The world of collectibles is a vast and eclectic one, encompassing everything from rare coins to vintage toys. However, in recent years, a new player has emerged in the form of graded magazines. With a focus on Sports Illustrated (SI) issues, this niche market has steadily gained traction, drawing in collectors with a passion for sports history and photography alike.
Leading the charge in grading magazines is the Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a seasoned expert in evaluating the condition and authenticity of collectible items. Over the past 15 years, CGC has meticulously graded over 28,000 issues of SI, shedding light on the growing fascination with these preserved pieces of the past.
One standout example of the skyrocketing interest in graded magazines is the recent auction of a CGC 9.9 graded December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated. Featuring soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé on the cover just ahead of the 2022 World Cup, this pristine magazine has captured the attention of enthusiasts and investors alike. Submitted by a collector from the Midwest, this issue marks a historic moment as the first SI to receive a flawless 9.9 grade from CGC.
As this exceptional SI edition makes its way to the auction block through Goldin, a renowned auction house, anticipation is running high. The bidding war, set to conclude on June 8, has already seen bids soaring to $1,708 for the Mbappé cover, hinting at a potential new record in magazine grading.
Goldin’s Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography emphasizes that the appeal of graded magazines extends far beyond sports aficionados. With iconic covers shot by legendary photographers gracing these magazines, they also attract photography enthusiasts keen on owning a piece of visual history.
In addition to the star-studded Mbappé issue, the auction features a lineup of other noteworthy items sure to catch the eye of collectors. From a 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded at 8.5 to a rare 1956 Floyd Patterson card boasting a 9.0 grade, there’s something for every sports memorabilia connoisseur. Not to be overlooked are gems like a 1989 SI for Kids showcasing Michael Jordan at a pristine 9.6 grade and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967, adding to the allure of the auction.
While many graded magazines find their way to eager buyers through online platforms like eBay, where a plethora of listings can be found, high-profile auctions like this one at Goldin draw serious collectors seeking rare treasures. Recent sales, such as the $25,000 achieved for a CGC 9.6 graded SI featuring soccer legend Pele and the $11,000 garnered by a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0, highlight the robust market for these graded collectibles. It’s worth noting that Michael Jordan covers remain a hot commodity, with four of the top six highest-selling graded SIs on eBay in the past year showcasing the basketball icon.
The surge in interest in graded magazines signals a shift in the collectibles landscape, showcasing the diverse tastes and investment potential of collectors. As the rarity and prestige of these graded SIs continue to captivate enthusiasts, the market for graded magazines is poised for further growth and discovery.
