When you think of iconic sports figures, you think of Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Michael Jordon, Walter Payton, plus many more. These players for ever changed the landscapes of their respective sport, and for many collectors, a number of their rookie cards have defined generations of collecting.
A 1986-87 Fleer Jordan, 1989 Upper Deck Griffey, or a 1952 Topps Mantle are works of art, some have even been displayed in museums, and many more are staples in collectors personal collections that adorn den’s and offices around the world.
Without a doubt, on the biggest names in sports today is LeBron James. Millions of us tuned in just to listen to him talk about his free agency decision, an unprecedented move. King James has helped redefine the Basketball card hobby. During LeBron’s rookie season, Upper Deck unveiled a new line of Basketball cards called their Exquisite Edition.
LeBron’s 2003-04 Exquisite RC Auto/Patch has recently been listed on eBay. Recent sales for an ungraded version have been in the neighborhood of $16,500. With a print run of only 99, game-used patch, and of course a gorgeous on-card autograph, this card has become of the modern era’s most iconic and desired cards among collectors.
Tough decision, a new car or that LeBron rookie card?
After just one game. Well, two if you count tonight’s pinch hit appearance. Dom Brown’s 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospect has surged in the last 24 hours, with single cards closing at $20.50 and even $18.40, his prices have seemingly quadrupled over night. Earlier in the week, the same card was selling for $3.75 and even $1.80.
Not a bad return on investment.
According to Bryce Harper’s Facebook profile, he may forgo his #1 Draft pick status and return to the College of Southern Nevada to pursue a Junior College National Championship.
On Tuesday, July 27, 2010, Harper posted:
“Probably going back to CSN to try to win a National Championship!!! :)”
I admire his passion to win a National Championship, but I think at this point he has nothing left to prove at the JuCo level and is only risking injury, or worse case scenario, a career by returning to CSN.
What ever you choose Bryce, good luck with your decision.
Without a doubt, the only person to receive more hype in their young career than Stephen Strasburg is Bryce Harper. Fresh off consensus 2010 Golden Spikes award, given out to the years best amateur player, and his Number 1 overall selection by the Washington Nationals in this year’s MLB Draft, this 17-year-old phenom has caught the eyes of the media and made believers out of many baseball fans.
When Topps announced the addition of the USA set in their 2010 Bowman release, collectors began to speculate about the possibilities of Haper being included in the set – and the possibilities of the Harper Superfractor.
Harper has had previously released USA themed cards released by Upper Deck in 2008 and 2009, along with a promotional 2009 Bowman AFLAC card handed out at the 2008 AFLAC All-American game. Not until now, has anyone released a real “chase” card like the Superfractor.
The 2010 Bowman Chrome USA Bryce Harper Superfractor is currently (back) on eBay. Much like it’s much publicized Strasburg counterpart, it’s original listings were all ended due to improper and false bidding. The current auction, at $4,600 with the reserve not met, is just a fraction of what the Strasburg superfractor sold for. Red refractor version of Harper, which are numbered to 5, have been selling anywhere from $2,200 (ungraded) to $13,000 (BGS Pristine).
This card certainly has the potential of reaching near-Strasburgian heights in regards to price, however, I am not sure how well the price will maintain once Harper is included in a Draft version of Bowman, presumably at the end of this year. Hopefully, as an autographed version.
