The Most Valuable Basketball Cards Ever Sold
After diving into the world of rare basketball rookie cards, we decided to explore the most expensive basketball cards ever sold. While some ultra-rare cards may currently hold higher value, they haven’t recently surfaced in the market, making their exact worth hard to determine. The cards listed here have a solidified value, often due to players’ involvement through autographs or designs.
The hype surrounding basketball cards has been amplified by high-profile figures like Drake, who reportedly spent $200,000 in pursuit of a rare LeBron triple Logoman card. While baseball cards have long dominated the collectible market, basketball is quickly catching up in value.
The 10 Most Expensive Basketball Cards Ever Sold
- 2009-10 Panini National Treasures Stephen Curry Rookie Logoman Autograph
Sold for $5.9 million
Stephen Curry’s rookie card, sold in 2021, fetched $5.9 million and commemorates the start of his dynasty-building career with the Warriors. - 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph
Sold for $5.2 million
This iconic LeBron James rookie card became the most expensive basketball card in 2020 before being overtaken by Curry’s. It could reclaim its top spot if reintroduced to the market. - 2018 Panini National Treasures Luka Doncic 1/1 Logoman Autograph
Sold for $4.6 million
Luka Doncic’s autograph rookie card sold for $4.6 million in early 2021, making it one of the most valuable cards in recent history. - 2018 Panini National Treasures Luka Doncic 1/1 Logoman Autograph
Sold for $3.12 million
The same Luka Doncic card was sold again in 2022 for $3.12 million. This ‘9 MINT’ version still commands a hefty price tag. - 1997-98 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Game Used Jersey
Sold for $2.7 million
A piece of Michael Jordan’s game-worn jersey makes this card a coveted collectible, fetching $2.7 million. - 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph
Sold for $2.4 million
Another LeBron card in the top 10, this one sold for less due to its lower grading (8.5 vs. 9). Still, its value remains incredibly high. - 2020 Panini Triple Logoman Patch LeBron James
Sold for $2.4 million
This card was uniquely pulled from a pack and sold the same year, making it special among its peers. - 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan
Sold for $2.1 million
Michael Jordan collectibles always hold value, with this one selling for $2.1 million. - 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph
Sold for $2.1 million
A third LeBron James rookie patch autograph in the top 10. The combination of autograph and jersey makes this card highly valuable. - 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Kobe Bryant
Sold for $2 million
Anything related to Kobe Bryant has immense value, and this Metal Universe card, sold for $2 million, is a testament to his enduring legacy.
Other Notable Basketball Cards Sold:
- 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph – Sold for $1.98 million
- 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card – Sold for $1.92 million
- 2013-14 Panini National Treasures Logoman Patch Autograph Giannis Antetokounmpo – Sold for $1.92 million
- 1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractors Kobe Bryant Rookie Card – Sold for $1.752 million
- 2006-07 Upper Deck LeBron James/Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant Exquisite All-NBA Access Triple Logoman – Sold for $1.68 million
Basketball cards are now closing in on baseball cards in value, with iconic players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant leading the charge in record-breaking sales.
Source: https://lastwordonsports.com/basketball/2024/05/04/most-expensive-basketball-cards-ever-sold/