Shohei Ohtani’s star continues to soar not only on the baseball diamond but also in the realm of collectibles. The “Holy Grails” auction held in Harlem was the stage for Ohtani’s rookie card to shatter records and make headlines in the world of sports memorabilia.
The crown jewel of the night was none other than Ohtani’s unique 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Autographs Superfractor rookie card, which fetched an impressive $336,000. This remarkable sale surpassed the previous record for an Ohtani card set at $312,000 in December 2021. The card’s value has skyrocketed over the years, previously changing hands for $62,730 in October 2021 and a mere $4,800 back in May 2019. Sotheby’s had initially estimated the card to be worth between $80,000 to $120,000, but Ohtani’s outstanding on-field achievements, notably being the first MLB player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, undoubtedly contributed to the card’s final staggering price.
The event, hosted at the transformed Harlem Parish, saw the attendance of notable personalities such as NFL legend Tom Brady, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, YouTube sensation Logan Paul, and rapper Meek Mill, adding an aura of glamour and excitement to the auction. A standout moment was when Kraft, seated alongside Brady in the front row, made waves in the headlines by acquiring a Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph card for $120,000.
Among the array of significant sales during the night was the transaction of a 2022 Bowman Chrome 1st Bowman Prospect Autograph Superfractor card belonging to emerging MLB star Elly De La Cruz, which commanded an impressive $360,000, outdoing Ohtani’s groundbreaking sale.
The pinnacle bid of the evening was reserved for a 2005-06 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card featuring basketball icons Michael Jordan and Julius Erving. This exclusive card, adorned with game-used NBA logo patches from the jerseys of both legends, fetched an incredible $780,000, solidifying its status as a prized collectible.
The “Holy Grails” auction brought together an exquisite collection of the most sought-after sports memorabilia, with Ohtani’s record-breaking sale heralding the commencement of a night filled with awe-inspiring bids and iconic items that left enthusiasts and collectors eagerly anticipating more prestigious auctions in the future.
