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Jason Koonce, the founder of OTIA Sports and a significant figure in the sports memorabilia world, recently had a momentous experience alongside basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins. In a video featured on TMZ, the duo were seen opening a pack of 1986 Fleer basketball cards, which is renowned for containing rookie cards of numerous NBA legends, including Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, and Hakeem Olajuwon, in addition to Wilkins himself​​.

During this card break, Wilkins pulled out his own rookie card, an event that generated excitement among the group, as Koonce assured that the card was not planted, emphasizing the authenticity of the moment. He stated, "This was sealed, this was not planned... That is insane. On my kid's life, that was not set up!" The value of these cards can be quite significant, with some in excellent condition being listed for thousands of dollars. The video also captured Wilkins wishing he had pulled a Michael Jordan rookie card instead, highlighting the high esteem in which Jordan's memorabilia is held​​.

Koonce's passion for sports memorabilia is not just a business but a pursuit of preserving sports history through collectibles. He has been able to carve a niche for himself in the industry, with an impressive collection valued at around $50 million. His collection includes rare rookie cards, signed memorabilia, and other items that represent significant moments or figures in sports. In an interview with Sports Card Investor, Koonce shared insights into his collection, offering advice on what makes a collectible valuable, such as authenticity, condition, and historical significance. He has a particular fondness for items that not only have rarity but also carry personal stories and impact sports.

Koonce's dedication to the craft of collecting is evident in his approach to acquiring memorabilia. In an interview with Sports Card Investor, Koonce revealed the extent of his $50 million collection, which includes some of the most sought-after items in sports collectibles. He walked the viewers through a history-rich cache of cards and memorabilia, explaining how each item, acquired through shrewd negotiations, represents a significant moment or sports figure. Koonce emphasized that the true value of collectibles lies not just in their rarity, but in their authenticity, condition, and the personal stories they embody. His expertise has not only placed him at the pinnacle of sports memorabilia collecting but has also made him a custodian of sports history. His work preserves the legacy of sports through these tangible pieces of history, and his insights offer a window into the world of high-stakes collecting​​.

This reflection of sports history through memorabilia, as Koonce and Wilkins demonstrated in their card break, serves to connect generations of sports enthusiasts not only with the game but with the legends who have shaped it. The joy and surprise captured in the video where Wilkins finds his own rookie card, and the hope for a Jordan card, underline the enduring allure and emotional connection fans and collectors have with these pieces of sports heritage​​.

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