Mariners-Themed Raccoon Card Fetches $21,100 on eBay

A unique piece of sports memorabilia highlighting a viral sensation turned into a significant payday for a 13-year-old collector. A one-of-one gold rookie card featuring Jimothy—a raccoon that gained fame near the Seattle Mariners’ ballpark—sold for $21,100 on Sunday night. The transaction took place on eBay Inc., attracting 100 bids after starting at an opening price of $0.99.

The card originated from a promotional giveaway held at T-Mobile Park earlier this month. To capitalize on the animal’s internet popularity, the Mariners organized two Jimothy-themed events on August 5 and 7. During these games, the team distributed 20,000 physical cards to fans, utilizing a tiered rarity system similar to traditional trading cards. While many attendees received base versions or limited parallel prints, the gold variant was a unique prize.

After securing the rare item at the stadium, the young fan, identified as Abby, chose to list the item on eBay’s marketplace. The auction saw rapid escalation in price over a few days, ultimately closing well above the five-figure mark. The sale underscores the robust demand for niche collectibles on resale platforms, where unique cultural moments often translate into high-value transactions.

eBay Inc. remains a central hub for such high-profile collectible sales, facilitating connections between sellers and a global audience of enthusiasts. The company’s marketplace continues to be a destination for rare finds, ranging from traditional sports cards to viral internet memorabilia.

Source: original release

What to watch

• eBay’s future quarterly results for data on GMV related to collectibles and trading cards.