After being around for more than a century, the hobby of trading cards has returned to the pop-culture forefront. For the majority of the hobby’s existence, baseball cards have been the predominant sport of card collectors, with vintage baseball cards outpricing those basketball cards that have been the most valuable. But recently, the trends have shifted. Keep reading to discover more about the Most Priceless Basketball Cards.
Within the last decade, the popularity of basketball cards has seen its highest increase in both value and popularity. Largely the reason for this has been a fortune of circumstance, but a lot of credit is deserved by the Panini Sports brand, the licensed sports manufacturer for the NBA, in their efforts to create fantastic products that are in high demand and rarity.
A few examples include high-end sports card sets titled Panini National Treasures, Panini Flawless, and Panini Immaculate. These limited sets feature limited edition cards that feature patches of game-worn jerseys and player autographs on the cards. These lines feature some junk wax era or vintage cards, such as Fleer’s 1986 Michael Jordan card.
On our list of the 10 most valuable basketball cards, we will separate them into two categories: the modern (anything after 2000) and anything before vintage cards. Now let’s take a look at Panini’s most notable and expensive collectibles.
Most Priceless Basketball Cards
1. 2009 Stephen Curry National Treasure Rookie Auto Logoman ($5.9 million) – Buyer = Alt Fund
The Panini National Treasure Rookie Card is true, one-of-a-kind because only one was ever made. The card, purchased by Alt Fund, features a patch from an actual game-worn jersey’s NBA logo. Purchasing expensive cards isn’t anything new for Alt Fund. They pay stunning prices for rare card collectibles, then allow investors to own a fraction of the card’s value, permitted only by becoming an investor in their fund. At present time, this Stephen Curry rookie card is the most expensive in the world, but that honor could pass on to another card at any time.
2. LeBron James 2003 – 2004 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph ($5.2 million) Buyer = Unknown
Unlike other cards on this list, the next most expensive modern basketball card is not a Panini card, but rather made by Upper Deck. While it does share the attributes of containing a piece of a game jersey and an autograph by the King, this card is not one of a kind. There are 23 cards in existence (a nod to LeBron’s jersey number). James himself claims that his collection has a “couple” of these cards in it.
When the card was purchased, the buyer was not revealed and remains anonymous to this day, though clues point to the Alt Fund also being who the $5.2 million tags belong. It goes without saying that basketball cards that feature LeBron remain some of the most valuable on the market, with many rookie cards attributed with an asking price of over $1 million.
3. 2018 – 2019 National Treasures Luka Doncic Rookie Card Autograph Logoman ($4.6 million) Buyer = Nick Fiorello
Before being overtaken by the 1952 Mickey Mantle card by Topps, the Luka Doncic Rookie Card had the distinguished, though brief honor of being the most expensive sports card ever sold for a hefty sum of $4.6 million. Capturing the attention of the sports memorabilia fandom, the care kept the distinction of being the world’s most valuable card until it was overtaken by the LeBron James rookie card for $5.2 million, and later the Steph Curry Rookie Auto Logoman.
What made this one special is that at the time when the Doncic card sold for $4.6 million, basketball cards simply did not ever command that kind of asking price. Even more notable is that the card was pulled from an unopened card pack in a live YouTube stream. This card was included in the same set as the record-breaking Steph Curry rookie card. It featured a blue-ink autograph and a “logoman” patch on the card.
4. Gianni Antetokounmpo 2013 National Treasures Logoman Autograph ($1.81 million) Buyer = Alt Fund
Alt Fund sure likes to buy up the ultra-valuable National Treasures Rookie Auto Logoman cards, keeping up with the now-established theme. The “Greek Freak” caught Alt Fund’s eye almost a year prior to winning his first championship. Antetokounmpo is still young and has multiple years to grow and bolster his legacy, possibly moving his card’s value up the list. It might take a few more 50-point NBA Finals games, but it is a sure bet that Antetokounmpo’s card values are sure to grow.
5. LeBron Jams 2004 – 2005 Upper Deck Ultimate Signature Autograph ($1.29 million) Buyer = Unknown
This card is not a LeBron James rookie card, but rather one from the 2004 – 2005 collection, and is similar to the National Treasure Logoman card, featuring a patch of a jersey worn by LeBron as well as a blue-inked autograph. The most unique attribute of this card is that it is the only one of its kind, sold by Goldin Auctions, and remains the most valuable non-rookie LeBron James card.
Most Valuable Vintage Basketball Cards
Before we proceed with this list let us clarify that while in our “vintage” section not all of the cards included are actual vintages, rather just legacy cards that do not fit our preset delineation of “modern” cards. In other words, it qualifies as a “vintage” on this list because it precedes the year 2000.
6. 1997 Michael Jordan Upper Deck Game Jersey Autograph ($2.1 million) Buyer = Unknown
Fleer had the most popular Michael Jordan cards in 1986, especially in the Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Green collection. To date, it remains the single most expensive card featuring MJ to be sold. Prior to 2009 when the NBA inked a major deal with Panini cards (hence most modern cards are from that brand), Upper Deck and Topps were the contracted NBA card developers.
In fact, Upper Deck remains the sole rights owner to Michael Jordan’s and LeBron James’s basketball cards. This means that Panini cards cannot publish either card featuring either of the two players. If you were wondering why all the cards on the list that feature Jordan or James are not Panini cards, you now have your answer.
