National Geographic June 1985 Value Guide

The June 1985 issue of National Geographic is the most iconic in the publication's history, featuring Steve McCurry's haunting portrait of Sharbat Gula. This specific issue became a global symbol of the Soviet-Afghan War and is highly sought after by photography enthusiasts and magazine collectors alike.

What affects the value of National Geographic June 1985?

• Overall physical condition, specifically looking for spine stress, creases, or fading of the iconic cover ink.
• The presence of the original mailing label, which can slightly decrease value compared to a clean newsstand copy.
• Completeness of the issue, including all original advertising inserts and supplemental maps if originally included.
• The preservation of the paper quality, as yellowing or water damage significantly impacts the $45-$50 market price.

How to Identify National Geographic June 1985?

• Verify the cover features the high-contrast portrait of a young girl with striking green eyes and a red headscarf.
• Check for the correct date of June 1985 printed on the yellow spine and the front cover.
• Ensure the internal pages include the 'Along Afghanistan's War-torn Frontier' photo essay by Steve McCurry.
• Look for the presence or absence of a mailing label; newsstand copies without labels are generally more desirable to collectors.

History of National Geographic June 1985

This issue features the world-renowned portrait of Sharbat Gula, an Afghan refugee, captured by photographer Steve McCurry at the Nasir Bagh refugee camp. The image became a symbol of the Soviet-Afghan War and remains the most recognized cover in the magazine's history, later being likened to a modern-day Mona Lisa.