Fanatics and Sotheby’s have joined forces once more to unveil a treasure trove of highly sought-after sports cards in their upcoming “Exquisite | Capsule Collection” auction. This exciting event follows the resounding success of their previous collaboration known as “Holy Grails,” which saw the sale of a select few cards raking in an impressive $7 million in total. Among the standouts were a 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente PSA 9 card, fetching a jaw-dropping $840,000, a 2003 LeBron James Exquisite rookie patch autograph selling for $432,000, and a Shohei Ohtani card that set a record at $336,000—though since surpassed.
The focus of this latest auction will center exclusively on cards from Upper Deck’s revered Exquisite line, which revolutionized the sports card landscape with its premium materials, innovative designs, and iconic Rookie Patch Autographs (RPAs). Considered a pinnacle in high-end card collecting, Exquisite boasts a collection of 11 ultra-rare cards, including individual LeBron James masterpieces and a special triad featuring Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, showcasing the Chicago Bulls’ legendary Logoman and celebrating their dynasty in style.
Beyond being mere trading cards, these gems are revered as works of art, melding scarcity, player importance, and historical significance into a single collectible canvas. The legacy of the Exquisite line traces back to its inception, where creator Karvin Cheung challenged norms by introducing RPAs at previously unprecedented price points. While met with skepticism initially, the Exquisite cards gradually ascended to become the industry benchmark for premium sports collectibles, each piece bearing a hefty price tag that mirrors its cultural and historical worth.
Scheduled to kick off on December 16th, the “Exquisite | Capsule Collection” auction is poised to command the attention of collectors, investors, and sports aficionados worldwide. With its meticulously curated selection and Sotheby’s sterling reputation in showcasing exquisite collectibles, this event is primed to set new benchmarks within the sports card market. Save the date, as you won’t want to miss this opportunity to witness—or even partake in—the sale of some of the most extraordinary sports cards ever to grace the market.
