Sports card collectors and baseball aficionados have been witnessing a surge in the value of these collectibles in recent years, with prices reaching jaw-dropping figures. Amidst this frenzy, one notable name sticks out by its absence from the million-dollar sales club: Shohei Ohtani, despite his immense talent and popularity among fans.
As the highly anticipated World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees unfolds, Topps, a leading sports card company, has provided a glimpse into the most expensive cards for some of the standout players in this year’s tournament.
At the top of the list is Jasson Dominguez, the young Yankee prospect whose 1/1 Bowman Superfractor Autograph fetched an eye-watering $474,000, crowning him as the leader in this elite card collection. Following closely behind is Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ star outfielder, whose card sold for an impressive $324,000, showcasing his enduring popularity among collectors.
Juan Soto, the Washington Nationals’ wunderkind, also features prominently on this list with his 1/1 Bowman Superfractor Autograph, a card with a notable backstory involving alterations and subsequent regrading, creating a buzz in the card-collecting community. Additionally, Anthony Volpe’s red Bowman Chrome autograph, limited to just five copies, commanded a hefty price of $150,000 for a PSA 10 grade, solidifying his status as a valuable asset in the lineup.
Interestingly, Mookie Betts, the Dodgers’ dynamic outfielder, rounded off the top-tier sales with his card selling for $123,000. This Topps graphic provides a window into the immense value and demand for these rare and exclusive sports cards, especially during pivotal moments like the World Series.
Earlier this year, a collaboration between Fanatics and Sotheby’s saw an auction featuring some of the most sought-after cards in the industry, with several pieces highlighted in the Topps graphic making an appearance. However, there seems to be a discrepancy regarding the reported figures for Shohei Ohtani’s card.
Contrary to Topps’ data, recent insights from eBay and CardLadder suggest that a 2018 Topps Definitive Gold Framed Shohei Ohtani Rookie Auto BGS 9.5, numbered 13/30, was sold for a substantial $350,000 on October 15. This revelation hints at the possibility that Ohtani’s card might indeed be inching closer to the elusive half-million mark, challenging the status quo and surprising many in the industry with its soaring value.
The world of sports card collecting continues to evolve, with each new sale and auction setting the stage for record-breaking transactions and unforgettable moments for collectors and fans alike. As the World Series drama unfolds on the field, the excitement off the field in the realm of sports cards promises to keep enthusiasts on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next big sale or surprise twist in this ever-evolving market.
