In the fast-paced world of sports memorabilia auctions, where collectors and enthusiasts are willing to shell out big bucks for prized items, Goldin’s August Elite Auction stood out as a beacon of high-stakes bidding wars and record-breaking sales.
Topping the charts was a PSA 8 1984-85 Star Company Michael Jordan rookie card, which garnered an impressive $244,000, setting a new record for its grade. This milestone came on the heels of another Jordan card, a PSA 7 version, which sold for $62,000 on eBay, showcasing the growing demand for Jordan’s early trading cards.
But the excitement didn’t stop there. A 1-of-1 2009 Bowman Sterling Red Refractor Autograph card of MLB superstar Mike Trout, graded PSA 9, fetched an impressive $192,030 despite Trout’s recent injury struggles. This sale highlighted the enduring appeal of rare and unique pieces in the world of sports memorabilia.
Baseball fans also had reason to celebrate as two modern baseball cards set new records for their respective players. A 2011 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Bryce Harper card, graded PSA 9 and numbered 5/5, sold for a hefty $184,720, while a 2014 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Mookie Betts card, graded PSA 10 and numbered 3/5, brought in $123,220, showcasing the enduring popularity of these young stars.
The auction also featured some spectacular 1-of-1 SuperFractor cards, with the 2024 Topps Chrome Autographed SuperFractor Elly De La Cruz PSA 10 commanding $116,534 and a Jackson Holliday SuperFractor PSA 10 going for $68,527, setting new public price records for these players.
A standout piece that captured the attention of soccer fans was a dual autograph Ronaldo/Messi SuperFractor from 2023-24 Topps UEFA, which fetched $67,100 after being graded PSA 9. The card, pulled by a breaker in England, showcased the global appeal of sports memorabilia.
On the memorabilia front, Travis Kelce’s 2020-21 Super Bowl LV jersey, authenticated by photomatching to the Kansas City Chiefs’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, stole the spotlight with a final bid of $52,460. In addition, Kelce’s AFC Championship ring from the same season was snatched up for $34,404, adding to the allure of championship memorabilia.
Other noteworthy sales included a game-used Aaron Judge jersey from his 2017 rookie season, photomatched to one of his 52 home runs, which sold for $51,240, and a 1996 Mariano Rivera game-used jersey photomatched to eight trading cards, fetching $51,240.
The auction also featured some top-notch cards and memorabilia, including a 2017 National Treasures Patrick Mahomes RPA, a 2018 Bowman Orange Refractor Shohei Ohtani card, as well as vintage items like 1969 Topps Football Series 1 and Series 2 wax boxes, all of which commanded impressive final bids.
Goldin’s August Elite Auction once again underscored the enduring appeal of sports collectibles, with collectors showing a strong appetite for both vintage classics and modern gems, as record-breaking sales highlighted the intense competition in the world of sports memorabilia.
