Over the past few years, sports card collecting has exploded in popularity, with prices skyrocketing into the millions for the most sought-after pieces of cardboard. However, one name notably absent from the million-dollar club is none other than Shohei Ohtani, the dual-threat sensation captivating the baseball world.
As the Dodgers and Yankees gear up to battle in the World Series, Topps, the renowned sports card company, has unveiled a fascinating graphic detailing the staggering sales prices for some of this year’s standout players.
Leading the pack is Jasson Dominguez, the highly-touted Yankees prospect, whose 1/1 Bowman Superfractor Autograph commanded a jaw-dropping $474,000. Not far behind is the Yankees’ star slugger, Aaron Judge, whose card fetched an impressive $324,000, showcasing his enduring popularity among collectors.
Meanwhile, Juan Soto, the dynamic outfielder for the Washington Nationals, boasted a $300,000 price tag on his 1/1 Bowman Superfractor Autograph. The young infielder Anthony Volpe made waves with his red Bowman Chrome autograph, limited to just five copies, selling for a notable $150,000 in a PSA 10 grade.
Among the Dodgers contingent, former MVP Mookie Betts also made the list with his card selling for $123,000, a testament to his star power on the field.
One of the most intriguing stories surrounding these high-value cards is Juan Soto’s autographed card that had its signature altered and subsequently regraded. The rumored buyback by PSA has removed the card from circulation, adding a layer of mystique to an already captivating hobby.
Earlier this year, Fanatics and Sotheby’s joined forces to host a landmark auction featuring some of the most coveted cards in the industry, including several highlighted in Topps’ recent release. However, a discrepancy has emerged regarding Shohei Ohtani’s card, with recent sales data contradicting Topps’ reported figures.
Recent transactions on eBay and CardLadder indicate that a 2018 Topps Definitive Gold Framed Shohei Ohtani Rookie Auto BGS 9.5, numbered 13/30, was sold for an impressive $350,000 on October 15. This revelation suggests that Ohtani’s highest-selling card may indeed approach the elusive half-million mark, potentially solidifying his status among the hobby’s elite.
As collectors and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the outcome of the World Series clash between two iconic franchises, the allure of sports card collecting continues to captivate fans worldwide, with record-breaking sales adding an extra layer of excitement to the already thrilling postseason action.
