The world of collectibles is constantly evolving, and one niche that has been garnering increasing attention is the market for graded magazines. In particular, Sports Illustrated (SI) issues have emerged as prized possessions for enthusiasts and investors alike. Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a key player in the grading industry for magazines, has assessed a staggering 28,000 SI issues, showcasing the growing allure of these preserved pieces of sports history.
While the previous record for the highest price paid for a graded magazine stood at $126,000 for a 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 1984 issue featuring Michael Jordan’s debut with the Chicago Bulls, a new milestone may soon be set. In a groundbreaking move this February, CGC bestowed a rare 9.9 grade upon a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated showcasing soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé pre-2022 World Cup. Submitted by a collector from the Midwestern region, this particular magazine marks the first SI issue to receive such a high grade, sparking immense interest in the auction community.
The current auction frenzy revolves around the highly coveted Mbappé cover, which stands as a trailblazer in the realm of graded magazines. Goldin, a prominent auction house, has seized the opportunity presented by this emerging trend and created a dedicated category for such items. The appeal of these graded magazines extends beyond sports enthusiasts, attracting photography aficionados due to the iconic covers featuring contributions from renowned photographers over the years.
Alongside the historic Mbappé issue, the auction features an array of other notable collectibles, 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 edition showcasing Michael Jordan at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967, all contributing to the diverse offerings on display.
While platforms like eBay have been a popular avenue for selling graded magazines, dedicated auctions have also proven to be lucrative ventures. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded SI issue featuring soccer legend Pele from 1975 commanded a staggering $25,000 in March 2023, underscoring the high value associated with rare and well-preserved editions. Similarly, a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 fetched over $11,000 in the past year, illustrating the robust demand for graded magazines across various sports genres.
The buzz surrounding graded magazines, especially Sports Illustrated editions, exemplifies the broader trend within the collectibles market, where diverse interests converge to elevate sports memorabilia into sought-after investments. As the auction for the CGC 9.9 Mbappé SI heats up, all eyes are on the outcome, poised to witness a potential record-breaking sale that could redefine the landscape of graded magazine collectibles.
