Jordan and Kobe: Trading Card Reaches Record $12.9M

Jordan and Bryant Sports Card Achieves Record Figure at Auction

A sports trading card signed by Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant reached an astonishing $12.932 million at auction, setting a new record for a sports card. The card, belonging to the 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite collection, features the signatures of Jordan and Bryant in a “Dual Logoman Autographs” design and is unique (1 of 1). This achievement surpasses the previous record of $12.6 million set by a 1952 Mickey Mantle card. The sale was managed by Heritage Auctions, with the participation of investors such as Kevin O’Leary, collector Matt Allen (Shyne150 on social media), and businessman Paul Warshaw. This Jordan/Bryant card becomes the second most expensive collectible sports item in history, surpassed only by Babe Ruth’s 1932 World Series jersey, which reached $24.12 million. Chris Ivy, director of sports auctions at Heritage, recalled the launch of the Exquisite collection by Upper Deck, which initially offered five-card packs for $500 in the 2003-04 season. This collection was key to the basketball card market, including a rookie card of LeBron James that reached $5.2 million.

“It touched a demographic that wasn’t interested in gimmicks: they just wanted the best of the best. They added patches and signatures, Logomen, this was one of the first times logos were used on the jersey in this way”.

Chris Ivy, director of sports auctions at Heritage

The Upper Deck Exquisite collection card of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, from the 2007-08 collection, reached $12.932 million, surpassing the 1952 Mickey Mantle card as the most expensive sports card sold at auction. The exclusivity of the card, despite receiving a grade of 6 from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), justifies its price. Ivy explained that, although grades are important for standard cards, the uniqueness of this card (1 of 1) diminishes the relevance of the grade. The card was in the consignment process since February. The previous owner rejected private offers in the high seven figures, opting for the open auction, where Heritage anticipated a value exceeding $5 million. Ivy also highlighted the “bulletproof” authenticity of the card, especially in the context of Brett Lemieux’s fraudulent memorabilia scandal. The card is guaranteed by Upper Deck and PSA, which adds value due to its verified provenance. Collector Matt Allen, known as Shyne on social media, revealed that he spent $4 million on signed Kobe Bryant 1 of 1 Panini Flawless Logoman cards: $1.7 million on a 2017-18 card and $2.3 million on a 2015-16 card, which was previously the record for a Bryant card. This achievement coincides with what would have been Kobe Bryant’s 47th birthday.