Top 10 Most Valuable Sports Illustrated Magazines

Sports Illustrated is one of the most iconic and influential sports magazines in the world. Since its debut in 1954, it has featured some of the greatest athletes, events and stories in sports history. But did you know that some of these issues are also highly sought-after by collectors and fans? In this article, we will explore the top 10 most valuable Sports Illustrated magazines, based on their rarity, condition and significance. Whether you are looking for a gift, an investment or a piece of sports memorabilia, these are the magazines you should keep an eye out for.

Top 10 Most Valuable Sports Illustrated Magazines

1. Sports Illustrated (1954)

The first issue of Sports Illustrated is the holy grail for any collector. It features Milwaukee Braves’ Eddie Mathews at bat and New York Giants’ Wes Westrum behind home plate, as well as a three-page foldout of Topps baseball cards and a mail-in subscription card. The cover printing and colors are challenging to find in high grade, and beware of reprints that look similar to the original. A CGC 9.8 copy of this issue sold for $5,000 in 2021[^1^][2], while raw copies can range from $100 to $300 depending on their authenticity and condition[^2^][1].

2. Tom Brady “The Natural” (2002)

Tom Brady is arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, with seven Super Bowl rings and countless records to his name. His first appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated was in 2002, after he led the New England Patriots to their first championship in Super Bowl XXXVI. The cover shows him holding the Lombardi Trophy with the headline “The Natural”. This issue is highly desirable for Brady fans and collectors, especially since he has gone on to grace the cover 22 more times (and counting). A CGC 9.8 copy of this issue sold for $3,600 in 2020[^2^][1], while raw copies can go for around $100.

3. LeBron James “The Chosen One” (2002)

LeBron James is another legendary athlete who made his debut on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a teenager. In 2002, he was a high school phenom who was already drawing comparisons to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. The cover shows him wearing his St. Vincent-St. Mary jersey with the headline “The Chosen One”. This issue is considered one of the most iconic covers of the magazine, as it captured the hype and expectations that surrounded James before he entered the NBA. A CGC 9.8 copy of this issue sold for $3,000 in 2020[^2^][1], while raw copies can fetch around $50.

4. Michael Jordan “A Star Is Born” (1984)

Speaking of Michael Jordan, his first cover appearance on Sports Illustrated was in 1984, after he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls as the third overall pick. The cover shows him soaring to the basket with the headline “A Star Is Born”. This issue is significant because it marked the beginning of Jordan’s illustrious career, which would include six NBA titles, five MVP awards and countless accolades. A CGC 7.0 copy of this issue sold for $3,000 in 2021[^1^][2], while raw copies can range from $50 to $200.

5. Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier “Fight Of The Century” (1971)

Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier were two of the greatest boxers of all time, and their rivalry reached its peak in 1971, when they faced each other for the first time in Madison Square Garden. The fight was dubbed “The Fight Of The Century”, as it pitted two undefeated champions against each other in a clash of styles and personalities. The cover shows them exchanging punches with the headline “Ali vs Frazier”. This issue is valuable because it commemorates one of the most historic and thrilling bouts in boxing history, which Frazier won by unanimous decision. A CGC 9.6 copy of this issue sold for $2,400 in 2019[^2^][1], while raw copies can go for around $100.

6. Secretariat “Pure Heart” (1973)

Secretariat was one of the most dominant and beloved racehorses of all time, who won the Triple Crown in 1973 by setting records in all three races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. His performance in the Belmont Stakes was especially remarkable, as he won by an astonishing 31 lengths and set a world record that still stands today. The cover shows him galloping to victory with the headline “Pure Heart”. This issue is rare and desirable because it captures the beauty and power of Secretariat, who is widely regarded as the greatest racehorse ever. A CGC 9.8 copy of this issue sold for $2,000 in 2019[^2^][1], while raw copies can range from $50 to $200.

7. Hank Aaron “715” (1974)

Hank Aaron was one of the greatest baseball players of all time, who broke Babe Ruth’s record of 714 career home runs in 1974. The cover shows him hitting his historic 715th home run with the headline “715”. This issue is important because it celebrates Aaron’s achievement, which was met with both admiration and hostility from fans and media. Aaron faced racism and death threats throughout his career, but he persevered and became a symbol of courage and excellence. A CGC 9.8 copy of this issue sold for $1,800 in 2020[^2^][1], while raw copies can go for around $100.

8. Mike Tyson “Kid Dynamite” (1986)

Mike Tyson was one of the most feared and controversial boxers of all time, who became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20 in 1986. The cover shows him posing with his belt and gloves with the headline “Kid Dynamite”. This issue is scarce and popular because it features Tyson at the peak of his fame and ferocity, before his career and life spiraled out of control. A CGC 9.8 copy of this issue sold for $1,500 in 2020[^2^][1], while raw copies can go for around $100.

9. Swimsuit Issue (Various Years)

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is an annual special edition that features models and celebrities posing in exotic locations wearing swimsuits and other attire. It was first published in 1964 as a way to fill the winter gap between sports seasons, but it soon became a cultural phenomenon that boosted the magazine’s sales and popularity. The Swimsuit Issue is known for launching the careers of many models, such as Christie Brinkley, Elle Macpherson, Tyra Banks and Kate Upton, as well as featuring athletes, such as Serena Williams, Ronda Rousey and Alex Morgan. The value of each Swimsuit Issue depends on the year, the cover model, the condition and the demand, but some of the most sought-after ones are:

• The first Swimsuit Issue (1964) featuring Babette March
• The 25th Anniversary Swimsuit Issue (1989) featuring Kathy Ireland
• The Millennium Swimsuit Issue (2000) featuring Rebecca Romijn
• The 50th Anniversary Swimsuit Issue (2014) featuring Nina Agdal, Lily Aldridge and Chrissy Teigen
• The first Swimsuit Issue with three different covers (2016) featuring Hailey Clauson, Ashley Graham and Ronda Rousey

A CGC 9.8 copy of the first Swimsuit Issue sold for $1,200 in 2019[^2^][1], while raw copies can range from $100 to $500 depending on the year and the cover model.

