Fanatics and Sotheby’s have joined forces once more to bring collectors a magnificent treat with the announcement of their second high-profile auction, “Exquisite | Capsule Collection.” Following the resounding success of their initial collaboration titled “Holy Grails,” which made waves in the world of sports card collecting, this new auction promises to be a showcase of some of the most sought-after cards in the industry. Scheduled to go live on December 16th, the event is anticipated to be a monumental moment for enthusiasts and investors alike.
Riding on the wave of success from their first collaboration, the “Holy Grails” auction boasted impressive results, raking in over $7 million from the sale of just 33 cards. Among the highlights were the jaw-dropping sales of a 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente PSA 9 for $840,000, a 2003 LeBron James Exquisite rookie patch autograph that fetched $432,000, and a Shohei Ohtani card that set a then-record at $336,000. These groundbreaking sales not only highlighted the escalating demand for premium sports cards but also solidified the partnership between Fanatics and Sotheby’s as a dominant force in the collectibles market.
The focus of the upcoming “Exquisite | Capsule Collection” auction will be on the exclusive presentation of cards from Upper Deck’s revered Exquisite line, a series that revolutionized the sports card genre. Renowned for its use of top-tier materials, innovative designs, and iconic Rookie Patch Autographs (RPAs), the Exquisite line quickly became a benchmark for luxury cards in the industry.
Included in this elite collection are 11 ultra-rare cards, featuring individual masterpieces of LeBron James and a triple Logoman card showcasing Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman to commemorate the Chicago Bulls’ legendary dynasty. These cards are not just seen as trading cards; they are revered as works of art that blend rarity, player significance, and historical importance seamlessly.
The legacy of the Exquisite line is a testament to Upper Deck’s vision and innovation in the sports card market. Created by Karvin Cheung, the Exquisite product line introduced the concept of high-end RPAs at unprecedented price points, challenging the norms of the industry. Despite initial skepticism, Exquisite evolved into the gold standard for premium sports cards, commanding staggering prices today that reflect their cultural and collectible significance.
Anticipation is mounting for the “Exquisite | Capsule Collection” auction, which is expected to draw the interest of collectors, investors, and fans worldwide. Boasting an unparalleled selection and benefiting from Sotheby’s longstanding reputation for presenting exceptional collectibles, this auction could potentially establish new benchmarks in the sports card market.
Mark your calendars for December 16th, as the “Exquisite | Capsule Collection” auction promises to deliver an unforgettable display of some of the most extraordinary sports cards ever produced. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness or partake in the sale of these remarkable pieces of sporting history.
