Remembering Kobe Bryant
As the world remembers Kobe Bryant on what would have been his 47th birthday, a unique basketball card of him alongside Michael Jordan is poised to set a new record. Currently featured in an auction by Heritage Auctions, the 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card showcases both legends and has captured significant attention. Bidding will conclude Saturday at 8 p.m. PDT, with the possibility of extended bidding at that time.
The Auction and Record-Breaking Potential
At the latest tally on Friday afternoon, the one-of-a-kind card had already amassed a staggering bid of $7.015 million, including a 22% premium for buyers, surpassing the existing record held by a Steph Curry card that sold in 2021 for $5.9 million. “With over a day left for bidding, there’s considerable suspense regarding how high the final price will soar,” commented Chris Ivy, Heritage’s director of sports collectibles, suggesting it could reach as high as $10 million.
Previously, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card set the high watermark for sports cards at $12.6 million in a Heritage auction in 2022, while the Curry card ranks fourth on the all-time sales list.
Uniqueness of the Dual Logoman Autographs
The Dual Logoman Autographs series is particularly rare; it includes images and signatures from two NBA icons along with patches from game-worn jerseys. Michael Jordan appears on eight cards from this collection, while Kobe Bryant is featured on eleven, but this particular card is the only one that includes both athletes together. Ivy highlighted its uniqueness:
“It’s the only card that features both Kobe and Jordan with their respective Logoman logos and signatures, making it the pinnacle for modern card collectors.”
In stark contrast, individual cards of Jordan and Bryant have not commanded similar prices, with Jordan’s highest sale reaching $2.93 million and Bryant’s fetching $2.3 million just weeks ago.
A Poignant Tribute
The timing of this auction, coinciding with Bryant’s birthday, is an unintended but poignant tribute. Kobe and his daughter Gianna were tragically among nine victims killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on January 26, 2020. Michael Jordan, who delivered a heartfelt eulogy at Kobe’s memorial held on February 24, 2020, at Staples Center, shared a deep camaraderie with Bryant, referring to him as a younger brother. Jordan recounted how their relationship went beyond friendship, attributing much of his inspiration in the game to Kobe’s devotion to becoming the best player he could be.
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This article initially appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
