Goldin Elite Auction Closing August 22 10PM Est
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/23/2020
Encapsulated and graded MINT 9 by BGS, with signature graded "10" by Beckett. Rookie Card, and the most widely pursued debut-year collectible of our time. The perennial MVP candidate has placed a superb, blue ink signature on the obverse of this indescribably desirable, "Superfractors" commemorative. The card's BGS condition report: Centering 9.5, Corners 9, Edges 9, Surface 9. A special logo on the card's front declares, "Certified Autograph Issue," attesting to the authenticity of the signature and serving as Topps' COA. The wholly unique, limited-edition piece is serial-numbered "1/1." Such an abbreviated mintage, by itself, defines the concept of "rarity" in terms of indisputable clarity.
Mike Trout holds recognition as the most celebrated ballplayer of his time, a fact affirmed by his signing, in 2019, of the richest contract in baseball history. Trout's athleticism, his personality and his character inspire admiration and devotion among serious and casual fans, alike. His record of achievement – the 3 A.L. MVP Awards, the 8 All-Star Games and the 7 Silver Slugger Awards, to name just a few – represent the foundation of what projects to be an incomparable legacy. Additionally, Trout's constant and determined efforts to improve his skills and elevate the quality of his performance suggest that his past greatness is merely the preamble to an even brighter future.
The 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout designs, in particular, have already reached unheard-of pinnacles of value: this piece's counterpart, a "Red Refractor," serial-numbered "5/5," achieved a heretofore unimaginable, record-breaking result in our Spring, 2020 sale, fetching an astounding $922,500. The industry's most elite signed, limited-edition Mike Trout Rookie Cards have posted across-the-board price increases in recent years, with even the issues made in larger numbers than the spectacular "5/5" piece cited here routinely commanding auction prices well in excess of six figures.
However, prospective bidders viewing this amazing and distinctive "Superfractor" collectible will certainly feel the necessity to thoughtfully ponder a comparison of the peerless and effectively priceless "1/1," offered here, to a boundlessly worthy and impressive "5/5." The former is more rare than the latter by a significant degree (or, to venture into a surrealistic perspective, the second piece can be seen as five times more common). No matter how the analysis goes, observers of this particular, inevitably newsworthy sale are almost certainly gazing at the first multi-million-dollar Mike Trout card! It's becoming increasingly clear that Mike Trout cards, Goldin Auctions and the hobby itself are poised, together, to reach breathtaking heights that dramatically transcend the expectations of the past.
Presented here is a truly stellar collectible, featuring the Angels star who is widely regarded as the greatest baseball player of his generation. Its appeal is universal, and its potential is essentially limitless. Singular Mint condition.