Many Shades of Gray in Sports Collecting During 2023
, by David Riska, 3 min reading time
As 2023 winds down, it's time to reflect on a year that was as eventful as it was historic in the world of sports collecting. From high-profile memorabilia sales to shocking crimes, the past twelve months have been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for sports collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Crime Waves and Punishments
The year saw an alarming rise in burglaries targeting card shops, with Atlanta and Panama City witnessing multiple incidents. Notably, Burbank Sports Cards experienced a close call, saved by an alert neighbor and quick-acting police. Tragically, some stolen memorabilia, like Yogi Berra’s championship rings, were irreversibly destroyed, leaving the sports world in mourning over such losses.
High-Value Memorabilia Sales
2023 was a banner year for memorabilia sales, with several high-ticket items going under the hammer. Joe Montana's Super Bowl jersey fetched a staggering $1.2 million, while Michael Jordan's memorabilia continued to command sky-high prices, including $2.2 million for a pair of his 1998 Finals shoes. The auction of Karl Malone’s 1992 Dream Team jersey for $3 million was another highlight, showcasing the enduring allure of sports legends.
Vintage Cards and Remarkable Finds
The vintage card market remained robust, with a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card grabbing headlines for its $4.5 million sale. The discovery of the “Cheese Box Mantle” and a rare collection of Boston Garter cards added excitement to the year. The sale of a 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card for $7.2 million was a testament to the unceasing fascination with baseball’s iconic figures.
Corporate Moves and Shuffles
Fanatics continued to dominate the headlines, expanding its footprint in the collectibles industry and stirring up controversy with its aggressive acquisition strategies. The legal tussles between Fanatics and Panini, including antitrust cases and employee poaching, were a recurring theme. The industry also saw significant leadership changes, with new faces at Beckett and Leaf Trading Cards, indicating a period of transition and growth.
Record-Breaking Conventions and Auctions
The National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago broke attendance records, underscoring the thriving interest in sports memorabilia. Sotheby’s entry into the game-worn and game-used auction market, highlighted by the sale of Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs shirt for $762,000, marked a significant expansion of the sports auction landscape.
Looking Ahead
As we just bid farewell to 2023, the world of sports collecting continues to evolve, driven by a passionate community and an ever-growing market. The year's events have set the stage for an even more exciting 2024, promising new discoveries, record-breaking sales, and perhaps a few surprises along the way. For collectors and enthusiasts, the journey continues with anticipation and excitement for what the future holds.
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