eBay has partnered with the MINT Collective and Collectable for an auction of high-end sports cards and memorabilia that opened Wednesday.

“The focal point of Japan’s ravenous WBC consumption is Shohei Ohtani. Since the start of March, the dual threat has added 2.8 million followers on Instagram, becoming the most followed MLB player on the platform.”

“Nat Turner (CEO, Collectors) said it is now the ‘fastest growing category inside of PSA as far as submissions [go].’ The number of tickets submitted to the company rose 173% between 2020 and 2021, and another 164% YoY last year.”

“The Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon was bought by an unnamed collector for a whopping 45.45 million Hong Kong dollars, or $5.8 million, at a virtual Christie’s auction in Hong Kong. “

The rare MTG card, signed by artist Christopher Rush, brought $615,000 at auction.

“Sports cards and other collectibles are hotter than ever — and the pandemic has played a part.”

“As collectible prices boomed in recent years, multiple tennis stars’ trading cards sold for over $10,000 each. Yet, the biggest manufacturers have not made a robust product for the sport. That could change as soon as this year. “

“While the rich may not be any smarter than the rest of us…they have historically been ahead of the game when it comes to driving the alternative investment category. Especially as it pertains to the ‘Passion’ investments which I’ll be highlighting.”