Shohei Ohtani, the baseball sensation taking the world by storm, has not only been dominating on the field but has now transcended into the realm of collectibles. This rising star’s rookie card made headlines at the exclusive “Holy Grails” auction, a groundbreaking collaboration between Fanatics Collect and Sotheby’s, hosted in Harlem. Ohtani’s one-of-a-kind 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Autographs Superfractor rookie card stole the show, fetching an astonishing $336,000. This sale shattered the previous record for an Ohtani card, which stood at $312,000 from December 2021. The exponential growth in the card’s value is evident, having previously sold for $62,730 in October 2021 and a mere $4,800 in May 2019. Initially estimated by Sotheby’s to be valued between $80,000 and $120,000, Ohtani’s remarkable sporting achievements, like being the first MLB player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, undoubtedly fueled the card’s final sale price, far surpassing all expectations.
Brahm Wachter, the head of collectibles at Sotheby’s, expressed his admiration for the Ohtani card, labeling it as his favorite item in the sale. Placing it as the first item in the auction truly set the tone for the exhilarating event that was about to unfold.
The night was graced by the presence of distinguished personalities including NFL icon Tom Brady, renowned for his time with the New England Patriots, and the team’s owner Robert Kraft. The duo caught attention with Kraft’s unexpected purchase of a Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph card, securing it for an impressive $120,000.
Among the featured sales of the evening was the remarkable transaction involving a 2022 Bowman Chrome 1st Bowman Prospect Autograph Superfractor card belonging to up-and-coming MLB talent Elly De La Cruz. This card garnered a substantial $360,000, surpassing the staggering amount fetched by Ohtani’s historic sale.
However, the pinnacle of the night’s bidding frenzy was reserved for the auction of the 2005-06 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card, showcasing basketball legends Michael Jordan and Julius Erving. This unparalleled card, adorned with game-used NBA logo patches from the jerseys of both iconic players, set the auction floor ablaze, commanding an eye-watering sum of $780,000.
The “Holy Grails” auction brought together a collection of exceedingly rare and coveted sports memorabilia, with Ohtani’s card setting an electrifying tone for the evening. The spectacle witnessed breathtaking bids and the exchange of iconic items, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for all attendees.
