Baseball Card Sold for $12.6 Million, Breaking Record (2024)

U.S.|Baseball Card Sold for $12.6 Million, Breaking Record

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/28/us/mickey-mantle-card-auction-baseball.html

Advertisem*nt

Continue reading the main story

The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card is the most valuable piece of sports memorabilia ever to be sold at auction.

Baseball Card Sold for $12.6 Million, Breaking Record (1)

A mint condition Mickey Mantle baseball card became the most valuable piece of sports memorabilia to be sold at auction, notching $12.6 million early Sunday morning.

The card, issued by the collectible company Topps in 1952, features Mantle, the most powerful switch-hitter in baseball history. It would have been sold at the time in a wax-wrapped pack that cost either a penny or a nickel, said Chris Ivy, the director of sports auctions at Heritage Auctions, which sold the item.

Now, the card has become the first sports item to be sold at auction for eight figures. “We always knew this card would shatter records and expectations,” Mr. Ivy said in a statement. “But that doesn’t make it any less of a thrill.”

The card surpassed the record of $9.3 million achieved earlier this year by the jersey worn by Diego Maradona when he scored the goal known as the “Hand of God” in the 1986 World Cup.

The sale of the baseball card marks a new high for the sports collectible market, one that has been booming in recent years, especially since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Baseball cards can carry a sense of nostalgia.

“People are starting to look at these collectibles as legitimate alternative assets,” Mr. Ivy said by phone.

Michael Osacky, the lead appraiser for Professional Sports Authenticator, the largest third-party grader of sports collectibles, started working as an appraiser in 2012. Before 2020, he said there was little interest from hedge fund managers or private equity firms. But in the last two years, he said, he has been swamped with inquiries from people who see the collectibles as an investment.

He added, “All of a sudden people are like, ‘Wow, this stuff could be art.’”

According to Heritage Auctions, the Mantle card was graded a “Mint+ 9.5” out of 10 by Sportscard Guaranty Corporation, which authenticates and grades trading cards.

“It’s almost perfectly centered top to bottom and left to right. It’s got four sharp corners. The color is beautiful.” Mr. Ivy added, “The fact that it remained in this condition for 70 years, prior to being graded, is truly a miracle.”

According to Heritage Auctions, the card was purchased by an anonymous baseball fan from Rye, N.Y., from Anthony Giordano, the president of a recycling and solid waste business in New Jersey.

By phone, Mr. Giordano, 75, said that he had purchased the card in 1991 at a Father’s Day baseball card show he was attending with his son at Madison Square Garden. He paid $50,000, at the time a record for that specific card.

Mr. Giordano said that he and his son had been looking for a 1952 Mantle card, but until that moment, nothing had really seemed right. “When we saw the price on this card, we knew it had to be something special.”

Livia Albeck-Ripka is a reporter for The Times based in California. She was previously a reporter in the Australia bureau. @livia_ar

Advertisem*nt

Continue reading the main story

Baseball Card Sold for $12.6 Million, Breaking Record (2024)

FAQs

What baseball card sold for $12.6 million breaking record? ›

'Near-perfect' Mickey Mantle baseball card sells for record-breaking $12.6 million. A 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card, originally bought for $50,000 in 1995, just shattered a record for the most expensive sports memorabilia sold.

What baseball card just sold for $12 million dollars? ›

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card.

What baseball card just sold for millions? ›

A mint-condition Mickey Mantle baseball card has sold for a record-breaking $12.6 million. A mint-condition Mickey Mantle baseball card sold for $12.6 million on Sunday, the most money ever paid for a piece of sports memorabilia in a market that has grown exponentially more lucrative in recent years.

Who bought the 12.6 million dollar baseball card? ›

Mint did make that purchase in Quincy in 1986. We always heard that there were 35 of the same card in that collection, but this one was the only one in such good condition." Several years later, Rosen offloaded the card to an anonymous buyer, now known to be New Jersey waste management entrepreneur Anthony Giordano.

