The Goldin Elite Auction in August 2021 proved to be a treasure trove for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, as high-end modern sports cards and collectibles fetched jaw-dropping bids, with several items smashing previous records and exceeding the six-figure mark.
Leading the pack was a PSA 8 graded 1984-85 Star Company Michael Jordan rookie card, which soared to an impressive $244,000, setting a new record for that specific grade. This record-breaking sale came hot on the heels of another Jordan rookie card, graded PSA 7, that commanded a hefty $62,000 on eBay, showcasing the escalating demand for Jordan’s inaugural NBA licensed trading card. Additionally, a PSA 6.5 variant of the card fetched $52,460, further solidifying Jordan’s enduring popularity in the collectibles market.
A standout piece from the auction was the unique 1-of-1 2009 Bowman Sterling Red Refractor Autograph card of MLB sensation Mike Trout, graded PSA 9, which raked in an impressive $192,030, despite Trout facing injury setbacks in recent seasons.
The modern baseball card arena also witnessed two new record-breaking sales. A 2011 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Bryce Harper card, numbered 5/5 and graded PSA 9, fetched $184,720, while a 2014 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Mookie Betts card, numbered 3/5 and graded PSA 10, pulled in $123,220.
In the realm of 1-of-1 SuperFractor cards, the 2024 Topps Chrome Autographed SuperFractor Elly De La Cruz graded PSA 10 commanded an impressive $116,534, while a SuperFractor of Jackson Holliday graded PSA 10 garnered $68,527, marking the highest public prices achieved for these players.
A noteworthy inclusion was a dual autograph card featuring soccer icons Ronaldo and Messi, presented in a SuperFractor format from the 2023-24 Topps UEFA collection. The card, graded PSA 9, fetched $67,100, showcasing the allure of rare collectibles in the sports card market.
Switching gears to sports memorabilia, Travis Kelce’s 2020-21 Super Bowl LV jersey, photomatched to the Kansas City Chiefs’ showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, stole the spotlight with a winning bid of $52,460. Kelce’s AFC Championship ring from the same season also found a new owner, selling for $34,404.
Other notable sales included an Aaron Judge 2017 rookie season jersey, photomatched to one of his impressive 52 home runs, which commanded a price of $51,240.
Rounding out the top sales at the auction were coveted 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 numbered 22/75, graded PSA 9, fetching $74,450. Additionally, a 1996 Mariano Rivera game-used jersey, photomatched to eight trading cards, sold for $51,240, while vintage gems like the 1969 Topps Football Series 1 and Series 2 wax boxes brought in $32,940 and $31,721, respectively.
In summary, the Goldin Elite Auction in August 2021 once again highlighted the enduring appeal and robust market for both vintage and modern sports memorabilia, with collectors showcasing unwavering interest and enthusiasm for coveted items in the sports world.