We've uncovered a great old quote from the legendary late Topps executive Sy Berger in which he spoke of how the radical change in how men groomed themselves was impacting his company. Eagle-eyed collectors often noticed that in the 1960s, Topps sometimes used the same player photo across multiple years. In a September 6, 1970 United Press International Story on … [Read more...]
Hottest LeBron James Rookie Cards on eBay Now
He arrived in the midst of an explosion of autographed jersey cards and multiple manufacturers, but when you consider the hottest LeBron James rookie cards --it's sometimes more fun to dig beyond that 2003-04 debut season. When it comes to LeBron, it's not always his rookie cards that are the most popular with collectors. Some prefer the dual-signed … [Read more...]
LeBron Rookie Card, High School Jersey Net $462,000 Combined at Goldin Auctions
A pair of LeBron James items were among the big sellers in Goldin Auctions’ October Legends catalog sale late Saturday night. A 2003-04 James autographed patch rookie card from Upper Deck Exquisite topped all bidding at $270,000. Graded 8.5, the card was number 16 of 23 of its kind that were produced during an era when Upper Deck held an NBA trading card … [Read more...]
LeBron Jersey from 2002 Sports Illustrated Cover Shoot Could Fetch $300,000
The jersey LeBron James donned on the cover of the February 18, 2002 issue of Sports Illustrated that introduced the high school basketball phenom to the world, is now up for auction with a pre-sale estimate of at least $300,000. The St. Vincent/St. Mary jersey was worn by James for his photo shoot with Sports Illustrated on February 3, 2002 and then … [Read more...]
List of Six-Figure Basketball Cards Growing
Basketball cards were once so lightly regarded that the only company that made them decided to take a pass, even when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were young, Michael Jordan was an explosive rookie and Dr. J was still flying high and winning titles. That pendulum swung back in the 1990s, though, and now the sport with worldwide appeal is building a pretty … [Read more...]
Notes: Big $ for Modern Cards; Card Show Autograph Stories
It’s been quite a ride for Tom Brady…and for his football cards. No player’s rookie cards have increased in value as much as the five-time Super Bowl winner who could make history with a sixth title if the Patriots can beat the Rams on Sunday. One of the 100 autographed 2000 Playoff Contenders Brady cards (this one graded 9 by BGS) is on the auction block … [Read more...]
Notes: Keating Talks Autos on MLB Network; Big Bucks for Trout and Tiger
A long-time autograph collector and currently the lead authenticator at PSA/DNA, Kevin Keating's new book 'Waiting for a Sign' got some major exposure last week when he appeared on MLB Network. Keating shared some of his stories and why autographs became such a big part of his life. The book chronicles not only his first experiences collecting signatures by mail as a … [Read more...]
Notes: Paper’s Story on Box Breaking; Roquan Smith Ripped Off; Big $ for LeBron; Singer Trades Tix for Cards
Work crews have torn up the street in front of his shop but as long as there’s an internet connection, Steve Palmer of BreakRoom Sports Cards and Autographs in Cape Coral, FL can get through the day. He’s one of a legion of online case and box breakers who are helping keep the modern collecting hobby afloat. Breakers tear open newer products and the cards are … [Read more...]
Babe,Willie Generating Six-Figure Interest in High-End Card Auction
A 1916 M101-5 Babe Ruth rookie card has set a record for the grade in Goldin Auctions’ ‘Great American Trading Card’ catalog. The SGC 70 (EX+) example is currently at $240,000 ($288,000 with the buyer’s premium). The last SGC 70 to sell publicly went for $98,175 in 2015. The last sale, in February 2015, was at $80,662. The highest recorded price for an … [Read more...]
Newer, Older High-End Cards Hit Auction Block
Collectors paying record prices for rare high-grade vintage trading cards have another opportunity to dive into the market. Goldin Auctions has opened its 2017 Great American Trading Card Auction with 100 lots of vintage and modern cards on the block. In the inaugural event last fall, more than 20 new record prices were established including the T206 Jumbo Wagner selling for … [Read more...]