PA9 Lot: 4
Sold: Feb 20, 2022
$360,000
W/ Buyer's Premium
Bids
40
In 2003, nothing could have been paired more perfectly for the trading card market as Kobe Bryant had established himself as Michael Jordan’s heir apparent, having won three NBA titles and becoming the face of the NBA. The introduction of one of the best rookie classes of all-time coincided with that year as did the release of a revolutionary premium product in Upper Deck Exquisite. At the time, Upper Deck had an exclusive deal with Kobe Bryant, which produced a card for the ages--the ’03 Exquisite Limited Logos insert. Presented in our February Premier Auction is the single finest example in the world-- encased within a pop one PSA 10 holder. Serial stamped along the left border 63/75, this iconic production combines two extremely powerful attributes, which instantly capture the hearts of those who collect the Black Mamba. The first attribute is the Kobe Bryant game-used jersey patch, which is embedded within the card and presents all three Lakers colors: gold, purple, and white. The second attribute is the autograph, boldly penned in blue ink and struck directly on the cards front surface. Also, the cards overall aesthetic turns heads and helped make the Exquisite brand one of the most popular during its seven-year tenure. Since the franchise began in 1947, the L.A. Lakers have become one of the most successful teams in the history of the NBA and have been called home to an extensive list of all-time greats, however, no player captivated the city of Los Angeles like Kobe Bryant. At the age of 18, a dazzling young talent entered the league fresh out of Lower Merion High School, awing the Los Angeles Lakers’ crowd with his soaring dunks and unique talent. Over the length of his 20-year career, Kobe became synonymous with Los Angeles, having won five championships, making 15 All-Star appearances, and holding franchise records in various categories. Though his on-court achievements are among the best of all-time, it was his off court global influence that made him one of the most influential figures in sport and a lasting legend. He created a philosophy he called the “Mamba Mentality,” an approach that required extreme focus, discipline, and enthusiasm. This iconic persona has been adopted by many young athletes today and continues to live on even after his tragic death. If you are in the market for the type of investment that will make you the envy of card collectors everywhere, we recommend this card with our highest level of enthusiasm.
