Basketball cards have long been cherished by sports enthusiasts and collectors alike. While many basketball cards hold sentimental value, there is a select group that transcends mere sentiment and ascends to astronomical financial heights. This article delves into the realm of elite collectibles, exploring the rarefied air of the 9 most expensive basketball cards ever sold. From Michael Jordan to LeBron James, from iconic rookie cards to limited editions, each entry on this exclusive list showcases the passion, dedication, and deep pockets of those who seek to own a piece of basketball immortality.
8 Anthony Davis Autographed Panini National Treasures PSA 10 ($1.045 Million)
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Goldin Auctions handled the sale of this particular card, which commenced with a remarkably high starting bid of $150,000. This card, in high demand, attracted the attention of 26 bidders who bid against each other to secure the winning bid. In the end, the card fetched over $1 million, solidifying its position as the most expensive Anthony Davis card ever sold. The Anthony Davis Autographed Panini National Treasures card will forever hold a special place in the annals of basketball card collecting, serving as a testament to the passionate pursuit of owning a piece of sporting history.
7 Giannis Antetokounmpo Panini Prizm #290 PSA 9.5 ($1.16 Million)
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Goldin Auctions was also responsible for managing the sale of this card. Out of a pair of cards featuring the same player, it is one of only two that have surpassed the $1 million mark in terms of value. What sets this specific card apart from the rest? Quite simply, there is no other trading card that matches its unique characteristics. It was intentionally crafted to be a singular and unparalleled item, and it remains in remarkably pristine condition. The combination of these two factors, along with the immense popularity of the player depicted, elevates the card’s worth to an exceptional level, as exemplified by its remarkable selling price.
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6 LeBron James Upper Deck Ultimate Signatures PSA 10 ($1.2 Million)
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5 Giannis Antetokounmpo Autographed Panini National Treasures PSA 9 ($1.8 Million)
Presented here is an additional instance of an exceedingly scarce trading card that fetched a substantial sum of money during an auction. In fact, it established a new record as the highest-priced basketball card ever sold, during the September 2020 auction. This record-breaking sale serves as a testament to the enduring allure of basketball card collecting. It highlights the fervor of passionate collectors who are willing to invest substantial sums to obtain a prized piece of sports memorabilia.
4 Beckett Precious Metal Gems Emerald #81 Kobe Bryant PSA 8.5 ($2 Million)
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One of the remarkable aspects of this specific example is its exceptional rarity. Despite receiving a grade of 8.5 out of 10, its value remains significantly high due to the scarcity of its existence. It is unfortunate that the untimely passing of Kobe Bryant further amplified the card’s worth, leading to an approximate 600% increase in its value. This significant increase in value underscores the deep emotional connection fans have with Kobe Bryant and the reverence they hold for his contributions to the game. It serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the sport and his status as a basketball legend.
3 Michael Jordan Upper Deck Game Jersey Autograph PSA 8 ($2.7 Million)
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Numerous notable milestones were achieved in this case. Firstly, Heritage Auctions oversaw the auction, which notably marked their inaugural event solely dedicated to trading cards. According to the auction house, a total of 69 bidders participated, all exclusively through telephone bidding. The identity of the auction’s victorious bidder has remained undisclosed, leaving the general public unaware of the individual who acquired this card. Furthermore, the card bears the signature of the esteemed player, in addition to containing an actual fragment of the jersey worn by Michael Jordan during the 1992 NBA All-Star Game.
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2 Luka Doncic Panini National Treasures, Ungraded ($4.6 Million)
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As expected, this trading card held the record for being the most expensive basketball card ever sold at the time of its purchase, but that title no longer stands. It is quite remarkable that an ungraded card could command such a high price. Its exceptional rarity greatly enhanced its monetary value, even without a grading assessment. Additionally, its sale as part of a private collection played a significant role in driving the price up considerably, as it did in this instance.
1 LeBron James Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie card #78 PSA 9 ($5.2 Million)
In April of the previous year, this card found its way into the possession of a private collector. Demonstrating the swift pace of the trading card realm, it has already been surpassed by the card currently holding the top position on this list. While the LeBron James Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie card #78 may no longer hold the top spot, its significance remains unchanged. It stands as a symbol of LeBron James’ meteoric rise to superstardom and serves as a tangible piece of his enduring legacy.
Stephen Curry National Treasures Logoman Rookie card PSA 8 ($5.9 Million)
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At present, this specific card holds the distinction of being the most expensive of its kind ever sold. It is worth mentioning that it claims the second-highest value among all sports cards ever sold, with only a single baseball card surpassing its price. The pivotal factor, in this case, is undoubtedly the autograph. Without it, the card would have had minimal prospects of fetching such a substantial sum of money.
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Sources: HoopsHype, Invaluable, Rarest
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