Interest in graded magazines is skyrocketing, with a particular spotlight on issues of Sports Illustrated. The Certified Collectibles Group (CGC), a pioneer in magazine grading for the past 15 years, has analyzed over 28,000 Sports Illustrated editions, signaling a growing fascination with these preserved relics of sports history.
Historically, the highest price tag for a graded Sports Illustrated—or any magazine—stood at $126,000. This record was achieved by a 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 issue showcasing Michael Jordan during his Chicago Bulls debut, adorned with the title “A Star is Born.” This cover is just one of over 2,000 SI editions graded at 9.8.
Yet, the record may soon face a challenge as a new benchmark in magazine grading emerges. In a groundbreaking move, CGC bestowed a perfect 9.9 grade upon a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated featuring soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé right before the 2022 World Cup. The exceptional grade was assigned to a magazine submitted by a collector from the American Midwest, marking the first-ever SI issue to receive a 9.9 rating. The magazine is now up for auction through Goldin, sparking significant interest. Recognizing the potential in graded magazines, Goldin has even established a dedicated category for these prized items.
Goldin’s Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography notes that the allure of these magazines extends beyond sports enthusiasts to include photography enthusiasts, as numerous renowned photographers have contributed to the iconic SI covers over the years.
The highlighted issue with Mbappé was produced in two versions, the alternative cover featuring the US soccer team. As the auction progresses towards its closure on June 8, the top bid for the Mbappé cover has already reached an impressive $1,708.
The auction also features other noteworthy 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 featuring Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967.
While most graded magazines are typically sold through platforms like eBay, where an abundance of over 6,000 listings can be found, substantial sales also take place in dedicated auctions. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded issue highlighting soccer legend Pele from 1975 fetched an impressive $25,000 in March 2023. Similarly, a 1986 Mike Tyson cover graded at 9.0 raked in over $11,000 last year. Noteworthy, four of the top six highest-selling graded Sports Illustrated magazines on eBay since last year prominently feature Michael Jordan on their covers, reinforcing the enduring appeal of the basketball icon.
This burgeoning market for graded magazines showcases the diverse interests of collectors and the expanding realm of sports memorabilia as a lucrative investment opportunity.
