Fanatics, the sports merchandising powerhouse, and Sotheby’s, the esteemed auction house known for exceptional collectibles, are once again joining forces to present a remarkable event that will captivate sports enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Following the resounding success of their initial collaboration, the “Holy Grails” auction, which saw remarkable sales and garnered widespread attention, the duo is gearing up for their next highly anticipated auction event, “Exquisite | Capsule Collection.”
This exclusive auction will spotlight a curated selection of rare and historic sports cards from Upper Deck’s Exquisite line, renowned for its premium quality and groundbreaking design. The “Holy Grails” auction set the bar high, generating over $7 million in sales from a mere 33 cards, with standout sales such as the 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente PSA 9 card fetching an impressive $840,000, and the 2003 LeBron James Exquisite rookie patch autograph selling for $432,000. The success of the previous auction solidified the partnership between Fanatics and Sotheby’s as a dominant force in the collectibles market.
The upcoming “Exquisite | Capsule Collection” auction promises to be a spectacle for collectors and enthusiasts alike. This auction will feature 11 exceptional cards from the Exquisite line, each a coveted masterpiece in its own right. Among the highlights are rare individual LeBron James cards and a memorable Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman triple Logoman card commemorating the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty. These cards are not just collectibles; they are viewed as artistic representations that blend rarity, player significance, and historical importance.
The Exquisite product line, introduced by Upper Deck, revolutionized the sports card industry with its innovative designs and groundbreaking Rookie Patch Autographs (RPAs). The creator of the Exquisite line, Karvin Cheung, challenged industry standards by offering high-end RPAs at unprecedented price points. Despite initial resistance, Exquisite cards quickly became synonymous with luxury in the sports card market, setting new standards for craftsmanship and collectibility. Today, these cards are highly sought after and command staggering prices, reflecting their cultural and historical value.
As the sports card market continues to experience unprecedented growth, the “Exquisite | Capsule Collection” is expected to draw significant interest from collectors, investors, and fans across the globe. With Sotheby’s renowned reputation for curating exceptional collectibles combined with Fanatics’ expertise in the sports memorabilia industry, this auction is poised to set new benchmarks and redefine the landscape of premium sports card auctions.
Mark your calendars for December 16th, when the “Exquisite | Capsule Collection” auction will go live. Whether you are a seasoned collector, an avid fan, or a curious onlooker, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Witness the sale of some of the most extraordinary sports cards ever produced and be part of a historic moment in the world of sports collecting.
