In the exciting world of sports memorabilia auctions, one item has recently stolen the spotlight – a 2003 Upper Deck Ultimate Logos autograph card featuring none other than basketball legend Michael Jordan. This exceptional card, distinguished by its 1/1 designation, proudly displays a game-used NBA “Logoman” patch alongside Jordan’s signature in vivid blue ink. True to its exclusive nature, this card recently commanded a staggering price of over $2.9 million at a prestigious Goldin Auctions event, leaving collectors and enthusiasts in awe.
The captivating journey of this remarkable card kicked off with a modest opening bid of $200,000 on April 19. However, it didn’t take long for the bidding war to intensify, as astute bidders quickly recognized the rarity and value of this unique piece. As the fierce competition unfolded, a total of 38 bids poured in, ultimately culminating in the card’s jaw-dropping sale for $2.4 million on a memorable Saturday evening. Graded and authenticated by PSA, the card boasted an ‘Authentic’ rating, with the signature earning a perfect 10, confirming its immaculate condition and extraordinary scarcity.
This groundbreaking sale not only obliterated the previous record for the highest-selling Michael Jordan card, previously held at $2.7 million for a 1997-98 Upper Deck Game-Used Jersey Jordan card, but it also spotlighted the immense desirability and value attached to Jordan-related collectibles in the sports memorabilia realm. The former record-holder notably featured a fragment of Jordan’s jersey from the 1992 All-Star Game and represented one of the pioneering jersey cards to grace sports card collections.
Even in retirement, Michael Jordan continues to reign supreme in the annals of sports memorabilia sales, with his items consistently commanding top dollar. Noteworthy sales include the most expensive sports jersey ever sold – a 1998 NBA Finals jersey worn by Jordan, fetching a staggering $10.1 million. These transactions serve as vivid testaments to the enduring legacy and market appeal of items linked to the iconic basketball maestro.
The Goldin ‘Elite 100’ auction served as a grand stage for showcasing luxury in sports memorabilia sales, presenting a dazzling array of top-tier trading cards and game-worn treasures. Alongside the star attraction of Jordan’s Logoman card, other coveted items included an 1986-87 Fleer rookie card and a 1997-98 Skybox Precious Metal Gems Red card, fetching impressive sums of $292,800 and $298,900, respectively. These sales underscore the robust market and enthusiast fervor surrounding rare Jordan memorabilia.
Furthermore, the auction featured a diverse assortment of sports memorabilia gems, with standout pieces like an 1890-92 John Ryder Studio Cy Young cabinet card fetching a notable $500,200. The event also witnessed significant sales of high-value cards linked to legends such as Babe Ruth and Patrick Mahomes, highlighting the enduring appeal of iconic sports figures across eras.
One particularly poignant sale was the jersey worn by the late Kobe Bryant during the game where he famously tore his Achilles tendon yet displayed remarkable resilience by sinking his free throws. This autographed jersey elicited strong emotions and reverence from bidders, ultimately selling for over $1.2 million, symbolizing the profound historical significance embodied by these cherished relics.
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