10. Tiger Woods “Hello World” (1996)

Tiger Woods is one of the greatest golfers of all time, who revolutionized the sport with his talent, charisma and diversity. His first appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated was in 1996, after he won his third consecutive U.S. Amateur title and turned professional at the age of 20. The cover shows him smiling with his trademark Nike cap and shirt with the headline “Hello World”. This issue is valuable because it introduced Woods to the world, before he went on to win 15 major championships and become a global icon. A CGC 9.8 copy of this issue sold for $1,000 in 2020[^2^][1], while raw copies can go for around $50.

Conclusion

These are some of the most valuable Sports Illustrated magazines that you can find on the market today. Of course, there are many other issues that are worth collecting and appreciating, depending on your personal preference and interest. Sports Illustrated has covered a wide range of sports and topics over the years, from basketball to soccer, from Olympics to World Cups, from scandals to triumphs. No matter what kind of sports fan you are, there is a Sports Illustrated magazine that will appeal to you.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Sports Illustrated magazines:

Q: How can I tell if my Sports Illustrated magazine is authentic?

A: There are several ways to verify the authenticity of your Sports Illustrated magazine:

• Check the date and price on the cover. They should match the original publication date and price.
• Check the barcode on the back cover or spine. It should match the original

Here is a possible continuation:

• Check the contents and ads inside the magazine. They should match the original issue and not contain any errors or alterations.
• Check the paper quality and condition. It should not be too glossy, thin or brittle.
• Check for any signs of reprinting, such as different fonts, colors or sizes.
• If possible, compare your magazine to a known authentic copy or a reliable online source.

Q: How can I grade the condition of my Sports Illustrated magazine?

A: The condition of your Sports Illustrated magazine can affect its value significantly. You can grade the condition of your magazine by using the following scale:

• Mint (MT): The magazine is in perfect condition, with no flaws or defects.
• Near Mint (NM): The magazine is almost perfect, with only minor flaws or defects that are not noticeable at first glance.
• Very Fine (VF): The magazine is in excellent condition, with only minor flaws or defects that are noticeable upon close inspection.
• Fine (FN): The magazine is in good condition, with some flaws or defects that are noticeable but do not affect the readability or appeal of the magazine.
• Very Good (VG): The magazine is in fair condition, with noticeable flaws or defects that affect the readability or appeal of the magazine, such as creases, tears, stains or marks.
• Good (GD): The magazine is in poor condition, with significant flaws or defects that affect the readability or appeal of the magazine, such as missing pages, water damage, mold or tape.
• Fair (FR): The magazine is in very poor condition, with severe flaws or defects that make the magazine unreadable or unappealing, such as large chunks missing, heavy water damage, mold or tape.
• Poor (PR): The magazine is in extremely poor condition, with almost no value as a collectible, such as being torn to pieces, burned or shredded.

Q: How can I sell my Sports Illustrated magazines?

A: There are several ways to sell your Sports Illustrated magazines:

• Online platforms: You can use online platforms such as eBay, Amazon, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to list your magazines and reach a large audience of potential buyers. You will need to take good photos of your magazines, write accurate descriptions and set reasonable prices. You will also need to handle the shipping and payment methods and deal with any issues or disputes that may arise.
• Auction houses: You can use auction houses such as Heritage Auctions, Goldin Auctions or Lelands to sell your magazines to serious collectors and investors. You will need to submit your magazines for evaluation and authentication and pay a commission fee to the auction house. You will also need to follow their rules and guidelines and wait for the auction date and results.
• Local shops: You can use local shops such as comic book stores, sports memorabilia stores or antique stores to sell your magazines to local buyers. You will need to bring your magazines to the shop and negotiate a price with the owner or manager. You will also need to be aware of the market value and demand of your magazines and be prepared to accept cash or store credit.

Q: How can I store and protect my Sports Illustrated magazines?

A: To store and protect your Sports Illustrated magazines, you should follow these tips:

• Keep your magazines away from direct sunlight, heat, moisture and dust. These factors can cause fading, warping, mold and deterioration of your magazines.
• Keep your magazines in acid-free bags and boards. These materials can prevent your magazines from yellowing, curling or sticking together. You can also use rigid plastic cases for extra protection.
• Keep your magazines in a cool, dry and dark place. A closet, a drawer or a cabinet are good options. You can also use a safe or a lockbox for valuable issues.
• Keep your magazines flat and stacked neatly. Do not bend, fold or roll your magazines. Do not stack them too high or too tight. Do not place heavy objects on top of them.
• Keep your magazines away from pests, pets and children. These can cause damage or loss of your magazines by chewing, scratching, tearing or spilling on them.

Q: How can I enjoy my Sports Illustrated magazines?

A: To enjoy your Sports Illustrated magazines, you should follow these tips:

• Read them carefully and respectfully. Do not force open the spine or turn the pages roughly. Use gloves if you want to avoid leaving fingerprints or oils on them.
• Display them proudly and tastefully. You can use frames, stands or shelves to showcase your favorite issues or covers. You can also use posters, stickers or magnets to decorate your walls or doors with them.
• Share them with others who appreciate them. You can join online forums, clubs or groups to discuss and trade your magazines with other collectors and fans. You can also attend shows, conventions or events to meet and network with other enthusiasts.

I hope this article was helpful and informative. Thank you for reading and happy collecting!