The market for graded magazines, particularly issues of Sports Illustrated, has carved out a distinct niche in the collectibles industry. Certified Collectibles Group, which began grading magazines 15 years ago, has assessed over 28,000 issues of SI, reflecting a growing interest in these preserved pieces of sports history.
Historically, the top price for a graded issue of Sports Illustrated—or any magazine—was $126,000, achieved by a 9.8 graded newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 issue featuring Michael Jordan in his Chicago Bulls debut. This cover, titled “A Star is Born,” is among the over 2,000 SI issues graded at 9.8.
However, the record may soon be challenged with a new milestone in magazine grading. In February, CGC awarded a 9.9 grade to a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated showcasing soccer star Kylian Mbappé just before the 2022 World Cup. This exceptional grade was given to a magazine submitted by a Midwestern collector and marks the first SI issue to receive a 9.9 grade. The issue, which is now up for auction through Goldin, has already garnered significant attention. Goldin, recognizing the potential of graded magazines, has established a category specifically for these items.
According to Goldin’s Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography, the appeal of these magazines extends beyond just sports fans to those interested in photography, as many renowned photographers have contributed to the iconic covers over the years.
The particular issue featuring Mbappé was one of two versions produced, with the alternative cover featuring the US soccer team. As the auction progresses, with a closing date of June 8, the high bid for the Mbappé cover stands at $1,708.
The auction also includes 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 featuring Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967.
While the majority of graded magazines are sold through eBay, where over 6,000 listings can be found, significant sales also occur at dedicated auctions. For instance, a CGC 9.6 graded issue featuring soccer legend Pele from 1975 fetched $25,000 in March 2023, and a Mike Tyson cover from 1986 graded at 9.0 brought in more than $11,000 last year. Notably, four of the top six highest-selling graded SIs on eBay since last year featured Michael Jordan on the cover, highlighting the enduring appeal of the basketball legend.
This emerging market for graded magazines underscores the diverse interests of collectors and the expanding scope of sports memorabilia as an investment.
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