In a rare but potent combination of two American sex icons, Hugh Hefner had Marilyn Monroe grace the cover of his very first Playboy magazine in December of 1953. This copy of that historic first issue ever is one of the finest examples we have seen. It is in NRMT condition with a perfect centerfold. It is very rare to see this issue in this condition. Notably, the issue does not feature a date because when Hefner developed the concept for the landmark publication, he was unsure there would ever be a second. When over 53,000 copies flew off the stands in two weeks, an institution had been cemented. There is mention of Dr. Alfred Kinsey's famous sex study. The photos of Marilyn - both the cover shot and the nude centerfold - had actually been lifted from a famous calendar.