Michael Jordan
Auction Buzz: Michael Jordan's debut, iconic views, rare Pokemon, Hellyboy's Big Baby & more on block via Heritage
Auction Buzz is a monthly look at some of the variety found out there on the auction block ... check 'em out.
It's going to be a busy end of the year for Dallas-based Heritage Auctions with a number of regularly scheduled events as well as some showcase auctions with high-profile stuff all on the calendar. This time, we look at a few things from a few active sales this month.
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ANOTHER BIG JORDAN
The Item: Michael Jordan Oct. 26, 1984 (NBA Debut) Chicago Bulls season-ticket stub (PSA 4)
The Price: $65,000 after 25 bids (ends Sept. 27)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: Last month, a Michael Jordan (and Kobe Bryant) card sale via auction re-wrote some hobby history and, while we're confident this one won't fetch $12.9 million, this one is in some rare air. It has already hit its estimated price from the auction house and while its grade is low there are only three higher. "The most important athletic debut of the post-war era?" asked Heritage in its listing. "A strong argument could be made. Perhaps only Wayne Gretzky could challenge Michael Jordan in balloting seeking to identify the most dominant figure of his respective major sport, but once you step outside the sports arena and into the wider popular culture, M.J. leaves The Great One in his dust. He remains one of the most recognizable humans on the planet two decades after his retirement from the NBA." Jordan scored a modest 16 points in a 109-93 win over the Washington Bullets on this night and only 14 of these have been grade overall.Keep reading for more interesting pieces up for grabs right now.
Auction Buzz: Autographs and more up for grabs via Block
Sometimes, you just have to know where to look.
A long-time Detroit-area collector's treasures -- a mix of in-person autographs and pick-ups from the 1980s and early 1990s that were part of a private "sports museum" -- are all up for grabs right now in the Block Auction House "Autographed Sports Memorabilia Auction: Icons of Baseball, Football, Basketball & More."
The selection of 450 lots from the Ferndale, Mich.-based company is live for the next six days. It includes a number of autographs from the Score Board days and many other signing sessions in the years before Upper Deck Authenticated and other companies arrived with stickered/databased sigs. Some top items do have BAS Signature Review and some have UDA stickering, though the collection as a whole might make for some bargain shopping/flipping if buyers later get pieces full third-party authentication. (A number of these lots are simply Score Board pieces where the certificate is no longer a companion to the item.)
Keep reading for a gallery of a few pieces that are live now.
Kobe Bryant & Michael Jordan dual-Logoman 1/1 autograph sells for $12.9M via Heritage -- new record for any sports card
Update: The card sold for $12,932,000 -- an all-time record for any sports card -- at 1:45 a.m. Sunday morning.
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It's already topped the $7-million mark with time to go before the auction ends tomorrow night, but there's no telling the heights this card might reach.
There's a realistic chance that the Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card will become the priciest sports card of all time -- not just priciest basketball card ever -- when the dust settles at ends Heritage Auctions on Saturday and it's really only got two rivals.
Right now, with its buyer's premium attached, this card sits at $7,015,000 after 46 bids (click to view) and that already gives it the title of the biggest basketball card of all time. The previous NBA high was for a similar modern card, a 2009-10 Panini National Treasures Steph Curry Logoman auto, that sold privately for $5.9 million to an investment fund July 2021.
And there aren't too many past auctions that top that.
Auction Buzz: Big cards, iconic images & debuts via Heritage
Auction Buzz is a monthly look at some of the variety found out there on the auction block ... check 'em out.
It's going to be a busy second half of the year for Dallas-based Heritage Auctions with a number of regularly scheduled events as well as some showcase auctions with high-profile stuff all on the calendar. This time, we look at a few things from a few active sales this month.
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AS BIG AS IT GETS
The Item: Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs (1/1) -- PSA 6
The Price: $4,150,000 after 32 bids (ends Aug. 23)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This one has plenty of time remaining but as you can tell it's already one of the biggest monsters to ever hit the auction block -- and that's with the grade that, well, would be a bummer on any other card from the modern era. But, with game-used NBA logos from two of the game's all-time greats and their ink? Well, it's all about the card, not that dinged corner. "Do you hear that rumbling? It's the sound of the standing world record price for a basketball card getting ready to fall," Heritage said in its listing. "For five years, the 2009-10 National Treasures Steph Curry logoman autograph card has enjoyed the view from the top of the heap, the $5.9 million private sale to an investment fund in July 2021 demonstrating the virtually unlimited elasticity of the market's upper edge. ... We're proud and privileged here at Heritage for the opportunity to take the title back for the auction world," Heritage continued, "providing the manner of competition and high drama that private transactions lack, and which serves as a far more fitting tribute to the iconic subjects this remarkable trading card celebrates." ... This one is estimated by Heritage to top the $6-million mark when it's sold.
