Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, made waves in the world of sports collectibles as he attended the “Holy Grails” auction in Harlem. The event was a groundbreaking collaboration between Fanatics Collect and Sotheby’s, showcasing some of the most sought-after sports memorabilia in the market.
The star of the evening was none other than Shohei Ohtani, whose rookie card stole the spotlight by fetching an impressive $336,000. The 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Autographs Superfractor card set a new auction record for Ohtani, surpassing the previous mark of $312,000 set in December 2021. The skyrocketing value of this card, previously sold for $62,730 in October 2021 and a mere $4,800 in May 2019, showcases Ohtani’s growing mythical status in the world of collectibles.
Sotheby’s head of collectibles, Brahm Wachter, expressed his admiration for the Ohtani card by placing it as the first lot of the night. The auctioneer’s initial estimate of $80,000 to $120,000 paled in comparison to the final hammer price, thanks to Ohtani’s remarkable on-field achievements, including his historic 50-50 season milestone.
The presence of high-profile personalities like Tom Brady added glitz and glamour to the event. Kraft’s headline-making purchase of a Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph card for $120,000 created a buzz among attendees. The synergy between sports legends, celebrities, and collectors transformed the auction into a star-studded affair.
Other notable sales of the night included Elly De La Cruz’s 2022 Bowman Chrome 1st Bowman Prospect Autograph Superfractor card, which sold for $360,000, surpassing Ohtani’s record. The pinnacle of the evening came with the auction of a 2005-06 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card featuring NBA icons Michael Jordan and Julius Erving. The unique card, adorned with game-used NBA logo patches from both legends’ jerseys, fetched an astounding $780,000, solidifying its status as a prized collector’s item.
The “Holy Grails” auction was a convergence of rare and coveted sports memorabilia, with Ohtani’s historic card sale setting the tone for an evening filled with electrifying bids and iconic pieces. From Ohtani’s meteoric rise in the collectibles market to Kraft’s acquisition of a valuable Tom Brady card, the auction showcased the enduring allure and fascination of sports memorabilia among enthusiasts and collectors alike.
