Sotheby’s and Fanatics Set to Redefine Trading Card Industry with Inaugural “Holy Grails” Auction
This September, Sotheby’s and Fanatics are set to revolutionize the trading card industry with their inaugural auction, “Holy Grails.” This groundbreaking event will showcase a curated assortment of over 40 of the rarest and most coveted trading cards from the 20th and 21st centuries, celebrating legendary athletes such as Tom Brady, LeBron James, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente and many more.
The “Holy Grails” auction concept pays tribute to the collector community’s profound admiration for these rare and elusive treasures. Collectors often spend years in pursuit of these prized items. Now, in response, Sotheby’s and Fanatics are bringing together the most exceptional and sought-after pieces – the ultimate “Holy Grails” of the collecting world.
In that spirit, the exhibition and auction will be held at the Harlem Parish, a magnificent deconsecrated church on West 118th Street in New York City – a fitting backdrop for these objects of devotion. Sotheby’s and Fanatics will bring the space to life with an immersive exhibition and auction, creating an energized atmosphere evocative of stadium entertainment at the height of refinement and luxury. The exhibition will be open to the public from 23 – 24, with the live auction set to take place on 24 September.
“Holy Grails” is just the latest example of Sotheby’s investment in immersive experiences that redefine the traditional auction landscape. Earlier this year, the watch-collecting community was captivated by ‘Rough Diamonds,’ an auction concept which featured a tightly curated assortment of avant-garde timepieces. The sale was held in an underground wine cellar, with a bespoke public exhibition designed to take full advantage of the unexpected location. In a similar vein, Sotheby’s and Fanatics’ presentation of ‘Holy Grails’ aims to disrupt the status quo in the trading card industry.
“From the outset, our aim was to create an immersive auction experience unlike anything ever seen in the trading card industry,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectables. “By choosing the iconic Harlem Parish as our venue and through bold, visual scenography and property displays, we are reimagining what the trading card industry means for collectors and enthusiasts. With this innovative approach, we’re not only shaking up the industry but also bringing cards into today’s modern world in a way that’s truly unprecedented.”
“We’re excited to help build an auction the hobby industry has never seen before: from the creative physical set up, to the incredible cards in the lot to the fans and collectors in attendance,” said Chris Lamontagne, president of Fanatics Collect and Fanatics Live.