Auction Buzz: Michael Jordan, Deadpool art, The Mick, an untouched iPhone and ... WWE star Matt Cardona’s pricey toys?

Auction Buzz is a monthly look at some of the variety found out there on the auction block via for Dallas-based Heritage Auctions ... check 'em out.

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MJ’S MASTERY
The Item: Michael Jordan 1998-99 SkyBox Molten Metal Fusion (/250) -- PSA 10
The Price: $125,000 after 20 bids (ends April 25)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: On paper, a card from not that long ago that’s limited to only 250 copies isn’t typically a six-figure card. But, this one is Michael Jordan. But, this one is a PSA 10. But, this one is a Fleer insert with condition sensitivity ... so here we are. Here’s Heritage’s take on this one: "The 1998-99 SkyBox Molten Metal Fusion Michael Jordan No. 41F card emerges from a visually distinctive insert set produced during the lockout-shortened NBA season. Known for its industrial-themed design that evokes molten steel and forged metal, the Molten Metal Fusion series reflects the bold, experimental style of late-1990s basketball cards. Jordan, of course, had recently completed his glorious 'Last Dance' in the Windy City at the time this card was released by SkyBox in a limited edition of 250, so Jordanmania was at its absolute height as Chicago Bulls fans ricocheted between the giddy emotions of a second three-peat and the deep sorrow of losing a once-in-a-lifetime talent. ... Just 36 examples of this card appear in the PSA population at the time of this writing, and the subject card shares PSA Gem Mint 10 supremacy with just six others. The delicate materials that supply this card with its silver gleam have proven both a blessing and a curse, denying over 80 percent of the submissions entry to the elite club in which this stunning specimen enjoys membership. It's a monumentally appealing rarity that makes the best 1986 Fleer cards look downright common by comparison."

Keep reading for more interesting pieces up for grabs right now.

AN UNPAINTED ANDRE
The Item: WWF Wrestling Superstars (LJN, 1986) Andre The Giant (short hair) unpainted prototype figure -- CAS 75 
The Price: $1,050 after 12 bids (ends April 19)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: Owned by current WWE star Matt Cardona, this is one of many rarer and prototype toys and original production artwork pieces from the past that are all up for grabs at auction right now. Here’s Heritage’s take on this one: "Produced during the height of LJN's WWF Wrestling Superstars run, this unpainted resin prototype of Andre The Giant captures the sculpt in its preproduction state prior to final paint application and rubber casting. The short hair variation reflects one of the defining visual distinctions within Andre's mid-1980s presentation, preserved here at the developmental stage from the collection of Matt Cardona. Resin prototypes such as this were created in limited quantities for internal review and approval, serving as transitional pieces between sculpt and finished retail release. As one of the most physically imposing and culturally recognizable figures in professional wrestling history, Andre The Giant stood as a cornerstone of the WWF's national expansion during the 1980s. Prototype material tied to his likeness carries particular historical weight within the Wrestling Superstars line, especially in unpainted form, where sculpt detail remains fully visible."

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A HINT OF AN ICON
The Item: Rob Liefeld Deadpool: Bladder Blood No. 2 splash page autographed original art -- Marvel, 2023
The Price: $470 after 14 bids (ends April 19)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: There’s a ton of six-figure original art up for grabs right now from some legendary names -- poke around in that auction to window shop some big, big stuff -- meanwhile, this newer piece is from a modern-day giant with one of the biggest characters in the came here, too. Oh, and ... there’s no fix-figure price attached. This one showcases Shatterstorm taking on Deadpool in the reflection of her blade. It’s signed by the Deadpool creator in pencil in the lower left, while any dialog bubbles were added digitally just like the color work here as you can see on the printed page at right. (Click for a closer look.)

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BOUGHT TO USE NOT?!
The Item: First-generation iPhone original factory sealed MA501LL/A, Model A1203, 4GB -- Apple, 2007
The Price: $26,000 after 12 bids (ends April 24)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ... This one was apparently bought and never opened, making it a collectible item -- as long as it’s never opened -- for a tech devotee. Here’s Heritage’s take: "A scarce 4GB example of the original iPhone, introduced by Apple on June 29, 2007, and discontinued on September 5, 2007, just two months after release. The 4GB configuration was produced in significantly smaller quantities than the 8GB model and was eliminated following a price restructuring, making surviving examples notably less common. Offered here in its original retail box, the device remains sealed in the factory shrink-wrap. The packaging displays the early AT&T branding and first-generation icon layout introduced at launch. According to the consignor, the phone was received as a gift in 2007 and was never opened or activated. It has remained stored and unopened since acquisition.” Why is this a big deal then? "The first-generation iPhone marked a pivotal moment in consumer electronics, integrating a mobile phone, widescreen iPod, and internet communication device into a single touchscreen interface. As the foundational model that launched Apple's smartphone platform, intact and unopened 4GB examples are increasingly sought by collectors focused on significant technology milestones.” Ironically, this is the highest-priced item among all of the pieces in its auction at this moment.

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THE MICK
The Item: Mickey Mantle autographed 1961 Topps card -- PSA 2.5, PSA/DNA 10 auto
The Price: $2,400 after five bids (ends April 25)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This one is estimated to top the $8,000 mark when the dust settles. Heritage sums this one up as a gem of a piece from the Hall of Famer and iconic Yankee. "The offered 1961 Topps card is a cherished vintage issue from one of Mantle's iconic seasons and carries exceptional allure for collectors, further elevated by a beautiful autograph delivered by 'The Mick' across the front in bold blue marker," Heritage wrote. "This is an exceptional acquisition for the astute autograph collector."

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