UPDATE: A signed collectible card featuring Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant has set a staggering new record, selling for $12.932 million on Saturday night. This sale marks the highest price ever paid for a sports card, surpassing the previous record of $12.6 million for a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card in August 2022.
The 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card is a unique, 1-of-1 piece, making it a coveted item among collectors. The auction took place with Heritage Auctions, although the buyer’s identity remains undisclosed. This card now ranks as the second-most expensive sports collectible ever, following Babe Ruth’s 1932 World Series jersey that fetched $24.12 million last year.
Chris Ivy, director of sports auctions at Heritage, emphasized the card’s significance, noting, “It has always been looked at by modern basketball collectors as a holy grail.” The rarity and appeal of the card are evident, despite it receiving a grade of 6 from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Ivy explained that while grades typically influence pricing, the unique status of this card diminishes that factor.
The card’s consignment began in February 2023, with the previous owner holding onto it for over a decade. During that time, they declined multiple high seven-figure private offers, opting for an auction instead. Ivy stated, “The pre-auction estimate was $6 million plus, so sometimes it’s beneficial to let a unique piece shine.”
The sale comes at a time when Kobe Bryant cards are highly sought after. In a remarkable month for Bryant collectibles, one collector, known as Matt Allen or “Shyne,” revealed he spent $4 million on two of Bryant’s signed Panini Flawless Logoman cards, prior to this record-breaking auction.
Amid the ongoing Brett Lemieux fraudulent memorabilia scandal, Ivy reassured collectors about the authenticity of the Jordan/Bryant card. “Upper Deck has Jordan under contract; he’s been with them for decades,” he said. “It’s guaranteed by them as well as PSA, which adds to the premium on items with verified provenance.”
This monumental sale highlights the ever-growing market for sports memorabilia and the emotional connection fans have with these athletes. Collectors are eager to own a piece of history, particularly when it involves iconic figures like Jordan and Bryant, whose legacy continues to resonate deeply within the sports community.
As the dust settles from this record-breaking sale, collectors and fans alike are left wondering: What will be the next big milestone in the world of sports collectibles? Stay tuned for more updates as the market evolves.
