Tennis living legend Serena Williams has made history once again, but this time not because of anything she directly achieved on the court.
According to Dan Hajducky of ESPN, a rookie card from 2003 autographed by Williams sold for $44,280 at Goldin Auctions on Sunday. That set a new record for the price of any women's sports card, breaking the previous mark of $34,440 attached to the sale of a 1992 S.I. for Kids Mia Hamm rookie card.
The Hamm card sold in June.
Final Sale Price: $44,280
— Goldin Auctions (@GoldinAuctions) October 25, 2021
An all-time record for any women’s sports card. pic.twitter.com/ewE61yQfBI
An alternative-asset trading platform purchased the Williams card on behalf of a private client.
Hajducky added that a Naomi Osaka 2020 Topps Transcendent 1-of-1 autograph sold for $40,590.
Final Sale Price: $40,590
— Goldin Auctions (@GoldinAuctions) October 25, 2021
An all-time record for any @naomiosaka card. pic.twitter.com/vwWfe2fIPn
"I believe it will [get crazier] for Serena," Goldin Auctions executive chairman and founder Ken Goldin said of the future market for Williams merchandise. "We're gonna have new women's tennis product come out, I think that's a 100% lock. Serena -- much like Jordan was included in Upper Deck basketball when they had the license for years after he retired -- will be included in those products long after she's retired.
"As new companies, like Fanatics, start producing cards, their job is to broaden the customer base and go more international: Serena is very international. I could definitely see tremendous future growth for all of her collectables, not just her trading cards."
Williams turned 40 years old last month and has won a total of 23 Grand Slam titles, one behind the all-time record held by Margaret Court. One wonders if her autograph will ultimately be worth even more if she matches or passes Court before calling time on her legendary career.
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