Hindman proudly presents its Grails and GOATS auction ending on March 24, 2023. Grails and GOATS. Words synonymous with reaching the unattainable, the pinnacle. Words that drive the quest of all collectors of sports memorabilia. Whether it be discovering the final piece of a collection or acknowledging an athlete’s place in history as the greatest of all time. Hindman is proud to offer this single-owner collection curated over decades with those two words as its compass. Bid, view and register for the auction here.
Presented in 89 lots, with an unopened box of 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Cards as the premier highlight, Grails & GOATS features an impressive display of treasures across different areas of focus such as standout rookie cards, unopened vending boxes and autographs. Grails & GOATS – a collection to be remembered just like the athletes it honors.
Bid, view and register for the auction here. Sale 1201 – Grails and Goats Auction March 24, 2023 at 10 AM CST ONLINE.
Hindman presents an unopened box of 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Cards featuring a Michael Jordan Rookie Card No. 57 on top of one pack as the centerpiece of its March 24th single-owner Grails and GOATS auction. This untouched and remarkably preserved box represents one of the finest examples of this storied issue to ever come to market and is the ultimate treasure for basketball trading card hobbyists. The unopened Fleer box is the crown jewel of a carefully developed 89-lot collection built over the course of two decades, and features additional quintessential examples of unopened vending boxes, standout rookie cards and autographs from numerous multiple legendary athletes.
The Grail Amongst Grails
The unopened box of 1986-1987 Fleer Basketball cards (lot 48; estimate: $80,000-120,000) features 36 impeccably preserved packs of cards as originally issued by the factory, highlighted by the most renowned card, a pack with card No. 57 – a Michael Jordan rookie on top. The Jordan card captures an iconic moment soaring to the basket, tongue out and arm extended for a beautiful dunk. This seminal item was authenticated and reviewed Baseball Card Exchange.
As one of the most celebrated athletes of all time, Michael Jordan’s rookie year is one of the most significant times in the history of basketball, and the No. 57 card perfectly encapsulates the essence of what skyrocketed a 21-year-old from North Carolina into one of the most recognizable people on the planet. It’s no wonder, then that the Fleer Jordan No. 57 is one of the most desired cards in the hobby.
An unopened box of 1980-81 Topps Basketball Cards (lot 43; estimate: $15,000-25,000), potentially with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson rookie cards, is also expected to draw a great deal of attention. The 1979 NBA campaign ushered in a new era of basketball that literally changed the game. Following a historic NCAA Championship matchup, the rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson renewed in the Association and by many accounts saved professional basketball. The following year, Topps issued a unique three-panel series of basketball cards that featured the first appearance of Bird and Magic along with established legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving.
An Unopened Box of 1980 Topps Basketball Cards (36 Packs) BBCE Authenticated (Possible Magic Johnson/Larry Bird Rookie Cards)
Estimate: $15,000 – $25,000
Rookie Cards & Memorabilia
For those seeking out additional basketball rookie year memorabilia, standout items include an extraordinary Kobe Bryant full name autographed official NBA basketball (lot 69; estimate: $3,000-5,000). The vast majority of Bryant’s autographs featured just his first name with his jersey number when signing as a player, making this a highly sought after piece of memorabilia from one of the most impactful athletes of the 21st century.
Exceptional baseball rookie cards to be offered also include a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle Rookie Baseball Card No. 253 (lot 2; estimate: $3,000-5,000), a striking example of Mantle’s first appearance on a baseball card. Known as “The Commerce Comet,” this card features rich colors and strong registration. A 1993 Factory Sealed Box of Upper Deck SP Baseball Cards potentially containing a Derek Jeter rookie card is another highlight (lot 41; estimate: $2.000-3,000).
Auction Highlights Include:
- An Unopened Box of 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Cards (36 Packs) BBCE Authenticated
- An Unopened Box of 1980 Topps Basketball Cards (36 Packs) BBCE Authenticated
- A 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle Rookie Baseball Card No. 253 (SGC AUTHENTIC)
- A Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird 1992 United States Olympic Dream Team Signed Autograph Limited Edition
- An Upper Deck Authenticated Magic Johnson Multi Signed Autograph Los Angeles Lakers Shadowbox Display
- A 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Basketball Card No. 57 (BGS 7.5 NEAR MINT+)
- An Original 11 Subject 500 Home Run Club Signed Autograph Baseball With Two Mickey Mantle Signatures
- A Factory Sealed Box of 1993 Upper Deck SP Baseball Cards (Derek Jeter Rookie)
Bidding for the March 24th auction will begin at 10am CT and will be available online through Hindman’s Digital Bid Room. Additional information can be found online here, and the digital catalogue can be viewed here.
