CHICAGO — A South Side native’s chance purchase of religious trading cards has turned into a once-in-a-lifetime discovery — and potentially a life-changing windfall. Brian Sleeth, who grew up near Midway Airport and now lives in Florida, recently found a rare one-of-one Pope Leo XIV trading card in a pack ordered from Topps.
The unique Gold Superfractor card, featuring Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV, is currently up for auction with a bid of $4,500, but collectors say it could ultimately sell for $30,000–$40,000 — or even six figures if autographed.
“I didn’t pick the card — the card picked me,” Sleeth said. “It was a moment of calm. I just knew something special had arrived.”
From Childhood Comics to a One-of-One Discovery
Sleeth’s journey into collecting started years ago, when his grandmother gifted him a Marvel comic about Pope John Paul II. That sparked a lifelong interest in religious memorabilia, sports cards, and comics. Today, he sells collectibles full-time while caring for his aging parents in Florida.
When he ordered 80 Pope Leo XIV trading cards to share with his church and family, he never expected to find the only known Gold Superfractor card nestled inside.
“The energy coming from that package was amazing,” he said. “I could feel it before I even opened it.”
The Card’s Deep Symbolism and Chicago Roots
The card depicts Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff — and a former substitute teacher at St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Chicago, where Sleeth once attended services. For him, the card is more than a collector’s item.
“It’s faith, history, pop culture and rarity, all in one,” Sleeth said. “This isn’t just cardboard. It’s a cultural artifact.”
The card arrives at a symbolic moment. Just weeks ago, Chicago hosted a citywide celebration of Pope Leo XIV at Rate Field, drawing thousands of Catholics to honor the local-born pontiff.
What’s It Worth? Experts Say the Market Will Decide
Chicago memorabilia appraiser Michael Osacky, founder of Baseball In the Attic, said that while religious cards aren’t typically high-value, this one could be an exception.
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Estimated auction value: $30,000–$40,000
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If signed: Up to $100,000
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Grading: CGC Mint 9
“This card is sort of esoteric. It’s not like a Michael Jordan rookie,” Osacky said. “But someone will connect with it deeply — and pay accordingly.”
Sleeth said he hopes the card’s sale can help support his caregiving responsibilities. His father suffers from dementia, and his mother also requires full-time assistance.
“If this card helps provide the care we’ve always wanted for them, then it was meant to be,” he said.
Where the Card Goes Next
The Pope Leo XIV Superfractor will be displayed at Fanatics Fest NYC later this month. It’s also featured in the online auction on Fanatics Collect, where bidders have just over a week left to claim it.
Sleeth says the card — and the path it took to reach him — is part of something bigger.
“This moment brings everything full circle. From comic books to caring for my family, to a card that may bless us in return.”
What Does Pope Leo XIV Mean to You or Your Community?
Have a local connection to Pope Leo XIV or a story of spiritual collectibles that changed your life? Share it with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com, where personal stories and community ties matter.