What is the rarest baseball card to find? ›

1909-1911 Honus Wagner T206

Considered the rarest and most valuable baseball card in existence, there are only about 50 copies of this full-color card from 1909 to 1911, known as the T206 Wagner. In 2016, one sold at auction for $3.12 million.

What is the number one most expensive baseball card? ›

The current record price is the US$12.6 million paid for a 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card (Topps; #311) on August 28, 2022, breaking all previous records.

What baseball card just sold for $6 million dollars? ›

A T206 Honus Wagner card sold for $6.6 million in an online auction early Monday morning, setting a new record in baseball card sales. The card was issued in American Tobacco Co. cigarette boxes from 1909 to 1911 and has been highly desired by collectors for years.

What baseball card just sold for $7 million? ›

A Honus Wagner card just sold at auction for more than $7 million. That beats the previous record, for a similar card of the Pirates' icon, which went for $6.6 million nearly a year ago.

What is the most expensive card ever sold? ›

While Honus Wagner's card is generally seen as the holy grail for baseball card fans, it's Mantle's rookie that takes the top spot. On August 28 of 2022, a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps Card sold for $12.6 million to an anonymous buyer.

What baseball card sells for $10 million? ›

A mint condition Mickey Mantle baseball card became the most valuable piece of sports memorabilia to be sold at auction, notching $12.6 million early Sunday morning.

What baseball cards sell for 7.25 million? ›

One of the world's rarest baseball cards was sold for an extraordinary price last week. The famous T206 Honus Wagner sold for a record $7.25 million in a private sale facilitated by Goldin Auctions, the company said Thursday.

Who has the biggest baseball card collection? ›

Paul Jones

In 2008, the Guinness Book of World Records certified that this Idaho native's collection of over 500,000 baseball cards was the world's largest. Then, it grew to 750,000. Then a million.

How much is Babe Ruth rookie card worth? ›

Babe Ruth rookie cards

In July of 2021, a PSA 9-graded 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53 card sold for $4.2 million setting a new record price for a Babe Ruth baseball card then. A rare 1916 Babe Ruth Rookie Card #151 Blank Backs was sold in Lelands for $244,489 in June 2022.

What baseball card is worth 2 million? ›

(WWSB) - A Lakewood Ranch sports appraisal company just received one of the world's most expensive baseball cards. Certified Sports Guaranty received the iconic 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle card valued at over $2 million dollars.

How much is Mickey Mantle rookie card worth? ›

A new price record has been set for a signed 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Just a few hours ago, the final bid at For the Love of the Game auctions was a whopping $422,400!

What is the holy grail of baseball cards? ›

The "Holy Grail" of baseball cards is the T-206 Honus Wagner issued in 1909. Reportedly, approximately 50 were ever made. Today, very few exist, making it the most sought-after sports card in history. It was created and distributed by the American Tobacco Company and came in a pack of cigarettes.

How much is a Michael Jordan rookie card worth? ›

It's a cornerstone of any Michael Jordan collection, and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. In the current market, and at grade 9, this rookie card ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. 1986-87 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan graded CSG 1.

How do I know if my baseball card is worth money? ›

Specialists appraise baseball cards based on numerous factors, including overall condition, rarity, scarcity, grading, print variation, print quality, and, of course, the person featured on the card. Combined, these characteristics can determine the price and worth of a baseball card.

Are any Mark McGwire cards worth anything? ›

Overall about 1053 Cards of Mark McGwire have been traded in the last 30 days on ebay. The average price was $23.76. The price range was from $0.1 for 2022 Topps Allen & Ginter Banner Seasons #BS-50 Mark McGwire by Topps Allen & Ginter from 2022 to $2751.0 for 1985 Topps #401 Mark McGwire PSA 10 by Topps from 1985.

What baseball sold $3 million? ›

Despite the rather low offer from the Cardinals' organization to Ozersky, the fan was able to turn around and sell the ball three months later for $3 million to Todd McFarlane, which at the time was the highest sale price ever for sports memorabilia. Mark McGwire's 70th home run ball sold for $3 million.

