The exhilarating world of sports card collecting recently witnessed a whirlwind of high-stakes bidding at Goldin’s August Elite Auction. This prestigious event showcased a dazzling array of high-end modern cards and memorabilia, with several items commanding eye-popping six-figure sums.
At the forefront of the auction was a remarkable PSA 8 1984-85 Star Company Michael Jordan rookie card, which sold for a staggering $244,000. This sale not only set a new record for that particular grade but also underscored the enduring appeal of Jordan’s iconic first NBA licensed trading card. Hot on its heels was a PSA 7 Jordan rookie card that fetched $62,000 on eBay, demonstrating the surging demand for these coveted collectibles. Additionally, a PSA 6.5 version of the card found a new home for $52,460, further solidifying Jordan’s status as a blue-chip investment in the sports card market.
The auction also featured a one-of-a-kind 2009 Bowman Sterling Red Refractor Autograph card of MLB superstar Mike Trout, graded PSA 9, which drew an impressive bid of $192,030, despite Trout facing injury challenges in recent seasons. Two modern baseball cards also made waves, with a 2011 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Bryce Harper #5/5, graded PSA 9, selling for $184,720, and a 2014 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Mookie Betts #3/5, graded PSA 10, commanding $123,220, setting new records for both players.
Not to be outdone, rare SuperFractor cards stole the spotlight, with the 2024 Topps Chrome Autographed SuperFractor Elly De La Cruz PSA 10 fetching $116,534, and a Jackson Holliday SuperFractor PSA 10 going for $68,527, marking the highest public prices for these players. A dual autograph Ronaldo/Messi SuperFractor from 2023-24 Topps UEFA also turned heads, selling for $67,100 after being graded PSA 9, showcasing the global appeal of soccer collectibles.
Shifting gears to memorabilia, Travis Kelce’s 2020-21 Super Bowl LV jersey, matched to the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, stole the show, selling for $52,460. Kelce’s AFC Championship ring from the same season also found a new owner for $34,404, highlighting the enduring popularity of Super Bowl memorabilia. Notable sales also included an Aaron Judge 2017 rookie season jersey, matched to his record-breaking 52 home runs, which fetched $51,240.
Rounding out the auction were additional standout sales, such as the 2017 National Treasures Patrick Mahomes RPA #77/99 selling for $95,770, the 2018 Bowman Orange Refractor Shohei Ohtani #22/75 PSA 9 commanding $74,450, a 1996 Mariano Rivera game-used jersey photomatched to eight trading cards selling for $51,240, and vintage 1969 Topps Football wax boxes each fetching over $30,000.
In a resounding affirmation of the enduring allure of sports collectibles, Goldin’s August Elite Auction demonstrated the unwavering appeal of both vintage and modern items, with record-breaking sales showcasing the fervor and passion of collectors in pursuit of these rare treasures.
