Record Sale: MJ-Kobe Card Fetches $12.9 Million at Auction
UPDATE: A historic sports collectible card featuring Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant has just sold for an astonishing $12.932 million, setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a sports card. The auction took place on Saturday night, surpassing the previous record of $12.6 million held by the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card.
The card, a 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs, is a unique 1-of-1 that has captivated collectors and fans alike. It was sold through Heritage Auctions, although the buyer’s identity has not yet been disclosed. This card is now the second-most expensive sports collectible ever, trailing only behind Babe Ruth’s 1932 World Series “called shot” jersey, which fetched $24.12 million nearly a year ago.
According to Chris Ivy, director of sports auctions at Heritage, the high price reflects the card’s rarity and significance. Ivy recalled the initial release of the Exquisite line, which was considered groundbreaking for the sports memorabilia market. “It tapped into a demographic that wasn’t interested in gimmicks,” Ivy stated. “They just wanted the best of the best.”
Despite receiving a grade 6 from the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), the rarity of the card contributes significantly to its value. Ivy emphasized that while grading matters for standard cards, the unique nature of this item makes it extraordinarily valuable. “A 1-of-1 like this is a holy grail,” he noted.
The card’s consignment process began in February 2023. The previous owner had held onto the card for over a decade, rejecting high seven-figure offers to pursue an open auction, which Heritage believed would exceed $5 million. The pre-auction estimate was set at over $6 million, reflecting the excitement and interest surrounding this unique collectible.
Furthermore, amid the ongoing Brett Lemieux fraudulent memorabilia scandal, the authenticity of the signatures on this card is “ironclad,” Ivy assured. Lemieux has been accused of flooding the market with counterfeit Kobe items following Bryant’s tragic death in 2020. Ivy explained that both Jordan and Bryant’s autographs were obtained directly through Upper Deck, adding to the card’s verified provenance.
This sale marks a significant moment for the sports card industry, coming just days before what would have been Kobe Bryant’s 47th birthday. High-end collector Matt Allen, known as Shyne on social media, recently shared that he privately spent $4 million on Bryant 1-of-1 signed cards, indicating a growing interest and investment in Kobe memorabilia.
As the dust settles on this landmark sale, collectors and fans are eagerly watching to see how the market will respond to this extraordinary event. The record-setting price reflects not just a moment in sports history, but also the enduring legacy of two of basketball’s greatest icons. This card is a testament to their greatness and the passion of collectors worldwide, making it a treasure that will likely remain in high demand for years to come.
