Rare Michael Jordan, Julius Erving autograph card worth $1 million auctioned

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for sports memorabilia collectors is on the horizon, as an incredibly rare trading card autographed by basketball legends Michael Jordan and Julius Erving is set to go up for auction. This one-of-a-kind item will headline the inaugural “Holy Grails” auction presented by Fanatics and Sotheby’s on September 24.

The card, which features autographs from both Jordan and Erving, has an estimated value of $1 million, making it one of the most sought-after pieces in the world of sports memorabilia. According to a press release from the auction organizers, “As a one-of-a-kind item, the only card released for that season and one of two cards featuring these basketball legends ever released for Exquisite Collection, it holds a unique position in sports memorabilia.”

The card’s rarity is further emphasized by the fact that it is one of only eight double logoman signatures from Upper Deck’s Exquisite Collection to feature Michael Jordan.

Rare Michael Jordan, Julius Erving autograph card worth $1 million auctioned https://t.co/TYChTc3DvQ pic.twitter.com/7LCEglKWW8

— NBA Now (@_NBANow) August 21, 2024

Launched by Upper Deck in 2003, the Exquisite Collection is known for its premium quality trading cards, and this particular card stands out not only for its autographs, but also for its historical significance. Michael Jordan and Julius Erving have long been intertwined in NBA lore, with Erving famously performing the first foul-line dunk in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, a feat that later inspired Jordan to do the same.

Jordan’s iconic dunk, in turn, became a symbol of his brand, leading to the creation of the Jumpman logo, which remains one of the most recognizable emblems in sports.

The auction, which will take place at Harlem Parish, a deconsecrated church in New York City, will feature more than 40 coveted trading cards featuring sports legends from various eras and disciplines. Among the items up for auction are cards featuring Tom Brady, LeBron James, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente and more.

Brahm Wachter, Head of Modern Collectibles at Sotheby’s, expressed his excitement about the upcoming event, saying: “From the beginning, our intention was to create an immersive auction experience unlike anything we’ve ever seen in the collectible card industry.

By choosing the iconic Harlem Parish as our location and through bold, visual scenography and proprietary displays, we are rethinking what the trading card industry means to collectors and enthusiasts. With this innovative approach, we are not only shaking up the industry, but also bringing cards to life in a way that is truly unprecedented in today’s modern world.”

Fanatics and Sotheby’s offer the opportunity to participate online, allowing enthusiasts from all over the world to enjoy

Harlem Parish, with its rich history and architectural beauty, provides a fitting setting for such an important auction. The location was carefully selected to enhance the overall experience for attendees, combining the old-world charm of the deconsecrated church with the modernity of the collectibles on display.

The auction is expected to draw a global audience of collectors, investors and basketball fans, all vying for a piece of history. The Michael Jordan and Julius Erving autograph card is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the event, given its rarity and the legacies of the two players it represents.

For those unable to attend in person, Fanatics and Sotheby’s are offering the opportunity to participate online, giving enthusiasts from around the world the chance to bid on this and other extraordinary items.

As the auction date approaches, the excitement is mounting, with experts speculating on the final hammer price of the Jordan and Erving card. While the $1 million valuation is already impressive, it wouldn’t be surprising to see it go even higher given the fervor surrounding high-end sports memorabilia in recent years.

This auction is more than just a sale, it is a celebration of sports history and the enduring appeal of two of basketball’s greatest icons. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just a fan of the game, the chance to witness such an event is truly something special.