Fanatics and Sotheby’s to Unveil “Exquisite | Capsule Collection” Auction

Fanatics and Sotheby’s are partnering once again to deliver another monumental event in the sports card world. Following the success of their first auction, the duo is set to present the “Exquisite | Capsule Collection,” a curated selection of rare Upper Deck Exquisite cards. The auction is slated to go live on December 16th and is expected to draw significant attention from collectors worldwide.

Following Up on the “Holy Grails” Success​

This summer, Fanatics and Sotheby’s debuted their partnership with the “Holy Grails” auction, a showcase of some of the most valuable sports cards ever offered. The event achieved $7 million in sales from just 33 cards, with highlights including:

• A 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente PSA 9 that sold for $840,000.
• A 2003 LeBron James Exquisite rookie patch autograph, which fetched $432,000.
• A Shohei Ohtani card, setting a then-record at $336,000.

The “Holy Grails” auction demonstrated the growing demand for rare, high-value sports cards, cementing Fanatics and Sotheby’s as key players in this burgeoning market.

Spotlight on Upper Deck Exquisite​

The upcoming “Exquisite | Capsule Collection” focuses exclusively on Upper Deck’s Exquisite series, a line that redefined the sports card industry. Known for its innovative Rookie Patch Autographs (RPAs) and premium designs, Exquisite has long been a favorite among collectors of high-end cards.

This carefully curated auction will feature 11 rare cards, including:

• Iconic LeBron James pieces.
• A Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman triple Logoman card, celebrating the Chicago Bulls’ championship dynasty.

Collectors often view these cards as more than just memorabilia—they’re considered true works of art due to their craftsmanship and the historical significance of the athletes they feature.

The Revolutionary Impact of Exquisite​

When Upper Deck introduced the Exquisite line, it broke new ground in the industry. Designed by Karvin Cheung, the product pioneered high-end Rookie Patch Autographs at price points that were unprecedented at the time. Initially met with skepticism, Exquisite has since become the benchmark for premium sports cards, with today’s market values far surpassing those early price points.

Save the Date​

The “Exquisite | Capsule Collection” promises to be another landmark event for the sports card market. With Sotheby’s reputation for presenting premier collectibles and Fanatics’ influence in the industry, this auction could set new records.

The auction will go live on December 16th. For collectors and fans, this is a rare opportunity to own some of the most exceptional cards ever produced. Don’t miss your chance to witness the next chapter in sports card history.