National Geographic Magazine December 1988 Value Guide

The December 1988 issue of National Geographic is a landmark collectible celebrating the society's 100th anniversary with a pioneering wraparound hologram cover. This edition is highly sought after for its technical printing achievement and its influential 'Can Man Save This Fragile Earth?' editorial on global conservation.

What Is National Geographic Magazine December 1988 Worth?

The typical price range for National Geographic Magazine December 1988 is $15 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the hologram film, as scratches or scuffs to the plastic significantly reduce the visual appeal and value.
• Presence of the original mailing insert and any supplemental maps or posters included in the centennial mailing.
• Overall paper quality, specifically looking for the absence of 'foxing' or yellowing on the interior pages.
• The state of the spine, as the thickness of this special edition makes it prone to cracking or color loss.

How to Identify National Geographic Magazine December 1988?

• Verify the presence of the full wraparound hologram featuring a 'glass earth' that shifts when tilted.
• Check for the 'December 1988' date and the Centennial branding on the yellow spine.
• Ensure the hologram film is securely bonded to the paper cover without significant peeling or bubbling.
• Confirm the inclusion of the original map supplements which were often tucked inside this specific anniversary issue.

History of National Geographic Magazine December 1988

To celebrate its 100th anniversary in 1988, National Geographic published this landmark issue featuring the largest hologram ever produced for a magazine cover at the time. It includes an editorial titled 'Can Man Save This Fragile Earth?' which was a pioneering piece on global environmental conservation. The holographic technology used was a significant technical feat for mass printing in the 1980s.