Collectors have figured out that scarcity in the game-worn and game-used items can be extreme. There are thousands of rookie cards on many of the historical greatest (GOAT) players. Their uniforms used in games may be an entirely different situation. Now there are three different players with incredible jersey auctions that are up for grabs — Diego Maradona, Jackie Robinson and Michael Jordan. The cost will easily run into millions of dollars.

Diego Maradona “The Hand of God” & ‘Goal of the Century’ World Cup match worn shirt is being Auctioned at Sotheby’s. As is a Jackie Robinson Jersey at Goldin Auctions and a game worn Michael Jordan Jersey at Heritage Auctions. Each holds moments in sports that drive passions and pockets books. Fans of soccer immediately recognize the moment from the 1986 World Cup Quarterfinals. Jackie Robinson iconic 42 is worn annually by every baseball player to commemorate breaking the color barrier. Michael Jordan is inseparable from the number 23 for nearly every major milestone of his career. Many consider these athletes the greatest of all time.

Maradona’s game historically has been compared to the Miracle On Ice between the United States and Soviet Union in 1980. He is regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time. For England and Argentina a bitter conflict in the Falkland Islands War just years earlier set the stage for an important meeting on the field. Will passion for the game translate into a high price at auction? Sotheby’s Lot 1: Diego Maradona ‘The Hand of God’ & ‘Goal of the Century’ World Cup Match Worn Shirt has an estimate of 4,000,000 to 6,000,000 GBP which translates to $5,026,165.66 to $7,539,248.49 USD. The current bid is $5,026,165.66 and the auction closes on May 4. Image below by Sotheby’s.

Collectors Dashboard evaluates collectibles as an alternative asset class. The same capital that could have been invested into stocks or bonds is being used to buy high-end collectibles. True sports collectors and hobbyists have a passion to own certain cards or memorabilia for quite a long time. The investor class in collectibles is solely buying an asset to sell at a later date for a profit. This keeps collectors and investors in a constant battle for who can win in auctions.

Goldin Auctions has Lot 1: 1951 Jackie Robinson Game-Used Brooklyn Dodgers Home Jersey (MEARS A8, Henderson LOA) with a current bid of $5,000,000 which is $6,000,000 with buyer’s premium included. Incredibly the reserve has not been met with the auction closing at the end of April 30th. Image below by Goldin.co. Goldin’s description said:

“A jersey of this magnitude cannot be overstated. Previously, Robinson’s 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers rookie season home jersey sold for $2,600,000 in April 2018. This jersey originates from one of his statistically best seasons of his Hall of Fame career and it comes fully authenticated by the leading jersey authenticator in the hobby MEARS (316301) for the game use by Robinson. MEARS has given this jersey a high grade of A8. According to the MEARS database, there are only a grand total of four Jackie Robinson game-worn jerseys in existence in all original condition, such as the presented.”

Heritage Auctions has a 1998 Michael Jordan Game Worn Chicago Bulls Jersey — Team Letter & Photo Matched. according to Heritage Auctions the jersey was worn on February 23, 1998 for a 97-75 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center. The jersey has an estimate of $350,000.00+ and a current bid of $260,000.00. (Image below by Heritage Auctions).

“Of course, the aging legend would revoke his own retirement one more time, but the magic that brought a half-dozen rings to his fingers would not follow him to the Wizards. By all reasonable standards of measurement, the offered garment represents the closing chapter of the Age of Jordan, a relic of profound historical importance.”