Sports card prices surged in 2020 and early 2021, only to see a serious correction in prices during the first half of 2021. What was interesting about the more recent drop in prices was that the selling and the price pressure was not unilateral across all aspects of cards and memorabilia. Some records are still being set for high prices. PWCC Marketplace has just announced a $4.3 million sale of a 2017 National Treasures NFL Shield Patrick Mahomes rookie auto — population 1 of 1.
To put it bluntly, this blow-out record sale price for a football card was more than $1 million higher than the closest sale.
This particular 2017 National Treasures NFL Shield Mahomes rookie card was graded 8.5 (NM-MT+) by Beckett. The sub-grades on the card were 9.5 on both the centering and the corners, giving it the prime eye appeal. The sub-grade for the edges was 9, and the grade for the surface was 8.
Again, just because many sports and non-sports card prices corrected handily in recent months the pressure was not unilateral. The prior football card record was $3.1 million back in March of 2021 for a Tom Brady Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket Auto card.
Collectors and investors alike have been focusing on low-population cards during much of 2021. The mass-produced and mass-graded cards have seen the biggest drops in general terms. That is not all that surprising considering how large the graded populations of some of the superstar rookie cards are even at the highest grades from PSA, SGC and Beckett.
This sale was handled in a private transaction rather than in auction. PWCC Marketplace also identified the buyer as LJ’s Card Shop of New Albany, Ohio.
Collectors Dashboard evaluates collectibles as an alternative asset class. Collectibles are attracting the same capital that could have otherwise been invested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds or real estate. If anyone spends $50,000 or $200,000 for a rookie card, that is already exponentially higher than an average investment by individuals in stocks or bonds. This latest $4.3 million card sale from PWCC Marketplace was something else entirely.
Another record is being set for baseball, but it’s just for the most desired card rather than a record for the hobby.
