The world of sports memorabilia and collectibles is a vibrant and ever-evolving landscape, where items of historical significance and personal connection can fetch staggering prices at auction. One such arena where these treasures change hands is the prestigious Goldin Elite Auction, which recently concluded with a flurry of record-breaking sales.
Leading the charge was a PSA 8 graded 1984-85 Star Company Michael Jordan rookie card, which set a new benchmark by selling for an astonishing $244,000. This iconic piece of basketball history continues to captivate collectors, with another Jordan rookie card, graded PSA 7, recently fetching $62,000 on eBay, showcasing the enduring appeal of the basketball legend.
Not to be outdone, baseball also made its mark at the auction, with a 1-of-1 2009 Bowman Sterling Red Refractor Autograph card of MLB superstar Mike Trout stealing the show. Despite facing injury setbacks in recent years, the card, graded PSA 9, commanded an impressive $192,030, highlighting Trout’s enduring popularity among fans and collectors alike.
Baseball’s rising stars also shone bright, with two modern cards setting new records for their respective players. A 2011 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Bryce Harper card, graded PSA 9 and numbered #5/5, sold for an impressive $184,720, while a 2014 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Mookie Betts card, graded PSA 10 and numbered #3/5, fetched $123,220, underscoring the demand for premium baseball collectibles.
The allure of rare and unique cards was further exemplified by the sale of SuperFractor cards, with the 2024 Topps Chrome Autographed SuperFractor Elly De La Cruz card, graded PSA 10, commanding $116,534, and a Jackson Holliday SuperFractor, also graded PSA 10, selling for $68,527, setting new high prices for these emerging talents.
In a nod to the global appeal of sports collectibles, a dual autograph Ronaldo/Messi SuperFractor from the 2023-24 Topps UEFA collection, graded PSA 9 and pulled in England, fetched $67,100, showcasing the universal admiration for these football icons.
On the memorabilia front, NFL star Travis Kelce’s 2020-21 Super Bowl LV jersey, authenticated and photomatched to the game, stole the spotlight, commanding $52,460 at auction. Additionally, Kelce’s AFC Championship ring from the same season found a new home for $34,404, demonstrating the enduring allure of championship memorabilia.
Notable memorabilia sales also included an Aaron Judge 2017 rookie season jersey, photomatched to his record-breaking 52 home runs, which sold for $51,240, further cementing the value of tangible connections to sporting history.
Rounding out the top sales were additional standout items, such as the 2017 National Treasures Patrick Mahomes rookie patch autograph card, numbered #77/99, which sold for $95,770, and the 2018 Bowman Orange Refractor Shohei Ohtani card, graded PSA 9 and numbered #22/75, which fetched $74,450, showcasing the widespread appeal of modern sports cards and memorabilia.
The auction also featured a piece of baseball history with the sale of a 1996 Mariano Rivera game-used jersey, photomatched to eight trading cards, which sold for $51,240, as well as rare vintage finds like the 1969 Topps Football Series 1 and Series 2 wax boxes, which fetched $32,940 and $31,721 respectively, highlighting the enduring demand for classic collectibles.
With a lineup of record-breaking sales and iconic pieces crossing the auction block, the Goldin Elite Auction once again underscored the enduring allure and investment potential of sports collectibles, captivating enthusiasts and investors alike with the thrill of acquiring a piece of sporting history.
