This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/28/2019
Truly one of the important inaugural sports magazines in American publishing history, the first issue of Sports Illustrated on August 16, 1954, carries the considerable added cachet of featuring a spectacular centerfold of 27 cards (front and back) from that year's Topps baseball card issue. The cover features a very young Eddie Mathews at Milwaukee County Stadium in just the team's second season in the Midwest. This one comes in essentially perfect Mint condition with a smooth and vibrant front and back cover; in fact, it's the finest example we've ever come across. The center foldout of baseball cards -- including the likes of Willie Mays, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, Eddie Mathews, Duke Snider, Gil Hodges, Richie Ashburn and Larry Doby to name a few -- is nothing short of spectacular and presents Mint to Gem-Mint with blazing bright colors. Highlighting the group is a stunning 10/10 Mays autograph on his very own card in blue marker! There have been reprints of this iconic issue distributed as souvenirs, but this one is the real thing without a doubt, coming with a COA from Sports Illustrated confirming this fact. Includes LOA from JSA for Mays auto. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.