Sotheby’s auction features earliest known Pikachu card

Sotheby’s is set to host a unique auction in partnership with Fanatics, focusing on rare and valuable sports cards. Scheduled for September 23 and 24 in New York, the event, dubbed the Holy Grails trading card auction, will feature 40 highly sought-after cards. Among the highlights are a 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson card, valued between $275,000 and $350,000, and a 2005-06 card signed by Michael Jordan and Julius Erving, estimated at over $1 million. In addition to these iconic sports cards, the auction will also showcase significant Pokémon cards, including a Japanese Alpha Prototype card from 1995, which is considered one of the rarest Pikachu cards in existence. Other notable items include a pristine 1st Edition Base Set Charizard Holo card and a base set of 1999 Disco Holo Square Cut Test Prints, each expected to fetch up to $500,000. The auction is part of a new platform called Fanatics Collect, which aims to create a marketplace for rare sports collectibles, similar to eBay. This collaboration with Sotheby’s ensures a professional and smooth auction process, with all cards being properly sealed and graded by experts. As the auction approaches, collectors and enthusiasts are encouraged to explore their own collections, as they may possess valuable cards that could be worth significant amounts in the current market. The event highlights the growing interest and investment potential in the trading card industry.