Presented here is that special issue that started it all, Issue #1, December 1953, featuring the immortal Marilyn Monroe as the "Sweetheart of the Month" (a designation that would evolve into "Playmate of the Month"). The front cover and inside pages are clean and the issue lies flat. It is fully intact (no missing pages) and contains the original centerfold. The spine is intact and staples are in place. The magazine shows light handling along the edges and minor handling to the pages inside. Overall this issue is above average for most surviving first issues, and we'd rate it a solid EX-NM to NM.