This particular card is very unique in that only 23 cards of this type were produced, though they are not rookie cards. They do, however, feature a patch from the jersey Michael wore in the 1997-1998 NBA All-Star Game.
7. Kobe Bryant 1996 – 1997 Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor (BGS Black Label) ($1.8 million) Buyer = Unknown
This may be the steal of this entire list. With the hot debate about the greatest player of all time being commonly weight between Michael Jordan and LeBron James, Kobe is often overlooked. But no one will doubt that he is among the greatest players ever and with time, this card will outprice most of the others featured on this list.
Those cards that are one-of-a-kind are valued by a scarcity that is generally artificial. This Kobe Bryant card is not as exclusive, but it is scarcitied by its condition. The Topps Chrome Refractor BGS 10 Black Label card by Beckett Grading Services is still the most expensive Kobe Bryan card ever sold.
The BGS 10 Black Label grade is given to hardly any cards. This classification means that the card is in perfect condition. The Topps Chrome Kobe Bryant Refractors produced hundreds of 1996 – 1997 cards, exactly two qualify for BGS Black Label.
8. 1997 Michael Jordan Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems ($915,000) Buyer = Unknown
While the 1986 Fleer is the most expensive Michael Jordan card ever produced, the Precious Metal Gems card is arguably the coolest. The Skybox line cards did not take off immediately in their popularity, but recently they have garnered a ton of it. The cards are surrounded by foil which makes the preservation of their mint condition challenging. Only a handful of these cards have been uncovered. It is very likely that somewhere out there are a whole bunch of unopened packs that contain the Michael Jordan card. These packs can be found in their undisturbed form and sold on eBay for thousands of dollars.
9. 1980 Topps Scoring Leader Larry Bird/Julius Earvin/Magic Johnson – PSA 10 ($861,000) Buyer = Unknown
The 1980 basketball card set from Topps is of the most iconic in sports card memorabilia collection history as it contains rookie cards of NBA royalty like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Surprisingly, the Larry Bird rookie card is not the set’s most valuable component. Topps published a series in this collection called “scoring leaders” with three players featured in each set. The 1980 scoring leaders card featured the infamous Dr. J, surrounded by rookies Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Larry Bird.
It is widely believed that only 25 copies of this card remain graded as PSA 10. Not shockingly this card has become one of the most coveted basketball cards out there and certainly one of the most valued for any card collection.
10. 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card ($738,000) Buyer = Unknown
This card has been a perpetual record-breaker. The Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card is regarded as the “official” rookie card for the NBA great. Two versions of PSA 10 grade-ranked cards of MJ were each sold for $738,000. While there are quite a few of these cards in circulation, they are coveted due to their persistently growing value. Just 3 years ago the asking price for this card was $25,000, which, while no small price tag, is leaps away from its eventual $738,000 worth.
The card is quite simple and otherwise unspectacular, but it does feature the greatest basketball personality of all time so it isn’t shocking that it is so valuable. Because Michael Jordan is and will continue to be one of the most recognizable names associated with the sport of basketball, this card will continue to hold, and possibly grow in value over time.
Future Potential Most Valuable Basketball Cards
So what cards can collectors try to keep an eye on today that will possibly be worth a lot of money one day in the future? Here are three possible contenders and the arguments for why they may soon join this elite list.
1. Lamelo Ball National Treasures
While Lamelo is nowhere in the same stratosphere as some of the players on this list, he wields undeniable star power and has a huge following. The more the popularity and his skills grow the greater the chances that his card will be worth big bucks one day. As evident from this list, the player does not have to be retired for their rookie card valued at over $4 million.
2. Zion Williamson National Treasures
Zion is a wonder to watch on the court because he is simply a generational talent, as long as he stays healthy, of course. Perhaps this phenomenal athlete doesn’t even need a championship to have his card be worth big bucks someday.
3. Trae Young National Treasures
Trae Young proved his worth in leading the Atlanta Hawks deep into the playoffs and he did so by putting up incredible numbers consistently. He is not far off from reaching Steph Curry levels, so it would not surprise anyone if his rookie card starts breaking some value records.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the world of basketball cards continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts, with some of the most priceless cards fetching staggering sums of money at auctions. From modern-day superstars to vintage legends, these cards have become a tangible representation of the game’s rich history and cultural impact. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual fan, the top 10 most priceless basketball cards remind you of the sport’s enduring passion and value.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How to make a basketball card?
To make a basketball card, you will need to create a design for the front and back of the card, including the player’s image, name, team, and statistics. You can then print the design onto cardstock paper or print it professionally. Alternatively, you can use an online service or app to create and print customized basketball cards.
Are basketball cards valuable?
Basketball cards can be very valuable, with some of the most sought-after cards selling for millions. The value of a card is determined by various factors, including its rarity, condition, and historical significance.
Hello, my name is Idammah, and I am the founder of Wolfionaire.com, a personal development, and finance blog focused on motivation, success, and wealth. I am obsessed with studying the world's wealthiest individuals and learning about their path to success. I believe anyone can achieve their financial goals with the right mindset and strategies, and I hope to inspire and empower my readers to pursue their own path to success.
