Jerseys, shoes, cards… Items related to the world of sport are breaking auction records, and this time, it's a card Wilt Chamberlain which reached the astronomical figure of 1.7 million dollars! This is a Fleer card from his rookie season in 1961/62.
Organized by Goldin Auctionsthis sale sets a record for a vintage basketball card. The previous record was held by a 1980/81 card of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, which sold for $840,000 in 2021.
A series known for its manufacturing defects…
The craziest part is the story behind the card, which sat in a drawer in a grocery store in Crosby, Minnesota, for “over 60 years,” according to the press release. It was discovered by a family member of the grocery store owner.
Sent for appraisal a few weeks ago, it received a perfect “10” from the SGC, the only 10 ever given to a 1961-62 Fleer card.
“As soon as I saw the card in person, I knew it would change my life,” said Caleb Baker, the card's consigner, in a statement. “I am still in shock that I was able to send this monumental and historic map to Goldin to be classified and put on the market.”
The other particularity of this card is that it is part of the 1961-62 Fleer series known for its manufacturing and printing defects.
