The Goldin Elite Auction in August showcased the booming market for high-end modern sports cards and memorabilia, with multiple items commanding six-figure prices. Leading the pack was a PSA 8 1984-85 Star Company Michael Jordan rookie card, setting a new record for its grade at a staggering $244,000.
Not too far behind was a PSA 7 Jordan Star Company rookie card that recently fetched $62,000 on eBay, indicating the increasing demand for Jordan’s iconic NBA licensed trading card. Additionally, a PSA 6.5 variant of the same card sold for $52,460, further solidifying its market value.
A standout among the auction items was a unique 1-of-1 2009 Bowman Sterling Red Refractor Autograph card of MLB superstar Mike Trout, graded PSA 9, which sold for an impressive $192,030 despite Trout facing injury challenges in recent years.
Setting new records for their respective players were two modern baseball cards: a 2011 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Bryce Harper #5/5, graded PSA 9, sold for $184,720, while a 2014 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Mookie Betts #3/5, graded PSA 10, fetched $123,220.
The auction also featured rare 1-of-1 SuperFractor cards, with the 2024 Topps Chrome Autographed SuperFractor Elly De La Cruz PSA 10 selling for $116,534 and a Jackson Holliday SuperFractor PSA 10 going for $68,527, setting new public price records for these players.
Noteworthy was a dual autograph Ronaldo/Messi SuperFractor card from the 2023-24 Topps UEFA, graded PSA 9, which sold for $67,100. The card, originally pulled by a breaker in England, made its way to Goldin at the London Card Show.
On the memorabilia front, Travis Kelce’s 2020-21 Super Bowl LV jersey, photomatched to the Kansas City Chiefs’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, stole the show with a winning bid of $52,460. Additionally, Kelce’s AFC Championship ring from the same season fetched $34,404.
Other significant memorabilia sales included an Aaron Judge 2017 rookie season jersey, photomatched to one of his record-breaking 52 home runs, which sold for $51,240.
Rounding up the top sales from the auction were items like the 2017 National Treasures Patrick Mahomes RPA #77/99 fetching $95,770, the 2018 Bowman Orange Refractor Shohei Ohtani #22/75 graded PSA 9 selling for $74,450, and a 1996 Mariano Rivera game-used jersey, photomatched to eight trading cards, going for $51,240. Additionally, 1969 Topps Football Series 1 and Series 2 wax boxes sold for $32,940 and $31,721, respectively.
The Goldin Elite Auction once again highlighted the enduring appeal of vintage and modern collectibles within the sports realm, with record-breaking sales showcasing the significant interest and investment potential in these coveted items.
