Dan Hajducky, ESPNSep 11, 2022, 07:53 AM ET
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- Hajducky is an associate editor for ESPN. He has an MFA in creative writing from Fairfield University and played on the men's soccer teams at Fordham and Southern Connecticut State universities.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has become the third NFL player to have a card sell for at least $1 million, with two such sales this past week.
A Herbert rookie card -- his 2020 Panini National Treasures Platinum NFL Shield autographed card, numbered 1-of-1 -- sold Saturday night for $1.8 million with buyer's premium via collectables marketplace Goldin.
The card was consigned to Goldin by high-rolling collector Shyne150 (whose name is Matt Allen) and was graded an 8.5 by Beckett Grading Services with a 10 autograph grade.
A 2020 Panini Prizm Black Finite Herbert rookie card, also numbered 1-of-1, sold for $1.1 million earlier in the week. The card was graded a 9 by Beckett Grading Services and was pulled recently by Vortex Sports Cards, acquired by Boston Sports Cards & Co., and sold to a trio of buyers that included high-end collector Jack Elman.
The only other NFL players whose cards have sold for at least $1 million are Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. Mahomes' 2017 version (with a non-platinum NFL shield) sold in July 2021 for $4.3 million -- the most ever for an NFL card.
Herbert's popularity with collectors has been ascendant of late.
According to eBay, Herbert's collectable sales increased 325% from August 2021 to this August. From June 1 through the end of August, Herbert jerseys, autographed collectibles, and trading card sales increased by 163%, 37% and 36%, respectively.
From May 1 to July 31, searches for Herbert trading cards on eBay skyrocketed by 2,364%.
Brady, Mahomes and Herbert -- in that order -- have the most passing yards since 2020. Brady leads the way with 9,949, followed by Mahomes with 9,579 and Herbert with 9,350. They are also three of five quarterbacks to throw at least 69 touchdowns in that span.
As a seasoned enthusiast in sports memorabilia and collectibles, I've delved into the intricate world of trading cards and their skyrocketing values. With a keen eye for details and a wealth of knowledge in the field, I can confidently shed light on the fascinating developments in the sports card market, particularly in relation to the article featuring Justin Herbert's recent card sales.
The article centers around Justin Herbert, the talented quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, who has recently joined an exclusive club of NFL players with cards fetching over $1 million. Let's break down the key concepts presented:
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Justin Herbert's Rookie Cards:
- The specific card mentioned is the 2020 Panini National Treasures Platinum NFL Shield autographed card, numbered 1-of-1, which sold for an impressive $1.8 million. Another notable card, the 2020 Panini Prizm Black Finite Herbert rookie card (also numbered 1-of-1), sold for $1.1 million.
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Card Grading:
- The importance of card grading is highlighted, with the mentioned cards being assessed by Beckett Grading Services. The National Treasures card received an 8.5 grade, while the Prizm Black Finite card was graded a 9.
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Collectors and Consignors:
- The cards were consigned to the collectibles marketplace Goldin by a collector known as Shyne150 (real name: Matt Allen) and another acquired by Boston Sports Cards & Co. from Vortex Sports Cards. The involvement of high-profile collectors and consignors adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.
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Market Trends and Popularity:
- The article provides insights into Justin Herbert's rising popularity among collectors. eBay data indicates a substantial increase in Herbert's collectable sales, with percentages reaching as high as 325% from August 2021 to August of the current year.
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Comparisons with Other Players:
- The article draws comparisons between Herbert and other elite quarterbacks, namely Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. Mahomes and Brady are the only other NFL players whose cards have sold for at least $1 million. Notably, Mahomes holds the record for the highest-selling NFL card at $4.3 million.
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Performance Metrics:
- The concluding section highlights the on-field prowess of Brady, Mahomes, and Herbert, showcasing their passing yards and touchdown statistics since 2020. Brady leads in passing yards, followed by Mahomes and Herbert.
In summary, the article not only captures the financial milestones in Justin Herbert's trading card market but also provides a glimpse into the broader trends and dynamics of the sports memorabilia collecting world, where cards have transformed into high-value commodities with a significant cultural and economic impact.
