First issue of Sports Illustrated

[sicollector1954]

I have had 3 in the past and currently have kept one. The hard cover has a denim look to it with the printing of S.I. all over it...the hardcover also serves as a great protection for the magazine/cards which are found inside. The current issue I have was signed by Eddie Mathews back in the day. I asked him about having ever seen one before and he said he had not. I have heard that perhaps these were issued to the first 500 regular subscribers as a "thank you" but have no proof that this was the case....maybe someone else can shed some light.

[certainteed52]

First issue of SI

[sicollector1954]

Yes..that is it.....Mathews signed for me on the opposite page of the photo page in blue ink and also put the date....The other 2 people in that photo taken at county stadium are Augie Donnetelli and Wes Westrom.

[frankbmd]

With cards in the magazine as mine are, grading the magazine would truly entomb them. You might want to look at them one more time before encapsulation. I got mine 25 years ago and am not familiar with current pricing. I think I paid $150 and would hope its worth more now.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I have never seen one of the paper "cards" graded by a major service. I highly doubt they would.