On November 20th, New York City was buzzing with excitement as The Collectors Exchange brought together enthusiasts, experts, and hobbyists for an unforgettable evening. Hosted by Chris Brigandi and Chris Caserta, the event showcased the very best the hobby has to offer. From jaw-dropping memorabilia to insightful discussions, this event delivered on every level.
Highlights From the Hosts’ Collections
Chris Brigandi and Chris Caserta, the evening's hosts, set the tone with stunning highlights from their collection. Among the standout pieces was an original 1977 New York Yankees World Series Trophy, a symbol of one of baseball’s most iconic moments.
Another talking point was a baseball signed by both Roger Maris and Hank Aaron, sparking a lively discussion about whether modern-era home run champions like Aaron Judge or Barry Bonds should be added to the ball. The audience overwhelmingly agreed it should remain untouched, preserving its historical significance.
Additionally, Brigandi and Caserta dedicated a section of the room to showcase exclusive, high-end treasures, including a unique Babe Ruth poster from 1926, a type 1 photo of The Beatles during their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, a signed Rough Riders photo by Teddy Roosevelt, among many other rare sports and historical autographs.
These pieces, rich in historical and cultural significance, captivated the audience and added depth to an already extraordinary event.
Live Authentication by Jimmy Spence
One of the night’s standout moments was witnessing Jimmy Spence of JSA perform live authentications on iconic autographs, including those of Cy Young, Jackie Robinson, and Babe Ruth. Seeing these legendary signatures verified (and rejected) in real-time added an electrifying touch to the evening.
Andrew Eckert of Fanatics: The Future of the Hobby
Andrew Eckert from Fanatics captivated the audience with an enlightening talk about the future of the collectibles industry and Fanatics’ pivotal role in shaping it. As a special treat, Andrew shared his personal collection of college football memorabilia, featuring treasures like a handwritten play by Lou Holtz, Heisman Trophy voting ballots, and an original Notre Dame game-worn jersey.
Khyber Oser of Goldin Auctions: The Power of Iconic Photos
Khyber Oser from Goldin Auctions highlighted the cultural significance of original photographs. Among his showcase items was a famous photograph taken during Jimi Hendrix’s legendary guitar-burning performance, which later graced the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. It was a powerful reminder of how memorabilia connects us to broader cultural moments.
Kevin Cohen: The Super-Collector’s Showcase
Super-collector Kevin Cohen wowed attendees with his breathtaking collection of high-end autographs. Highlights included two Babe Ruth autographs on the same sheet (both graded PSA 10), a handwritten letter by Cap Anson, and a single-signed Babe Ruth baseball (graded PSA 8). Kevin’s collection was a testament to the rarity and allure of truly extraordinary pieces.
Raffles, Giveaways, and Surprises
The evening wrapped up with thrilling raffles featuring incredible prizes valued over $3,000, such as a Luka Doncic signed jersey, a Taylor Swift signed photo, a Mike Tyson signed glove, a 2023 Topps Gilded baseball card box, a Nolan Ryan single-signed baseball, and a special slab display box. In a jaw-dropping moment, the winner of the Topps Gilded box opened it on the spot to discover an Anthony Volpe autographed rookie card, numbered 1/5!
A Night of Success and Celebration
From engaging panel discussions to unforgettable giveaways, The Collectors Exchange was a celebration of the passion and community that define the hobby. Guests left inspired, connected, and excited for what’s next in the world of collecting.
If you missed this year’s event, don’t worry—more incredible experiences are on the horizon. Stay tuned for future announcements, and we’ll see you at the next gathering!
