Ecosystem creates specialized markets within it

(Cards, from B10]

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VENDOR Marion Owens completes a transaction at Frank and Son in Industry.

(Ronaldo Bolanos Los Angeles Times)

The one-of-one sold for $12.932 million, a sum that topped a Mickey Mantle card that went for $12.6 million in August 2022. The Jordan-Bryant card is the second-most expensive sports collectible of all time, trailing Babe Ruths 1932 World Series jersey, which he wore when he called his shot, that cost $24.12 million.

On Dec. 19, Heritage Auctions set a sales record for the year by crossing the $2-billion mark. The cards sold that day included a 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Jordan-Bryant card for $3,172,000 — this one was not autographed.

The trading card business has grown so much, the ecosystem has created specialized markets within it. Collectors can chase a specific team; stick to vintage cards; complete a set of prints with mistakes; chase specific relics of their favorite team; or even just buy cards to resell them for the sole purpose of buying more to flip.

“I know for a fact, a lot of men like to show off their collection,” Adam Campbell, sports cards specialist with Heritage Auction, said. “People love to have good, cool collections,” he added.