A Patrick Mahomes rookie card just sold for $4.3 million

I knew it would happen, but just not this soon. You may recall the Tom Brady card that sold for a record-setting amount not too long ago. In fact, I wrote a blog about another Brady rookie card that sold for over a million before that. In that blog, we talked about the possibility of another card coming along that could potentially overtake the GOAT in the football sports card world. Well, it just happened. 

The card appropriately belongs to the player who is primed to be the next great QB in the NFL. Of course, we’re talking about KC quarterback Patrick Mahomes. I’ll tell you all about this card and how it was able to sell for as much as it did, making it the most valuable card ever sold...for now.

As I mentioned before, the previous record was held by a Brady rookie card. Specifically, a 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Rookie Ticket Autograph card, which sold for just over $3 million. Just prior to that, the same card sold for $1.32 million, and the sale of that card overtook the six-figure record set by a Mahomes card. So, as you can see, these two have been fighting for the top spot both on the gridiron and on the auction block. Every time one card sets a record, another one pops up and sells for more. 

This time, Mahomes finds himself on top of the pile, so to speak, with the sale of his 2017 Panini National Treasures NFL shield rookie autograph 1-of-1 card. There’s a mouthful. What makes it even more special is the fact that it comes with the NFL logo, which is from a piece of the game-worn jersey worn by Mahomes during his rookie season.

The card was sold on Wednesday, July 28th through PWCC. Now, I want you to have a look at the card and tell me if you notice something about it...aside from its horizontal presentation.

Kudos if you took note of the 8.5 grade. We’ve talked about Beckett and PSA grading in previous posts. Both are considered two of the most credible card grading services out there. This particular card was graded by Beckett, who gave it an 8.5 grade, which is considered ‘Near Mint-Mint’ by PSA’s standards. 

Now, think about the cards that have come before it. Brady’s $3 million rookie card was graded at BGS 9 (Mint condition) and the card that sold before that for $1.32 million had a PSA 10 grade (Gem Mint). That means that this BGS 8.5 card sold for more than cards that were graded higher. Imagine a Near-Mint card selling for $4.3 million and setting a record in the process. I suppose there’s a first time for everything. The question now is whether it will happen a second, third, or fourth time. 

So, who had the green to make this card a part of their collection? According to reports, PWCC sold it privately to LJ’s Card Shop of New Albany, Ohio. LJ’s considers the card to be a piece of art and is proud to have it as part of their collection. However, that does not mean that it will be placed on some mantle above the cash register. Not by a long shot. 

Those who wish to admire the card will have to travel to the National Sports Collectors Convention in Illinois, where it will be displayed for a few days (maybe a week). After that, it’s lockdown time. Supposedly, once the card has had its time in the spotlight, it will go back to PWCC where they will keep it under lock and key in a vault. I think if I ever paid over $4 million for something I would like to be able to see it every now and then. But, that’s just me. 

Let me know what you think in the comments below and which card you figure will be next to break the record. If these stories teach us anything, it’s that there’s always a more valuable card just waiting to be sold.

Until we meet again,

Vince The Prince