What card sold for $5 million? ›

A mint-condition 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card sold for a record $5.2 million on Thursday, January 14th, making it the most expensive sports card ever sold. The card was purchased by Rob Gough, an actor and entrepreneur most known for his role in the film “Billionaire Boys Club.”

What baseball card sells for 1.3 million? ›

One of the hobby's top rated sets of 1914 Cracker Jack baseball cards sold for a combined $1.38 million in Heritage Auctions' Winter Sports Card Catalog Auction, setting multiple records along the way.

What baseball card sold for 7.2 million? ›

In February 2022, half of a torn T206 Honus Wagner card sold for $475,960. On August 3, 2022, a SGC Grade 2 T206 Honus Wagner card sold for $7.25 million in a private sale, breaking the record for the most expensive card.

What baseball card sold 2.8 million? ›

Finally, a Wagner card was sold in a memorabilia auction in 2007 to Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendricks for 2.8 million USD, making it the most expensive sports trading card sold.

What is the rarest card ever made? ›

The Shichif*ckujin Dragon, created to celebrate the opening of the DCI Tournament Center in Tokyo, Japan, is also the only one of its kind in existence. In Japanese mythology, 'Shichif*ckujin' is the name given to the Seven Deities of Good Fortune.

What is the rarest rookie card? ›

1. 1948 George Mikan. The 1948 Bowman George Mikan rookie card is one of the rarest and most valuable basketball cards of all time.

What is the most expensive Michael Jordan card? ›

The price range was from $0.26 for 2007 Fleer Michael Jordan Season Achievements #SH44 Michael Jordan by Fleer Michael Jordan Season Achievements from 2007 to $31600.0 for 1986 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan BGS 9.5 by Fleer from 1986.

What baseball card is worth 50000? ›

Anthony Giordano bought the Mantle card for what was a record-breaking price in 1991: $50,000.

Is there an app to scan baseball cards for value? ›

CollX uses millions of historical auction prices to calculate a card's average value. As you add cards to your collection, you'll see your overall portfolio value grow. Set conditions or grades on your cards and get more accurate prices.

What sports cards will be worth money in the future? ›

What are the best sports cards to invest in 2022?
  • Mickey Mantle cards. Chart tracking price of assets similar to SGC 7 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle card. ...
  • Honus Wagner cards. Chart tracking price of assets similar to Authentic Honus Wagner T206 card. ...
  • Luka Dončić rookie cards. ...
  • Mike Trout cards. ...
  • Ronald Acuna Jr.

Do baseball cards sell well? ›

They can be worth a lot of money. As the examples above demonstrate, vintage baseball cards can be worth a lot of money and can make you a nice profit. Vintage cards can be worth more than the original face value, depending on their condition and rarity. It's a great way to make extra money.

Who owns the most expensive baseball card collection? ›

Rye Resident Now Owns the Most Expensive Baseball Card in the World! 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle Sells for $12.6 Million! For more than 50 years, the most valuable baseball card has always been the 1910 Honus Wagner. The baseball cards back then came in a pack of cigarettes, and recently that card sold for $7.25 Million.

What is the most expensive baseball card shopping? ›

Honus Wagner T206 – $7.25 million

Today, they are considered the Holy Grail of baseball card collecting. The Honus Wagner T206 has held onto the record for most expensive sports card since August 2021, when one was sold for $6.6 million.

How much is a Tom Brady rookie card worth? ›

There are only 1,500 copies available, 243 of which have been evaluated by PSA. And of those, only 21 are in gem mint condition. If you're looking to invest in this Tom Brady card, you can expect to shell out anywhere between $600 and $9,000, with the highest sale price pegged at $9,300.

How much is a Nolan Ryan card worth? ›

About Nolan Ryan

The most valuable Card of Nolan Ryan is currently 1972 Topps #595 Nolan Ryan PSA 10 by Topps from 1972 with a worth of approx. $45600.0.

