Shohei Ohtani’s star shines brighter than ever, not only on the field with his incredible achievements but also in the world of collectibles. At the exclusive “Holy Grails” auction, a groundbreaking collaboration between Fanatics Collect and Sotheby’s, Ohtani’s 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Autographs Superfractor rookie card stole the show by commanding a jaw-dropping $336,000.
This staggering sale marked a new high for Ohtani’s cards, surpassing the previous record of $312,000 set just a month earlier in December 2021. The incredible surge in value for this unique card is evident, considering it fetched $62,730 in October 2021 and a mere $4,800 in May 2019. Sotheby’s had conservatively estimated its worth to be between $80,000 and $120,000, but Ohtani’s exceptional on-field performances, notably being the first MLB player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, propelled its final price far beyond anyone’s imagination.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of collectibles, expressed his admiration for the Ohtani card, describing it as the highlight of the event. Placing it in the first lot set the tone for an evening full of surprises and monumental sales.
The “Holy Grails” auction, held at the transformed Harlem Parish, drew a crowd of elite attendees, including renowned figures like NFL icon Tom Brady, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, popular YouTuber Logan Paul, and rapper Meek Mill. Amidst the star-studded audience, a notable moment unfolded as Kraft, seated alongside Brady in the front row, made waves by acquiring a Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph card for a cool $120,000.
The auction showcased other significant sales, notably Elly De La Cruz’s 2022 Bowman Chrome 1st Bowman Prospect Autograph Superfractor card, which fetched an impressive $360,000, surpassing Ohtani’s record-breaking price. However, the pinnacle of the night came with the exceptional bidding war for a unique 2005-06 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card featuring basketball legends Michael Jordan and Julius Erving. This unparalleled card, adorned with game-used NBA logo patches from the jerseys of both iconic players, commanded a mind-boggling $780,000.
The “Holy Grails” auction proved to be a gathering of the most sought-after and rare sports memorabilia, with Ohtani’s card leading the way into a night filled with astonishing bids and iconic items. As the gavel fell on record-breaking sales and legendary acquisitions, the event solidified its place as a landmark moment in the world of sports collectibles.
