Fanatics and Sotheby’s have once again made waves in the sports card market by joining forces for their latest auction, “Exquisite | Capsule Collection,” which raked in an impressive $2 million from the sale of just 11 cards. The standout piece of the auction was a remarkable Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman Triple Logoman card, commanding a hefty price tag of $600,000.
Dubbed as the “Exquisite | Capsule Collection,” this auction exclusively featured top-tier cards from Upper Deck’s acclaimed Exquisite series. Notable highlights included 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 auction shone a spotlight on NBA legends, particularly focusing on the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James, whose presence underscored the enduring demand for iconic figures in the sports card collecting realm.
This successful collaboration builds upon their initial venture, the “Holy Grails” auction, where a LeBron James Exquisite card fetched $432,000. This time around, a different version of the same card soared to $456,000, signaling a consistent value for premium cards while reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of the market. Interestingly, a few years back, the same card went for over $900,000, with similar versions reaching heights of over $2 million in 2022.
Upper Deck’s Exquisite line has been a game-changer in the sports card industry, introducing rookie patch autographs that have become a must-have for serious collectors. Products like Panini’s National Treasures owe a debt of gratitude to Exquisite’s innovative approach, spearheaded by Karvin Cheung in the early 2000s.
Fanatics remains committed to elevating the hobby to new horizons. Through partnerships with esteemed entities like Sotheby’s for these high-profile auctions, they are striving to position sports cards as cultural treasures deserving of exhibition in art galleries and esteemed sales events. This strategic vision aims to redefine how sports cards are perceived, emphasizing their worth as prized collectibles and veritable pieces of art in their own right.
