The dealer who was the victim of a large theft at the end of the Dallas Card Show Sunday is now offering a reward.
Ashish Jain says he’ll play $70,000 “for the return or information leading to the return of the cards that were stolen.”
He believes at least four people were involved in the heist of a carrying case that held six 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle cards, two 1951 Bowman Mantle rookies, two Leaf Jackie Robinson rookies and numerous other valuable vintage cards.
Over 160 cards were inside the case in which the cards were stored.
Jain–who lists his last name as “Jai” on social media– says he’s informed the major grading companies of the certification numbers of all of the stolen cards.
Officer Sammy Rippamonti with the Allen PD says investigators are “collecting evidence: fingerprints, videos, and photographs.” He says they plan to use facial recognition technology to help identify the suspects.
Additional video posted by the dealer on Monday night shows the men he identified as suspects paying cash to enter the show, which would allow them to avoid identification via credit card charges. .
Tips can be sent to the Allen (TX) Police Department: (214) 509-4321
—–
Several weeks after launching its graded trading cards trade-in program, GameStop is now offering a bounty for a 1/1 soccer sticker.
The company says it’ll pay $25,000 to anyone who find the Lionel Messi black parallel from the 2024 Panini Conmebol Copa America product. Those boxes are being sold now, in conjunction with the Copa America tournament.
This year’s set marks the first time Panini has added color parallels to their Copa America checklist.
GameStop says you’ll have to get the Messi sticker authenticated and graded first and it’ll have to rate 6 or higher to claim the bounty. The offer is only good for the rest of the calendar year.
In May, GameStop added graded cards into its Buy-Sell-Trade ecosystem across 3,000 stores in the U.S. Collectors can get cash or credit by selling PSA 8,9 and 10 graded cards at GameStop stores across the country. Pro members get additional trade-in bonuses and discounts when buying or selling cards.
The company posted its bounty offer for the Messi sticker late last week. As of now, there’s been no indication it’s been found.
Boxes of 2024 Panini Copa America are available for $55-$60 on Amazon.
—–
The Yankees held a George Costanza bobblehead night last week in honor of the famous Jason Alexander character from Seinfeld and they’ve become hot tickets on the secondary market.
Fans lined up hours before the first pitch last week to snare one of the nodders featuring George with a bat in his hands—an ode to a famous episode that featured Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams. Even the man himself got wind of the hubbub.
I’m so glad Bobblehead George was a fan fave. No, I don’t get anything for it except joy that 35 years after putting on those glasses people are still enjoying our work. The show was a gift from you to us. Thanks for keeping it alive. Serenity now.
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) July 7, 2024
There are currently over 200 on eBay—all selling for well over the cost of a ticket.
