for graded magazine sales. With over 2,000 SI issues graded at 9.8, it’s clear that collectors are willing to pay a premium for these pristine pieces.
However, the landscape may be poised for a transformation as CGC recently made history by awarding a perfect 9.9 grade to a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated. This special edition showcased the soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé just before the 2022 World Cup, making it the first SI issue to achieve such a prestigious grade. The magazine belongs to a Midwestern collector and is now on auction through Goldin, a renowned platform that has recognized the rising demand for graded magazines.
Goldin’s Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography highlighted the broader appeal of these graded magazines, noting that they attract not just sports enthusiasts but also photography aficionados. With iconic covers graced by renowned photographers, these magazines offer a unique blend of sports history and artistic expression.
The auction for the Mbappé issue features a bidding war that has already seen the price soar to $1,708, with remarkable interest from collectors. Alongside this rare gem, the auction includes other valuable items such as vintage baseball cards and signed memorabilia, appealing to a diverse range of collectors with different interests in sports history.
While many graded magazines find their way to collectors through platforms like eBay, dedicated auctions also play a significant role in showcasing and selling these prized possessions. Recent sales of graded magazines, such as a CGC 9.6 issue featuring Pele that sold for $25,000 in March 2023, underscore the lucrative nature of this market. Notable covers like the 1986 Mike Tyson issue, graded at 9.0 and fetching over $11,000 last year, demonstrate the enduring appeal of sports icons in the collectibles realm.
As collectors continue to delve into the world of graded magazines, the market’s expansion reflects both the diverse interests of enthusiasts and the evolving nature of sports memorabilia as a valuable investment. With each graded magazine telling a unique story of sports history, these preserved pieces are not just collectibles but also windows into the past, capturing iconic moments for generations to come.