2021 is starting off with jaw-dropping prices in the collectable sports card market. Goldin Auctions held their first elite auction for the year, closing January 30 and 31st and the prices they realized were record breakers!
We'll highlight some of these below.
- Lot #2: 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle Rookie Card
- Lot #3: 2012-13 National Treasures (RPA) #151 Anthony Davis Signed NBA Logoman Patch Rookie Card (#1/1)
- Lot #14: 2009/10 Panini National Treasures "Century Platinum" #206 Stephen Curry Signed Patch Rookie Card (#3/5)
- Lot #18: 2017 Panini National Treasures Black #161 Patrick Mahomes Signed Patch Rookie Card (#1/5)
- Lot #16: 1925 Exhibits Lou Gehrig Rookie Card
- Lot #12 and Lot #27: 1986-87 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan Rookie Cards
- Honorable Mentions
Lot #2: 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle Rookie Card – PSA NM-MT 8 - $1,605,150
Said to be one of the finest PSA graded NM-MT 8 in the hobby, this 1952 Topps card is the Hall of Famer’s most esteemed Rookie Card, and a scarcer "High Number" in its release.
Over the past few years, the news media have been diligent in reporting the steady and consistent, but nonetheless dramatic trend toward rising prices for this treasured collectible in the highest grades. More specifically, 3 years ago, this exact card sold for almost $700,000 at public auction. One year later, a PSA MINT 9 was sold for just under $2.9 million dollars, while another PSA 9 sold in January, 2021 for a jaw-dropping $5.2 million.
It is clear that the rate and trajectory of this card's value also trickle down to other grades as well. Lot #2 of Goldin’s Auction presented here is the first example of a PSA 8 grade level to surpass $1 million.
The card’s color, focus, centering, border whiteness, and crisp reverse-side printing are all traits of a very high quality item; one worthy of the price realized.
Lot #3: 2012-13 National Treasures (RPA) #151 Anthony Davis Signed NBA Logoman Patch Rookie Card (#1/1) – BGS MINT 9/BGS 10 -$1,045,500
Here we have a rookie card depicting the NBA Draft's overall number one pick in 2012, and a Los Angeles Lakers' 2020 NBA Championship team star player, Anthony Davis.
The card is shown to hold a high quality cloth "Logoman" NBA-symbol patch, taken directly from Davis’ player-worn jersey on its right-side. Directly to the left, the rookie athlete is shown wearing a signature blue jersey with the number "23" inscribed. The card is a "One of One" limited edition serial number, as shown on the top left corner, officially confirming that this rookie card is truly unique.
The card is in superb condition with centering receiving a 9.5, corners a 8.5, edges a 9.5, and surface a 9 by BGS. The signature and patch have also been authenticated, showing the card is genuine.
A truly superb card depicting a player with a history of substantial accomplishments, acknowledgments, and a bright future.
Lot #14: 2009/10 Panini National Treasures "Century Platinum" #206 Stephen Curry Signed Patch Rookie Card (#3/5) – BGS GEM MT 9.5/BGS 10 - $984,000
The bigger the player, the bigger the price. Rookie year cards of esteemed figures are capturing more and more hobby attention, leading to significant value escalation. As such, it is no surprise that a card featuring player such as Stephen Curry, who by many is viewed as a “once-in-a-generation” phenomenon, would yield an astounding price tag.
That is not the only reason behind the card’s value however. Limited to only 5, the card is in outstanding condition. Centering, edges, corners, and surface have all received a 9.5 BGS grading.
Cards such as this will only become more desirable and elusive as time goes on.
Lot #18: 2017 Panini National Treasures Black #161 Patrick Mahomes Signed Patch Rookie Card (#1/5) - BGS MINT 9/BGS 10 -$ 861,000
Limited to a print run of just 5 card, this Patrick Mahomes card is extremely rare, so to find one for sale, and in good condition is a truly remarkable feat; especially being auctioned right before his second straight Super Bowl appearance.
Widely considered to be the most sought-after Patrick Mahomes card in the industry, this “Black” version (as indicated by the accent printing) is the rarest of all Patrick Mahomes National Treasures #161 Cards ever issued and that will ever be offered in the marketplace.
If that wasn’t enough, this card was graded as a BGS 9, meaning it’s the highest ever graded card of its kind by either BGS or PSA. Furthermore, Goldin Auctions stated:
“The AFC Patch allows for the very rare 4 (or more?) color patch on this card, which is virtually unseen as the majority of patches contain 3 colors or less. This is a positively unique and highly sought-after patch which adds an undefined quality and scarcity to this card.”
Finally, this is Card #1/5 of the “BlacK” version. The #1 card in the issue is always the most preferred card other than perhaps a Jersey Number Card.
Lot #16: 1925 Exhibits Lou Gehrig Rookie Card – PSA EX-MT 6 (MK) -$801,960
Considered to be Lou Gehrig's true "Rookie Card," this is a much sought after card of the era. The dimensions of this card, along with limited distribution though amusement park vending machines make for a very limited supply. In fact, only about 3 dozen cards have ever been graded by the PSA.
Surprisingly, wear on this card is very mild, although a handwritten notation of the player’s name on the reverse side has been largely erased.
Lot #12 and Lot #27: 1986-87 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan Rookie Cards – PSA GEM MT 10 - $738,000 Each
It is no surprise that the rookie of one of the most famous and accomplished athletes in the world would be shattering records. Just a few months ago in December of 2020, Lot #131 featured a 1986 Michael Jordan Rookie PSA 10 which sold for almost $215,000.
The cards featured in this year’s Goldin Auction Elite collection were in pristine condition. The edges, corners, and surface were all perfect 10s. The quality of these two rookies, coupled with the history and pedigree of the player depicted lead to another record shattering sale, with each card fetching $738,000.
Following the upward trend of both demand and value of this card is certainly exciting. In less than a year we saw a card worth a little less than $50,000 reach almost $740,000. And by the looks of it, it seems that the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie still has ceiling breaking potential in its horizon.
Honorable Mentions:
- Lot #6: 2018 Panini Prizm Gold Prizm #280 Luka Doncic Rookie Card (#03/10) – PSA GEM MT 10 "1 of 3!" - $799,500
- Lot #10: 1997-98 Metal Universe "Precious Metal Gems" #23 Michael Jordan (#095/100) – PSA EX-MT+ 6.5 - MBA Gold Diamond Certified - $492,000
- Lot #10: 2009-10 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor #101 Stephen Curry Rookie Card (#40/50) – BGS PRISTINE 10 "1 of 1!" - $492,000
- Lot #20: 1996/97 Topps Chrome Refractors #138 Kobe Bryant Rookie Card – PSA GEM MT 10 - $461,250
And for those interested in other niches as well there were some record prices for Pokémon Cards too:
- Lot #33: 1999 Pokémon 1st Edition PSA GEM MT 10 Complete Set (103) Featuring #4 Charizard Example! - $682,650
- Lot #195: 1995 Pokémon Japanese Topsun Charizard, Scarce Blue Back – PSA GEM MT 10 "1 of 1!" - $493,230
Did you take part in this auction? Where there any notable items you saw that should make our list? Let us know in the comments bellow.
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