Over the past few years, the sports card industry has witnessed a surge in sales, reaching unprecedented heights with several cards surpassing the million-dollar mark. While many top players have achieved this remarkable feat, one notable absence from the million-dollar club is Shohei Ohtani, despite his stellar performance in the sport and a massive fan following.
As the Dodgers and Yankees prepare to battle it out in the World Series, Topps has unveiled a graphic that showcases the most expensive cards for some of this year’s key players. Leading the pack is Jasson Dominguez, whose 1-of-1 Bowman Superfractor Autograph fetched an astounding $474,000, setting a new record in the industry. Aaron Judge follows closely behind with his card selling for $324,000, while Juan Soto’s 1-of-1 Bowman Superfractor Autograph commanded a price of $300,000.
The Yankees players dominate the top spots on the list, with Anthony Volpe making a notable appearance due to his red Bowman Chrome autograph, numbered to just five, selling for an impressive $150,000 for a PSA 10 copy. Mookie Betts also made the list with his card selling for $123,000, showcasing the demand for top players’ collectible cards.
One interesting highlight is Juan Soto’s 1-of-1 Bowman Superfractor Autograph, which holds a unique backstory. The autograph underwent alterations and a regrading process, leading to rumors that PSA repurchased the card, making it no longer available in the market, adding an air of mystery to this particular card’s value and rarity.
Earlier this year, Fanatics and Sotheby’s joined forces for an auction that featured some of the most sought-after cards in the industry, including several mentioned in the Topps graphic. However, there seems to be a discrepancy in the reported figures for Shohei Ohtani’s card. Recent data from eBay and CardLadder indicate that a 2018 Topps Definitive Gold Framed Shohei Ohtani Rookie Auto BGS 9.5, numbered 13/30, sold for $350,000 on October 15, suggesting that Ohtani’s highest sale may be approaching the coveted half-million mark after all.
The world of sports card collecting continues to evolve, with each sale setting new benchmarks and surprising collectors and enthusiasts alike. As the World Series unfolds, fans and collectors eagerly anticipate the next record-breaking sale that may redefine the landscape of sports card collecting once again.
