Encapsulated and graded 7.0 with “Off-White to White Pages” by CGC. It would be an understatement to say that Playboy was at the forefront of the sexual revolution that swept America during the 1950s and 1960s. The gentlemen’s magazine was started by Hugh Hefner in Chicago after he took a loan from his mother, brother, and his friend, Eldon Sellers, to launch his adult-themed magazine. Interestingly enough, Hefner’s first name for the magazine was “Stag Party,” until copyright issues interfered. It was then that Sellers came up with the name “Playboy,” launching a brand that persists to this current day. Hefner, who first worked at Esquire Magazine writing promotional copy, produced the first issue in his Hyde Park kitchen. Hefner endeavored to showcase and celebrate the nude body while filling the issue with in-depth articles and candid interviews. Though the magazine was controversial, the first issue sold out in weeks, proving the viability of Hefner’s vision for a sophisticated men’s magazine, with a known circulation of around 53,991. “Playboy” would go on to lead the sexual revolution and typically took a liberal editorial stance, often advocating for the rights of LGBTQ and marijuana reform before it was at the cultural forefront.

Offered here is a copy of “Playboy” #1 published in December 1953. There is no date on the copy, as Hefner was unsure of a second issue. The copy features actress Marilyn Monroe, advertised boldly on the cover as “Marilyn Monroe Nude.” The cover features an image of the starlet with her arm raised while wearing a sleek dress. The copy cost 50 cents and features articles by Normal Holland, Bob Norman, William Marsh, and Ambrose Bierce. Monroe was billed as “Sweetheart of the Month,” predating the “Playmate of the Month,” which would come along later. There is also an article featuring Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey. According to CGC’s census report, only 31 copies have achieved a higher grade, making this historic copy all the more desirable. “Playboy” #1 comes graded 7.0 with “Off-White to White Pages” by CGC.

Auction Notepad