A rare autographed Kobe Bryant trading card from the 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection recently sold for $1.22 million through Goldin Auctions. The card, part of the Emblems of Endorsements subset, includes both Bryant’s signature and a piece of game-worn jersey. Considered one of the most sought-after modern basketball cards, it attracted significant interest from collectors.
This particular set, released during the early 2000s, has gained a reputation in the hobby for its premium design and limited print runs. The Emblems of Endorsements cards feature two key components highly valued by collectors: an autograph and a multicolored patch taken from a jersey worn by the player during an NBA game.
Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, remains a prominent figure in the basketball card market. Despite his passing in 2020, demand for his memorabilia remains strong. Cards from Upper Deck’s Exquisite Collection, especially those produced in the early years of the product line, are often associated with high auction prices due to their rarity and quality.
The final price of $1.22 million includes a buyer’s premium, which is a standard fee added to the hammer price of auctioned items. Goldin Auctions did not disclose the identity of the buyer.
This sale places the card among the highest-selling Kobe Bryant collectibles to date. As the trading card market continues to mature, sales of cards featuring iconic players like Bryant are frequently setting new records.
Collectors and industry experts view this sale as further evidence of enduring interest in Bryant’s legacy, as well as the growing stability and value of the high-end sports card market. The Upper Deck Exquisite Collection continues to serve as a benchmark for premium basketball trading cards more than two decades after its initial release.
