From Messi to Monroe, CGC Offers Superior Magazine Grading

From sports and entertainment to horror, science fiction, and pop culture — magazines capture moments that helped define generations. Some of the most recognizable and historically significant collectibles of the last century are from the magazine publishing world, and CGC® can help preserve these collectibles to be enjoyed for generations!

The market has reflected a growing interest in magazines. Collectors continue to pursue landmark Sports Illustrated covers showcasing some of the greatest athletes of all time. In August 2023, a Sports Illustrated v61 #26, December 10, 1984 graded CGC 9.8, featuring Michael Jordan’s first appearance on the cover as an NBA star, claimed a new record sales price of $126,000 in a Heritage Auctions sale. In March 2026, a Sports Illustrated v120 #23, June 9, 2014 graded CGC 9.8, with soccer superstar Lionel Messi's cover debut, realized $31,720 in a Goldin sale.

At the same time, vintage horror publications such as Famous Monsters of Filmland, and other monster magazines, have developed devoted followings among collectors. And gaming magazines have gotten a power boost from CGC as well, such as a Nintendo Power #1 graded CGC 9.4 that sold for $24,000 in November 2022.

Part of what makes magazines so appealing is the incredible variety they offer. A single collection can include sports history, Hollywood legends, music icons, political milestones, and genre-defining entertainment. Many collectors already own valuable magazines without realizing it. Publications that were once purchased from a newsstand and stored in a closet or basement can now represent important pieces of cultural history, especially when preserved in exceptional condition.

As interest continues to grow, authentication and professional grading have become increasingly important. Collectors want confidence that a magazine has been evaluated by experts and protected for the future.

CGC brings decades of grading expertise to magazines, applying the same rigorous standards that have made it the trusted name in the certification of other pop culture collectibles. The state-of-the-art CGC magazine holder also offers advanced security features, such as a heat-sealed hologram. The sturdier outer plastic better resists impacts, and precise pressure locks the magazine in place for enhanced protection and a superior way to preserve magazines.

For collectors, certification does more than help preserve a magazine; it creates a standardized assessment of condition that buyers, sellers, and collectors can trust. Whether a magazine is destined for a personal collection, an auction platform or a future sale, professional grading provides an added layer of confidence and transparency. As more collectors enter the category, those qualities become increasingly valuable.

Curious what other collectors are submitting? Browse the CGC Population Report to see the wide range of magazines that have already been certified by CGC.

If you have magazines tucked away alongside your comics, trading cards, or other collectibles, it may be worth taking another look! That forgotten stack of sports, entertainment, horror, or pop culture magazines could contain issues that are far more desirable than you realize.

To learn more about submitting magazines for grading and authentication, visit the CGC submission center and start your submission today!

About CGC

Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games, and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for sports cards, TCGs, and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation, and more. CGC Home Video provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of videocassettes, DVD, Blu-ray, and more. CGC also offers seamless solutions for autograph collectors with CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services.

CGC is part of the Certified Collectibles Group, a global provider of expert and impartial authentication, and grading services for collectibles. Since 1987, the Certified Collectibles Group companies have certified more than 110 million collectibles, including coins, banknotes, comic books, cards, autographs, and stamps.