UPDATE: A signed sports collectible card featuring legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant has just sold for a staggering $12.932 million, setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a sports card. The auction took place on Saturday night, November 4, 2023, through Heritage Auctions, eclipsing the previous record of $12.6 million for the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card.
This extraordinary sale underscores the surging demand for unique sports collectibles, particularly those linked to icons like Jordan and Bryant. The card, a one-of-a-kind 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs, is now the second most expensive sports collectible of all time, trailing only behind Babe Ruth’s 1932 World Series “called shot” jersey, which fetched $24.12 million nearly a year ago.
Chris Ivy, director of sports auctions at Heritage, noted the historical significance of this card. He recalled how Upper Deck’s Exquisite line, which launched with a $500 price tag for a five-card pack in 2003, revolutionized the market. Ivy stated, “Exquisite was first, Exquisite paved the way. It’s the pinnacle as far as modern card collectors are concerned.”
Despite receiving a 6 rating from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), the card’s unique status as a 1-of-1 significantly contributed to its record-breaking value. Ivy explained, “Grades matter as far as pricing goes for standard-issue cards, but this is a 1-of-1, so the grade is less important overall.”
The card’s consignment process began in February 2023, with its previous owner rejecting “high seven-figure” offers to pursue an auction. Ivy emphasized that unique items like this benefit from open bidding, attracting new collectors and driving prices higher.
In light of the ongoing fraudulent memorabilia scandal involving Brett Lemieux, Ivy reassured buyers of the card’s authenticity, citing the solid provenance from Upper Deck. “This makes items like this a little more desirable,” he stated, highlighting the guaranteed authenticity from Upper Deck and PSA.
The sale comes during a notable month for Kobe Bryant collectibles, coinciding with what would have been his 47th birthday. High-end collector Matt Allen, known as Shyne on social media, recently shared his own significant purchases of Bryant cards, including two signed Panini Flawless Logoman cards totaling $4 million.
As the market for sports collectibles continues to evolve, this record-breaking sale serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional and financial value these unique items can hold for fans and collectors alike. With the auction world buzzing, all eyes are now on what future sales may bring.