Sure, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are two of the most collected athletes in history.
And, yes, the 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection has featured some of the most chased cards of all-time.
We expected the Dual Logoman card featuring Jordan and Bryant — the only card showcasing relics and autographs of the legendary pair — to set a record for any basketball card.
But ... $12.932 million?!?
An eye-popping record price that now makes it the most expensive card to ever sell publicly?
That was certainly a surprise when the final hammer came down in the early-morning hours Sunday!
So, what did hobby experts of the earth-shattering sale this weekend? cllct talked to a few of them to get their takes.
Jesse Craig, co-founder, Acquir:
I’m really not surprised by any number for this card. It’s one of, if not the greatest basketball cards ever made.
This might be the only time in history it hits the public auction block. It’s a piece of art, and this sale sets a floor for it.
It’s the only signed 50th anniversary Logoman for Jordan and also the only dual Logoman auto of Bryant and Jordan together.
Bryant modeled his game after Jordan, and those two are the favorite and second-favorite players (in the hobby). So it’s very special in that regard.
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Adam Gray, founder, Basketball Card Fanatic Magazine
They’re the two most collected athletes who are inseparably connected. I don’t want to blow past that. I think they’re the two most collected basketball players ever. No. 1 is Jordan and No. 2 is Kobe. ...
You’re taking this already elite, insane thing, and you’re adding to it two qualifiers that are just impossible to get past. It’s the best version of the Logoman on the best player ever, and it’s the one-of-one with these two players who are inseparably connected.
When you talk to memorabilia collectors, one of the things they say constantly is it doesn’t make any sense. You could have bought a whole jersey for it. And that’s a really interesting thing to say, and it sort of stops you in your tracks because it’s right. You could have bought a whole jersey. But the thing I think is really important to point out is there are lots of game jerseys.
There are only a few cards in the whole world that you can look at and say that might actually be the single best basketball card in the world.
Simeon Lipman, Antiques Roadshow:
Being an antiques guy, I’ve personally never been a fan of manufactured rarity. I do, however, understand and accept it’s the driving force behind the modern trading card business. This result is the apex of that paradigm.
As in any collectibles market, when a staggering record setting price is paid for something, it’s important the winner is not totally silent (at the very least the winner should release some kind of anonymous statement).
I believe that’s imperative to the overall health of the market. It serves to allay collector’s fears the price has been in some way manipulated.
Leighton Sheldon, owner, Just Collect:
It shows a new dawn is coming. Awareness is rising rapidly. It demonstrates there is a strong contingent of people who do not care if scarcity is manufactured.
I believe some of those buyers will stay in modern cards, and others over time will migrate to vintage. If more people and money come into the space, prices will continue to appreciate — especially on the best items.
Nat Turner, President, Collectors/PSA:
I love to see UD Exquisite cards finally getting the love they deserve.
I don't know much after 2003-04 Exquisite, as far as how many Kobe-MJ duals there are and such, but the card is beautiful.