Keep reading for more interesting pieces up for grabs right now.
The National: An autograph -- or two -- to hunt down each day
Via @tristar1 ... Bo Jackson
This year's National Sports Collectors Convention is nearly here -- it's set for July 30-Aug. 3 in Chicago with a strong roster of autograph guests ready to sign for collectors who get a ticket and get in line for their moment beyond the ballpark.
Some signers are free if you attend the VIP reception on opening day of the show or buy a VIP ticket package -- a bonus for taking the time to hit every day of the show -- but landing other signers will take some planning and a few bucks.
It's tough to see everything at The National -- it's that big -- and the time it takes to work through autograph lines is valuable in that it impedes your shot at seeing it all. But, if you have wanted to meet a player and get that ink, a number of past and present stars are on the list this year. With that said, here are my picks -- skewing toward the best names for the lowest prices possible -- to grab off the autograph list during the full days of the show this year. (Keep reading for the full signers list at the end ... and, remember, times are always subject to change.)
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (July 11)
What's Buzzing: Showing off Michael Jordan cards, new NFL and NBA pulls, The National, a big wrestling weekend and more 2025 Score chatter.
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1 -- Showing off Michael Jordan cards
2 -- Inside a new NFL box
3 -- Mosaic NBA delivers some ink
4 -- All your wrestling chatter heading into a big weekend
6 -- The National is on their minds--
Have you spotted a hot thread? Tell us about it in a comment or on Twitter.
Follow BlowoutBuzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (April 12)
What's Buzzing: Wrestlemania is a week away, MLB chatter, real or fake MJs, showing off Ovechkin cards and more.
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1 -- Plenty of MLB chatter here
2 -- Real or fake?
3 -- WWE talk with Mania a week away
4 -- Showing off Ovechkin cards
5 -- Heritage blaster for the win
6 -- Offseason NFL chatter is strong--
Have you spotted a hot thread? Tell us about it in a comment or on Twitter.
Follow BlowoutBuzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (March 13)
What's Buzzing: A new Michael Jordan card, ups and downs, Heritage High Number, repacks and MLB.
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1 -- Talking Michael Jordan cards ...
2 -- "What goes up, must come down"
3 -- Still talking Heritage High Number
4 -- Still talking Fanatics repacks
5 -- Even more MLB chatter is here
6 -- New MLB pulls--
Have you spotted a hot thread? Tell us about it in a comment or on Twitter.
Follow BlowoutBuzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz.
Buzz Break: 2023 Historic Autographs Flight trading cards
From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
The box: 2023 Historic Autographs Flight trading cards (hobby box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (when available)
First Buzz preview: Click hereKeep reading for a full breakdown and gallery of what was in this one.
First Buzz: 2025 TruMystery Bracket Busters Basketball
What: 2025 TruMystery Bracket Busters Basketball Edition
Arrives: March 26
Box basics: One slabbed buyback card per box (four boxes per case)
Order: Click hereWhat's buzz-worthy: TruCreator's blind-box buyback line focuses on superstars of the basketball court -- today and yesterday for the NBA as well as stars from the college and women's game.
Keep reading for more and a full gallery of images.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (Feb. 19)
What's Buzzing: 2025 Topps pulls and chatter, talking Topps Chrome WWE, on-card vs. sticker autos, a good question and more in this mid-week edition.
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4 -- Good question
5 -- Topps Chrome WWE is still on their minds
6 -- New MLB pulls are popping here--
Have you spotted a hot thread? Tell us about it in a comment or on Twitter.
Follow BlowoutBuzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (Feb. 11)
What's Buzzing: 2025 Topps arrives, Luka Doncic, bad slabs, NFL chatter, new pulls and more.
1 -- All the chatter as 2025 Topps arrives
2 -- Checking in on the Luka Doncic thread
3 -- One to see
4 -- Postseason NFL chatter continues
5 -- Some non-sports breaks to see
6 -- Ripping into some Topps Heritage--
Have you spotted a hot thread? Tell us about it in a comment or on Twitter.
Follow BlowoutBuzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (Dec. 15)
What's Buzzing: Travis Hunter wins the Heisman, pondering 2025 Topps inclusions, NFL Week 15, showing off Michael Jordan and more in this Sunday edition.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (Dec. 6)
What's Buzzing: An Exquisite auction, a Superfractor pull, NFL trivia, fake MJ buybacks and more.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (Dec. 5)
What's Buzzing: Allegedly fake Michael Jordan buyback autos, Zion Williamson, Kobe Bryant Rookie Card thoughts, NFL chatter and more.
Making the Grade (Dec.): Juan Soto, The Mask, Tua, Penny, LeBron, Shotzi, JFK, MJ, Mariah May, Machete & much more
Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.
Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...
STRONG SEASON ... WHAT'S NEXT?
