Fanatics and Sotheby’s recently concluded their latest joint venture in the world of sports cards, raking in an impressive sum of over $2 million from the sale of just 11 cards. The focal point of the auction was the exquisite “Exquisite | Capsule Collection,” which exclusively featured premium cards from Upper Deck’s renowned Exquisite series.
One of the standout pieces from the auction was the highly coveted Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman Triple Logoman card, which fetched a staggering $600,000. The event also showcased other remarkable items such as a LeBron James 2003 Rookie Patch Autograph, a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant Dual Logoman Autograph, and a Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Dual Logoman Patch Autograph.
The spotlight of the auction remained firmly fixed on NBA legends, with a strong emphasis on iconic figures like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. This emphasis underscored the consistent demand for cards featuring these legendary athletes in the ever-evolving sports card market.
This successful collaboration comes on the heels of their initial partnership, known as “Holy Grails,” where a LeBron James Exquisite card commanded a price of $432,000. In this latest auction, another version of the same card surged to $456,000, highlighting the enduring value of premium sports cards while also reflecting the ongoing adjustments within the market. It is interesting to note that just a few years ago, the same card was sold for over $900,000, with similar versions reaching peaks of over $2 million as recently as 2022.
The Upper Deck’s Exquisite series played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the sports card industry by introducing concepts like rookie patch autographs, which have since become essential elements for discerning collectors. Today, products like Panini’s National Treasures owe a significant debt to Exquisite’s innovative approach, spearheaded by Karvin Cheung in the early 2000s.
Fanatics remains dedicated to its mission of propelling the hobby to new heights. Through strategic collaborations with esteemed partners like Sotheby’s for these high-profile auctions, the aim is to elevate sports cards to the status of cultural artifacts deserving of placement in art galleries and prestigious sales events. This calculated approach seeks to redefine the traditional perception of sports cards, showcasing their intrinsic value as both collectible items and veritable works of art.
