Historic first issue of Sports Illustrated, published on August 16, 1954. Graded NEAR MINT/MINT 9.8 by CGC. Of the 512 Sports Illustrated first issues listed in the CGC Census, NONE have received a higher grade than this pristine example. Countless sports magazines were published during the last century, but none rose to higher prominence than Sports Illustrated. Noted both for his journalism and photography, the magazine itself became as iconic as many of the athletes featured in its pages over the years. This is the finest first issue of Sports Illustrated we have ever offered and a superior example will most likely never be found. Near perfect in all respects and one that would be a welcome addition to any advanced sports collection.