In December 1953, Hugh Hefner decided to print just 54,000 copies of his new magazine, Playboy, not knowing whether it would ever be successful. That same month to his surprise, the magazine sold out immediately. Fast forward to 2015, almost 62 years later, one of those first 54,000 copies featuring Marilyn Monroe as centerfold is set to be auctioned and is expected to fetch over $2,700.
A world away from its modern, glossy successor, in its introduction, Hugh clearly stated that Playboy was not 'a family magazine'. That it was for men between 18 to 80 years old, adding that:
'If you're somebody's sister, wife or mother-in-law and picked us up by mistake, please pass us along to the man in your life and get back to your Ladies Home Companion.'It is also the first appearance of the 'Playboy Bunny', decked out in a smoking jacket with a pipe in his mouth. Check it all out after the cut.
Get Hourly Updates From Our BBM : 7F1B43A6