The allure of graded magazines has been steadily rising in the world of collectibles, with a recent highlight being a new milestone set by Certified Collectibles Group (CGC) in the form of a flawless 9.9 grade awarded to a December 2022 issue of Sports Illustrated. This particular magazine, boasting cover feature soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé, is the first SI issue to achieve such a lofty grade, causing ripples in the market of graded publications.
The auction stage is currently set for this remarkable piece of sports memorabilia. With a closing date looming on June 8, eager collectors are already demonstrating keen interest as the bidding for the Mbappé cover climbs. The current leading bid of $1,708 reflects the excitement and potential historic value attached to this exceptional magazine.
In the realm of graded magazines, CGC has made significant waves with over 28,000 issues of Sports Illustrated alone carefully examined and certified. Among these graded gems, a 9.8 newsstand copy of the December 10, 1984 issue, featuring basketball icon Michael Jordan in his Chicago Bulls debut, previously held the record for the highest selling price at $126,000. This iconic cover, titled “A Star is Born,” stands among the over 2,000 SI issues boasting a 9.8 grade.
The current attention on graded magazines extends beyond just sports aficionados, attracting photography enthusiasts as well. Many renowned photographers have contributed their art to the covers of these iconic magazines over the years, adding another layer of appeal to collectors of fine visual arts.
Aside from the unfolding saga of the CGC 9.9 Sports Illustrated auction, other fascinating items are also up for grabs. A 1965 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded at 8.5, a rare 1956 Floyd Patterson card with a 9.0 grade, a 1989 SI for Kids featuring Michael Jordan graded at 9.6, and a signed Muhammad Ali cover from 1967 are just a few of the notable pieces adding to the excitement of the auction.
While platforms like eBay remain popular for the sale of graded magazines, dedicated auctions provide a unique opportunity for collectors to engage in high-stakes bidding wars. Recent sales, such as the $25,000 fetched by a CGC 9.6 graded issue highlighting soccer legend Pele from 1975 and the over $11,000 garnered by a 9.0 graded Mike Tyson cover from 1986, underscore the escalating interest and value associated with these meticulously graded publications.
The commanding presence of basketball legend Michael Jordan on the covers of top-selling graded SIs on eBay further underscores the enduring legacy and commercial appeal of certain sports icons. As the world of graded magazines continues to captivate collectors and investors alike, the unique blend of sports history, photography, and investment potential solidifies these preserved pieces as coveted treasures in the realm of collectibles.