Collectors continue to pay top dollar for Peter Steele’s Playgirl issue, even three decades after its August 1995 release. The late Type O Negative frontman’s nude centerfold remains a prized item for fans and memorabilia hunters, with recent eBay activity showing a strong market for near-mint copies.
Recent sale highlights on eBay
– 5th place: $500
– 4th place: $635
– 3rd place: $700
– 2nd place: $749.99
– 1st place: $775
These prices reflect a steady collector-driven demand, with descriptions stressing rarity, condition, and the magazine’s iconic centerfold featuring Steele.
Active listings and price range
While recent sales cluster in the hundreds, active listings show a wider spread. The highest current asking price on eBay sits at around $5,000 for a near-mint copy, though some copies still list in the lower hundreds. The lowest listed copies can be found for just over $600, illustrating how price hinges on condition, storage, and presentation.
What Peter Steele was paid to pose
Steele died on April 14, 2010, at age 48 from sepsis linked to diverticulitis. In the years before his death, he discussed the Playgirl shoots with Metal Hammer, revealing he was paid $2,000 to pose nude. He recalled negotiating with editors over the shoot and famously noted that his condition for agreeing was that his anatomy be “hard.” The exchange has since become part of the lore surrounding the magazine appearance. Steele later reflected on the shoot, acknowledging it made him feel arrogant at the time, yet he also expressed pride in how the photos turned out. He joked that maintaining his composure for the shots came down to a simple solution: “A hose clamp costs 69 cents.”
Why the issue endures in popular culture
The Playgirl feature has transcended its era as a celebrity centrefold and evolved into a collectible that signals 1990s rock history, media sensationalism, and the enduring cult of collector markets for rare magazines. Steele’s candid remarks about the shoot, the celebrity intrigue around the collaboration with Playgirl, and the ongoing interest from fans contribute to the issue’s lasting mystique.
Practical notes for collectors and fans
– Condition matters: Copies described as near-mint or in very good condition tend to command higher prices, especially if the centerfold remains intact.
– Verification: Look for clear photos of the cover, spine, and centerfold, plus any accompanying inserts or sleeves mentioned in listings.
– Storage tips: Keep issues in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the paper and ink.
Summary
Peter Steele’s Playgirl issue continues to fetch attention and money from a devoted collector base, underscoring how celebrity memorabilia can appreciate in value over time. The combination of a high-profile image, the musician’s enduring fan base, and the rarity of well-preserved copies keeps the market active, with prices ranging from several hundred dollars to several thousand for pristine copies. The legacy of the shoot remains tied to Steele’s public persona and his own reflections on the experience, which continue to fuel interest in this iconic 1995 publication.
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