How much are Kobe Bryant rookie cards worth? ›

The card comes in different tiers (just like Flair) including bronze, silver, and gold versions, and is a part of the Finest Series 1 Apprentices subset. Kobe's 1996 Finest Refractor rookie cards are worth anywhere from $1,000 to $30,000.

Why this worthless baseball card just sold for $72,500? ›

Such is the case with a 1952 card, issued by Topps, that sold for $72,500 at auction earlier this month. Ostensibly, it's a Robinson card — to be exact, card #312 in the set that year. But it was cut in such a way that there's a sliver of card #311 to the left — otherwise known as Mantle's first Topps card.

How much is a Derek Jeter rookie card worth? ›

Article snapshot. Derek Jeter rookie cards are some of the most highly sought after cards for any collector. The 1993 Upper Deck SP Derek Jeter rookie card is the most valuable, with a maximum sale price of $600,000.

How much is Ken Griffey Jr rookie card worth? ›

The average value of "ken griffey rookie card" is $26.07. Sold comparables range in price from a low of $1.99 to a high of $399.95.

How much are LeBron James rookie cards worth? ›

The rare 2003 Ultimate Collection Ultimate Logos Signature Card is valued at over $300,000. A 2012 Panini Prizm Gold LeBron James Rookie Card fetched $571,000 in 2021. The 2003 Topps Chrome LeBron James Black Refractor Rookie Card sold for $480,000.

What is the record breaking baseball card? ›

The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card is the most valuable piece of sports memorabilia ever to be sold at auction.

What is the hardest baseball record to break? ›

Batting
  • Most career hits – 4,256.
  • Most career plate appearances – 15,890.
  • Most career total bases – 6,856.
  • Most hits in a season – 262.
  • Most consecutive seasons with 200 hits – 10.
  • Most career doubles – 792.
  • Most career triples – 309.
  • Most triples in a season – 36.

What baseball card sold for $5 million? ›

A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle has sold for a record-breaking $5.2 million, making it the most ever for a baseball card and sports card.

How do I know if my baseball cards are worth a lot of money? ›

Specialists appraise baseball cards based on numerous factors, including overall condition, rarity, scarcity, grading, print variation, print quality, and, of course, the person featured on the card. Combined, these characteristics can determine the price and worth of a baseball card.

What are the rare Griffey cards? ›

The most valuable Ken Griffey Jr. cards include his 1989 Bowman Tiffany, 1989 Topps Heads Up, and 1989 Upper Deck #1 Star Rookie card. Massive print runs limit the investment value of Griffey's cards. Rally app offers fractionalized shares for valuable cards like 1989 Bowman Tiffany.

What is the most valuable Bo Jackson card? ›

The most valuable Card of Bo Jackson is currently 1986 Topps Traded Tiffany #50T Bo Jackson PSA 10 by Topps Traded from 1986 with a worth of approx. $7501.0. Other Cards of Bo Jackson to watch are: 1987 Topps #170 Bo Jackson by Topps from 1987 with a value of approx.

What is the most expensive Derek Jeter card? ›

About Derek Jeter

The most valuable Card of Derek Jeter is currently 1993 SP #279 Derek Jeter PSA 10 by SP from 1993 with a worth of approx. $204000.0. Other Cards of Derek Jeter to watch are: 1993 Topps #98 Derek Jeter by Topps from 1993 with a value of approx.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Madonna Wisozk

Last Updated:

Views: 6113

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Madonna Wisozk

Birthday: 2001-02-23

Address: 656 Gerhold Summit, Sidneyberg, FL 78179-2512

Phone: +6742282696652

Job: Customer Banking Liaison

Hobby: Flower arranging, Yo-yoing, Tai chi, Rowing, Macrame, Urban exploration, Knife making

Introduction: My name is Madonna Wisozk, I am a attractive, healthy, thoughtful, faithful, open, vivacious, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.