Fanatics and Sotheby’s have recently concluded their highly anticipated second collaborative auction, “Exquisite | Capsule Collection,” which proved to be a smashing success by generating over $2 million in sales from a mere 11 cards. The star attraction of the event was a remarkable Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman Triple Logoman card, which commanded an impressive $600,000 from eager collectors.
The auction exclusively featured select premium cards from Upper Deck’s renowned Exquisite series, showcasing some of the most sought-after pieces in the sports card market. Notable highlights included a LeBron James 2003 Rookie Patch Autograph, a captivating Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant Dual Logoman Autograph, and a distinctive Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Dual Logoman Patch Autograph.
Throughout the event, the spotlight remained firmly on NBA legends, with a significant emphasis on cards featuring iconic figures like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, exemplifying the enduring demand for these legendary names in the sports card collecting realm.
This successful event follows on the heels of their first collaboration, “Holy Grails,” where a LeBron James Exquisite card went under the hammer for $432,000. In this recent auction, another iteration of the same card soared to an impressive $456,000, indicating the sustained value of premium sports cards while also reflecting the dynamic nature of the market. It is worth noting that just a few years ago, the same card commanded prices exceeding $900,000, with comparable versions reaching astonishing highs of over $2 million in 2022.
The impact of Upper Deck’s Exquisite series on the sports card industry cannot be overstated, particularly due to the introduction of rookie patch autographs, a defining feature that has become a cornerstone for high-end collectors. The influence of Exquisite extends to products like Panini’s National Treasures, which owe their popularity to the innovative approach initiated by Karvin Cheung in the early 2000s.
Fanatics continues to push the boundaries in its quest to elevate the sports card hobby to new heights. Through strategic partnerships with esteemed entities like Sotheby’s for these prestigious auctions, Fanatics aims to position sports cards not just as collectibles, but also as cultural artifacts deserving of recognition in art galleries and exclusive sales events. This visionary approach seeks to redefine the perception of sports cards, spotlighting their value as both prized collectibles and revered works of art in the eyes of enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
