Signed Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie card sells for more than $1.8 million, sets record
One NBA fan really wanted a special rookie card honoring the current reigning league MVP.
So much so, in fact, that they set a record in order to secure it.
A signed Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie card sold for $1.812 million at an auction on Sunday, according to TMZ Sports, making it the most expensive basketball card ever sold in modern history.
BREAKING: The Giannis Logoman card was purchased for a modern day basketball record of $1.812 million by @onlyaltofficial, which also bought the previous record holder, the $1.8M LeBron card, six weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/gXnut9OOFg
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 21, 2020
The card included a piece of a game-worn jersey from Antetokounmpo’s rookie season with the Milwaukee Bucks, too, something that undoubtedly added to its high price tag. The card earned a Mint 9 rating, per the report, meaning it was in near-perfect condition.
Antetokounmpo averaged 6.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game during his 2013-14 season, his first in the league after the Bucks took him with the No. 15 overall pick that year. The four-time All-Star earned the league’s MVP award for the second straight year this season.
How does Giannis’ rookie card sale compare?
Antetokounmpo’s rookie card narrowly beat out a rare version of a LeBron James rookie card that was sold in July.
James’ rookie card was signed and also included a patch from one of his jerseys, and was just one of 23 that were made. It also received a 9.5 grade, and was sold for a then-record $1.8 million at an auction.
This LeBron James card just sold at @GoldinAuctions for $1.8 million, the record for a modern day card.
Winner is @LeoreAvidar, who says purchase is part of strategy to “bring something big to the collectibles and alternative asset business in the coming months.” pic.twitter.com/rN9lepvVpE— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 19, 2020
The James card, according to Darren Rovell, was purchased by the same person who bought the Antetokounmpo card on Sunday.
Though those two prices are incredibly high, they don’t come close to the trading card record.
That honor goes to Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout — who had an autographed rookie card sell for $3.93 million at an auction last month. That card was given a 9.5 overall rating, too.
@Topps 2009 Bowman Chrome Superfractor @MikeTrout graded @beckett_grading 9.5 sells for $3.93 million at goldin auctions “ goldin elite” tonight. Session 2 ends Sunday night at 10pm ...highest priced ever for ANY trading card.. pic.twitter.com/axV4sXjMcC
— Goldin Auctions (@GoldinAuctions) August 23, 2020
The Trout card broke a previous record set in 2016, when a fan purchased a 1909 Honus Wagner T-206 card for $3.12 million.
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