The 1998 season marked the end of an era for the Chicago Bulls. It was their last championship run with Michael Jordan, who had already announced his retirement at the end of the season. Jordan had led the Bulls to five NBA championships in the past seven years and was widely regarded as the best player in the league. One of the most dominant teams in NBA history, the Bulls rode off into the sunset with a regular season record of 62-20 while winning 15 of their 21 playoff games en route to their sixth championship. This particular jersey was worn by Jordan during a regular season game against an outmatched Toronto Raptors team that was only in their third season. The Bulls dominated with a 123-86 victory with Jordan scoring 16 points.
The limited number of jersey's from MJ's iconic 'Last Dance' season has created a surge in valuations already displayed by the activity surrounding this lot. Through 15 bids the Bulls red road threads have reached $336,000 with a few hours remaining in the event.
The premier 2022 Panini World Cup card features the superstar who cemented his legacy at the recent tournament in Qatar. In January, Goldin sold a different 1/1 example - the Nebular Choice Prizm - for $97,201. This Gold Prizm has already doubled that price with 26 bids pushing the tally above $194,000 with buyer's premium. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Messi scored two goals in the title game while converting a shootout attempt to lead Argentina to victory over France.
Messi's greatness is difficult to quantify but with a record seven Ballon d'Or awards, six European Golden Shoes, and now a World Cup, Messi has earned G.O.A.T status while continuing to build on a record-breaking career. At the peak of the card market, Goldin sold a 2014 World Cup Gold Prizm for $522,000 to establish a new record for any Messi card. While this 2022 edition will be hard pressed to reach anywhere near $500k, it should become the most expensive Messi sold this year while also giving collectors and investors an update on where the high-end soccer market stands.
Some cards, regardless of price, are just really cool.
Exhibit A is this Fleer Metal Universe Precious Metal Gem of New York Yankee icon Derek Jeter. By the time this card was released, #2 had already established himself as a star in pinstripes. Printed after the 1998 season and released in 1999, the card debuted at a time when 'The Captain' was creating his legacy in the Bronx. The '99 campaign was particularly successful for Jeter as he hit 24 home runs, a season high over his 20-year career while also recorded 102 RBIs - the only time he ever eclipsed the century-mark in a season. The Yankees would go on to win the AL East pennant before dismantling the Texas Rangers 3-0 in the Division Series to setup a matchup with rival Boston in the ALCS. The Yanks made short work of the Red Sox, defeating them in five games. Jeter led all players with a .350 average in the series while adding a home run and seven total hits.
At the time of publication, this PSA 9 graded example is the lone mint copy within PSA's census with none graded higher. The card captures Jeter making a throw across the diamond against an electrifying canvas only captured by 1990s PMG cards. With 24 bids the card has reached $31,000 after BP.
All Images via Goldin
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