In a moment collectors can only dream about, a then‑Army First Sergeant going by the handle @armyatc22 uncovered one of the most unique trading cards in the world—a one‑of‑one 2007–08 Upper Deck Exquisite Basketball card featuring NBA legends Steve Nash and John Stockton with game‑used NBA logo patches.
A Once‑in‑a‑Lifetime Pull
In 2008, while opening a box of the premium 2007–08 Upper Deck Exquisite Basketball product, the sergeant stumbled onto a card that stood apart from the rest: a dual autographed patch card of Nash and Stockton, reportedly the only one of its kind in existence.
The find quickly circulated among card‑collecting communities and on social platforms, with posts showing the card and excited reactions from fans worldwide.
About the Card and the Set
The Upper Deck Exquisite Basketball line is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and high‑end basketball card products ever produced. First launched in the early 2000s, Exquisite packs were originally sold at a hefty price—typically around $500 per pack—and contained a mix of autographs, memorabilia, and limited inserts that were far scarcer than those in other sets.
Steve Nash & John Stockton—A Legendary Pair
Steve Nash, a two‑time NBA MVP, and John Stockton, one of the league’s all‑time assist leaders, are both iconic figures in basketball history. A card featuring them together—especially one embedded with actual NBA logo patches from game‑used jerseys—represents a rare and culturally significant collectible for fans of vintage basketball and card hobbyists alike.
While specific auction or sale records for this exact Nash–Stockton patch card haven’t been widely published, similar Upper Deck Exquisite cards with dual autographs and patch pieces are highly sought after by collectors and can command substantial prices.
Why This Find Matters
Cards from the Exquisite Collection—especially those that are unique (1/1) or include game‑used memorabilia—are among the most prized in the hobby. Just one example from this same era—a 2007–08 Upper Deck Exquisite Dual Logoman Autographs card featuring Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant—sold at auction for a record $12.93 million, making it the most expensive sports card ever.
Although the Nash‑Stockton card hasn’t reached anywhere near that record figure publicly, the fact that it was pulled from retail product and is believed to be a true 1/1 item makes it a remarkable piece of memorabilia that resonates with collectors.
The Exquisite Legacy
The Exquisite line itself played a pivotal role in elevating the hobby’s high‑end market. Featuring limited print runs, on‑card autographs, and pieces of game‑worn jerseys, Exquisite became a staple for serious basketball card collectors and helped set the stage for today’s premium products from other manufacturers as well.
In summary: an Army first sergeant’s pull of a unique Steve Nash/John Stockton dual memorabilia card from the 2007–08 Upper Deck Exquisite Basketball set stands as one of the hobby’s most exciting stories—a true once‑in‑a‑lifetime find that showcases the magic and unpredictability of sports card collecting.
