Shohei Ohtani’s reign in the world of collectibles reached new heights at the recent “Holy Grails” auction in Harlem. The event, a collaboration between Fanatics Collect and Sotheby’s, witnessed Ohtani’s 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Autographs Superfractor rookie card being sold for a jaw-dropping $336,000. This marked a significant surge from the previous record of $312,000 set in December 2021, illustrating the escalating demand for Ohtani’s memorabilia.
The meteoric rise in the value of Ohtani’s rookie card was evident from its history of sales. Initially changing hands for a modest $4,800 in May 2019, the same card fetched $62,730 in October 2021 before skyrocketing to its latest eye-watering price. Sotheby’s had conservatively estimated the card’s value to fall between $80,000 and $120,000, only to witness Ohtani’s extraordinary on-field feats push the final bid far beyond expectations.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of collectibles, expressed his admiration for the Ohtani card, deeming it as his highlight of the auction. Placing it in the opening lot set the tone for the night of exhilarating bids and unforgettable sales.
High-profile attendees added to the event’s glamour, with NFL icon Tom Brady catching the attention by acquiring a Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph card for $120,000. Seated alongside Brady was New England Patriots’ owner, Robert Kraft, furthering the evening’s star-studded ambiance.
The auction also showcased other noteworthy transactions, such as the sale of a 2022 Bowman Chrome 1st Bowman Prospect Autograph Superfractor card belonging to MLB rising star Elly De La Cruz, which garnered $360,000, surpassing Ohtani’s previous record.
However, the pinnacle of the night came with the auction of a 2005-06 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card featuring basketball legends Michael Jordan and Julius Erving. This rare card, adorned with game-used NBA logo patches from both players’ jerseys, commanded an astounding bid of $780,000, solidifying its status as a prized possession for any sports memorabilia collector.
The “Holy Grails” auction proved to be a convergence of the most sought-after sports memorabilia, with Ohtani’s record-setting sale setting a high bar for the evening. The presence of iconic figures like Robert Kraft, Tom Brady, Logan Paul, and Meek Mill added an extra layer of excitement, making it a night to remember for sports enthusiasts and collectors alike.
