A unique trading card featuring Nick Kurtz has set the auction world ablaze, selling for an impressive $516,000 early on January 6, 2026. This sale marks the second highest price for a card in the Topps MLB Debut Patch series, trailing only behind the record set by Paul Skenes, whose card sold for $1.11 million last year.
Kurtz’s card, the 2025 Topps Chrome Update MLB Debut Patch rookie autographed card, stands out as a one-of-a-kind piece that has not been graded. The auction took place through Fanatics Collect during their January Premier auction event. Remarkably, Kurtz himself had initially estimated that the card would only be worth “a couple hundred bucks” when he signed it, demonstrating the soaring demand for collectibles in the sports card market.
A New Benchmark for Collectibles
The sale of Kurtz’s card significantly exceeds the previous record for the second-highest sale in the series, which was held by Jackson Holliday at $198,000. Kurtz still has a considerable way to go to catch Skenes, whose card is prominently displayed at a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Pittsburgh.
The MLB Debut Patch series was first introduced in 2023, with each player wearing a patch on their jersey during their inaugural Major League Baseball game. After the game, the patch is authenticated and transformed into a unique card signed by the player. The latest batch of these cards can be found in the 2025 Topps Chrome Update series.
Kurtz’s recent sale surpasses the previous top price for his cards. Just weeks before, his 2025 Topps Chrome Superfractor one-of-one autographed card sold for $86,620 through Goldin, which had set a high watermark for his collectibles.
Rising Stars and Market Trends
The excitement surrounding Kurtz’s sale reflects a broader trend in the sports card market, where prices are climbing for unique and rare items. Cards for other players, such as Marcelo Mayer of the Boston Red Sox and Luisangel Acuña, who was recently traded from the New York Mets to the Chicago White Sox, also made headlines. Their MLB Debut Patch cards sold for $54,000 and $30,000 respectively on the same day.
The list of the top ten sales in the Topps MLB Debut Patch series further underscores the financial intensity of this market, with collectors eager to invest in standout pieces. As the landscape of sports memorabilia continues to evolve, the spotlight remains firmly on the players and the unique items that commemorate their achievements.
The rapid rise in value of these trading cards illustrates a burgeoning interest in sports collectibles, driven by fan engagement and a desire for tangible connections to athletes. As collectors and investors alike keep a close eye on the market, the future of sports memorabilia looks promising.
