Landon Donovan Scores Big for Country, Collectors
Landon Donovan’s shot heard ‘round the world (and World Cup) less than one minute into extra time Wednesday gave the U.S. national team a stirring 1-0 victory over Algeria, a win in Group C and entry into the round of 16 for just the fourth time since 1930.
It also sent Donovan’s two autographed trading cards – 2004 Absolute Memorabilia Fans of the Game and 2010 Upper Deck MLS – escalating uncontrollably in value almost immediately after ricocheting off his instantly legendary right foot.
Donovan, the face of American soccer, first appeared on a certified autograph trading card in 2004, pictured as a Los Angeles Dodgers fan as part of an insert set in the Playoff Absolute Baseball set.
That card, prior to Wednesday, was valued at a mere $40 but had been selling for as much as $75 during the first 10 days of the World Cup. In the moments after the U.S. national team’s victory over Algeria, one of the cards on eBay had eclipsed the $100 barrier with three hours still remaining while four new copies of the card had been listed within minutes of the outcome, with two sporting Buy It Now prices of $499.99 and the other two featuring $200 price tags.
One copy of his 2010 Upper Deck MLS autograph card, released in May, sold last week for $249.99.
Tracy Hackler is the editorial director for Beckett Media. Have a comment or question? Send an e-mail to him at thackler@beckett.com. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here.
[…] That card, prior to Wednesday, was valued at a mere $40 but had been selling for as much as $75 during the first 10 days of the World Cup. In the moments after the U.S. national team’s victory over Algeria, one of the cards on eBay had eclipsed the $100 barrier with three hours still remaining while four new copies of the card had been listed within minutes of the outcome, with two sporting Buy It Now prices of $499.99 and the other two featuring $200 price tags. (via Beckett Blog) […]
[…] That card, prior to Wednesday, was valued at a mere $40 but had been selling for as much as $75 during the first 10 days of the World Cup. In the moments after the U.S. national team’s victory over Algeria, one of the cards on eBay had eclipsed the $100 barrier with three hours still remaining while four new copies of the card had been listed within minutes of the outcome, with two sporting Buy It Now prices of $499.99 and the other two featuring $200 price tags. (via Beckett Blog) […]