The Card: Juan Soto 2018 Topps 582 Montgomery Club Set 1 -- Rookie Card
The Reason Graded: A big season that came up short of the goal ... but now it's time for a historic payday while still in his mid-20s. Soto's Rookie Cards (2018) aren't all that rare, really, but there's a lot of demand -- but they still might be good buys depending on where he goes next. (Mets? Watch out.) All those thoughts were in mind when I popped this one into a submission earlier this year along with other key names from this small set for Club members. It's not a traditional RC since it's from a small set, but it's still a good Soto to me ... so I slabbed it.
The Grade: CGC 10Grade 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 P10 Total Population 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 4 Reality Check: Top grade of a small volume works for me. I'm sure there will be more and I'm sure the pops are higher elsewhere, but the range of the grades here shows it might not be the easiest kind of card to grade thanks to that retro stock.
Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.
Making the Grade (Nov.): Air Jordan, The Joker, Sadaharu Oh, Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Coach Prime, Shotzi & more
Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.
Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...
THE AIR UP THERE ...
The Card: Michael Jordan 2009 Goodwin Champions
The Reason Graded: This is one I pulled from a pack of this Ginter-style rival throwback brand back when it arrived, and it's got an obviously appropriate background for Air Jordan. It's that simple touch (and it being a dunk shot) that makes this card -- in all its versions -- in some demand. This one had been in my "maybe grade" pile for literally years and I finally worked it into a bulk sub since the NBA season is here.
The Grade: CGC 10Grade 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 P10 Total Population 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 5 2 8 0 18 Reality Check: It checked in higher than I had expected, though I tend to punt cards where the centering is just slightly off ... but those can still land a 10 like this one did. Ultimately I was good with any mark as, for me, this is more of a novelty slab -- about the only Jordan collecting I do is his baseball stuff. Interestingly, most copies of this card have checked in here -- that's surprising to me -- but with that overall volume still low that could change easily with time.
Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.
First Buzz: 2024-25 TRISTAR Hidden Treasures Basketballs
What: 2024-25 TRISTAR Hidden Treasures Autographed Basketballs Season Edition
Arrives: Dec.6
Box basics: One autographed basketball per box (four boxes per case)
Order: Click hereWhat's buzz-worthy: TRISTAR's Hidden Treasures brand hits the hardwood once again with some legendary ink to be found and other chases beyond just top current superstars and their signed basketballs.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (Sept. 28)
What's Buzzing: Basketball chatter as Caitlin Clark wins Rookie Of The Year, showing off Michael Jordan cards, vintage pickups, NFL Week 4 and more.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (Sept. 21)
What's Buzzing: Shohei Ohtani, NFL chatter, a Pro Football Hall of Fame question, Ohtani ink and more.
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (Sept. 17)
What's Buzzing: NFL Week 3, new MLB pulls, Bobby Witt Jr., Star Michael Jordan cards, football chatter and ... the next Bryce Young?
Board Buzz: Must-read threads on Blowout Forums (Sept. 7)
What's Buzzing: NFL Week 1, new pulls, MLB chatter, Michael Jordan, Jordan Love and ... Caitlin Clark Rookie Cards?
Patrick Mahomes' Panini Stained Glass hits Goldin as 1/1 piece
Football season is almost here and one simple sign of that is more cardboard -- new and old -- popping up online, on social media and elsewhere.
But one football find over on Goldin right now is one that, well, is simply bigger and bolder than all the rest. It's an ode to Patrick Mahomes, the QB of the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, and it's a new work from renowned Marvel mosaic artist Matthew DiMasi, who works in a unique media ... glass.
This take on Panini America's 2023 Panini Mosaic Stained Glass insert -- a rarity in and of itself (click to view at left) -- is a little different than its card-sized counterpart. It's 46 inches tall, 33 inches wide and it weighs 120 pounds -- and it will end up in a collection soon. It's also guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind creation as the artist will not revisit any of his creations.
Upper Deck readies promo card sets & more for The National
This year's National Sports Collectors Convention is just days away -- it's set for July 24-28 in Cleveland -- and Upper Deck has revealed its promotional plans for the event.
The company will produce a wrapper redemption set for starters with a meaty checklist that includes an array of subjects from its sports and autographs from some legends of the past, too.
First Buzz: 2024 TruMystery Signed Figurine Edition
What: 2024 TruMystery Signed Figurine Edition
Arrives: Aug. 26
Box basics: One signed figure -- or sometimes a jumbo 5-by-7 auto/mem card display -- per box (eight boxes per case)
Order: Click hereWhat's buzz-worthy: TruCreator's blind-box memorabilia line expands for the fans of autographs on figures such as Funko Pop!, action figures, McFarlane toys, bobbleheads, porcelain statues and more all in one spot.
Keep reading for more and a full gallery of images.