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After spending nearly two decades in a private collection, a significant piece of sports memorabilia made history. The 2003 Upper Deck Ultimate Logos autograph card of Michael Jordan, sold for an astounding $2.9 million. This sale set a new record, making it the highest-selling Michael Jordan card ever auctioned. The card is unique, labeled 1/1, indicating its singular existence. It features Jordan's blue ink autograph and a game-used NBA “Logoman” patch, elements that contribute to its rarity and value.

The auction for this card started at $200,000 on April 19 and rapidly escalated as collectors recognized its rarity. The bidding process was intense, with 38 bids placed. It culminated in a winning bid of $2.4 million at 11:30 PM EDT on a Saturday night. The authentication by PSA gave the card an 'Authentic' rating and a perfect 10 grade for the signature, factors that undoubtedly fueled the bidding frenzy.

This record-breaking sale surpassed the previous record of $2.7 million paid in 2021 for one of the 23 1997-98 Upper Deck Game-Used Jersey Jordan autographed cards. That earlier card featured a swatch from Jordan’s 1992 All-Star Game jersey and his signature, and was among the first jersey cards ever inserted into sports card packs. The new record emphasizes not only the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan but also the high stakes involved in sports memorabilia collecting.

The auction, dubbed the Goldin 'Elite 100,' featured an array of high-end trading cards, game-worn memorabilia, and other collectible items, showcasing the vast market for sports collectibles. Notably, two other Jordan cards were auctioned off: a 1986-87 Fleer rookie card graded PSA 10 sold for $292,800, and a 1997-98 Skybox Precious Metal Gems Red card graded BGS 8 fetched $298,900. These sales underline the robust interest in Jordan-related collectibles.

The auction also featured other remarkable items, such as the only graded example of the 1890-92 John Ryder Studio Cy Young cabinet card, which sold for $500,200. Additional notable sales included a 1933 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth card, which fetched $219,600, and a 1/1 2017 Panini Flawless Symbolic Signatures Patrick Mahomes card, which brought in $129,931.

One standout piece of memorabilia was the jersey Kobe Bryant wore during the 2012-13 NBA season when he famously tore his Achilles tendon yet remained in the game to shoot free throws. This jersey, signed by Bryant, sold for over $1.2 million, emphasizing the emotional and historical value such items can hold for fans and collectors alike.

Even outside the basketball sphere, notable sales included Jordan's Nike shoes from a 1985 exhibition game in Italy, where he famously shattered a backboard. These shoes, which still contained a piece of glass from the backboard in the sole, were sold for $413,580.