The world of collectibles has always been an exciting one, with each niche market offering unique treasures and opportunities for enthusiasts and investors alike. Among these, the market for graded magazines, particularly coveted issues of Sports Illustrated, has been steadily gaining traction, drawing in a diverse range of collectors eager to own a piece of sports history kept in pristine condition.
Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a key player in the grading industry for 15 years, has appraised over 28,000 issues of Sports Illustrated, reflecting a palpable surge in interest in these meticulously preserved snapshots of sporting moments past. While grading magazines may seem like a niche pursuit, recent developments suggest that the market is booming and evolving.
The longstanding record for the highest-priced graded issue of Sports Illustrated, and indeed any magazine, stood at an impressive $126,000. This figure was achieved by a 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 edition featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan in his debut with the Chicago Bulls. Titled “A Star is Born,” this cover is just one of over 2,000 SI issues graded at 9.8 and remains an iconic piece in the graded magazine world.
However, this record may soon face a challenge as a new milestone in magazine grading emerges. In a groundbreaking move, CGC recently bestowed a coveted 9.9 grade upon a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated, spotlighting soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé just ahead of the 2022 World Cup. This unprecedented grade was assigned to a magazine submitted by a collector from the Midwest, marking the first SI issue to receive a perfect 9.9 grade. The magazine, now up for auction through Goldin, has sparked remarkable interest within the collecting community, signaling a new era in the appreciation of graded magazines.
Goldin, recognizing the burgeoning interest in graded magazines, has dedicated a specific category for these prized items. According to the Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography at Goldin, the appeal of these magazines transcends sports enthusiasts to encompass photography aficionados, given the renowned photographers who have contributed to the iconic covers over the years.
The spotlight issue featuring Mbappé is one of two versions produced, with the alternate cover showcasing the US soccer team. As the auction progresses towards its closing date on June 8, the bidding war for the Mbappé cover has already reached an impressive $1,708, setting the stage for a potentially record-breaking sale.
Aside from the headline-grabbing Mbappé issue, the auction also features other notable items such as 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 edition spotlighting Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967, adding further allure to the event.
While many graded magazines find their way to collectors through platforms like eBay, where over 6,000 listings can be found, the allure of dedicated auctions cannot be understated. Recent sales such as a CGC 9.6 graded issue featuring soccer icon Pele from 1975 fetching $25,000 in March 2023, and a 9.0 graded Mike Tyson cover from 1986 surpassing $11,000 last year, underscore the growing demand for graded sports memorabilia among collectors and investors.
The emergence of a vibrant market for graded magazines signals a broader shift in collector interests and the expanding landscape of sports memorabilia as a viable investment avenue for enthusiasts seeking both historical value and potential returns on their acquisitions. As the auction for the CGC 9.9 Sports Illustrated featuring Kylian Mbappé unfolds, all eyes are on whether this remarkable issue will set a new benchmark in the world of graded magazines.
