Fanatics and Sotheby’s recently conducted their second collaborative auction, with a spectacular outcome of over $2 million in sales from just 11 premium sports cards. The star of the show was a remarkable Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman Triple Logoman card, which commanded an astonishing $600,000 at the event.
Named the “Exquisite | Capsule Collection,” this auction exclusively featured top-tier cards from Upper Deck’s renowned Exquisite series. Among the highlights were a sought-after LeBron James 2003 Rookie Patch Autograph, a prized Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant Dual Logoman Autograph, and a premium Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Dual Logoman Patch Autograph.
Throughout the auction, the spotlight remained firmly fixed on NBA legends, with a notable emphasis on cards featuring basketball icons like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, or sometimes even both. This deliberate focus underscored the enduring demand for the most iconic figures in the sports card market, signaling a consistent affinity for legendary players among collectors.
This successful event comes on the heels of their first joint effort, the “Holy Grails” auction, where a LeBron James Exquisite card commanded an impressive $432,000. In the recent auction, a different version of the same card fetched an even higher price of $456,000, showcasing the continuously evolving values of premium sports cards and reflecting the dynamic nature of the market. Interestingly, just a few years ago, this particular card sold for over $900,000, with similar versions fetching prices exceeding $2 million in 2022.
The introduction of rookie patch autographs through Upper Deck’s Exquisite line proved to be a game-changer for the sports card industry. This innovation, spearheaded by Karvin Cheung in the early 2000s, set a new standard in high-end collectibles that has influenced products like Panini’s National Treasures and shaped the preferences of discerning collectors.
Fanatics remains steadfast in its commitment to elevate the hobby to new heights. By partnering with Sotheby’s for these exclusive auctions, Fanatics aims to position sports cards as not just collectibles but as cultural artifacts worthy of display in art galleries and prestigious sales events. This strategic collaboration underscores Fanatics’ ambition to redefine the perception of sports cards, highlighting their value as both collectible items and artistic masterpieces in their own right.
