Trading cards have become a hobby for many people, and this exploration in popularity has made the prices for the most expensive basketball cards in the world touch millions of dollars. For this hobby, collectors will be satisfied if they get a card lineup like this.
Trading cards are gaining popularity very quickly, and it’s like an explosion. Many suddenly have a hobby in this field, and right alongside it, the price also increases. However, basketball cards have a value that is suitable to be used as an investment asset.
Some rare and unique basketball cards can be worth up to a million dollars, even though the difference between these cards is the jersey, patches, status, and several titles. There are rookies, and there are also legendary players.
Collectors deliberately buy these cards to get notable headlines. Stephen Curry holds the most expensive basketball cards of all time. And rather than missing other names, it’s better to know the other names on the list.
10 Most Expensive Basketball Cards in the World
Since the first time they were introduced, many immediately found this to be interesting. It’s like buying a pack of cards and hoping the package contains a high-value card. Maybe one of these rare cards:
10. Stephen Curry Autographed Panini National Treasures Rookie Card – $960,000
The Stephen Curry Autographed Panini National Treasures Rookie Card came right up and ranked 10th in the most expensive basketball cards in the world. It was sold on January 30, 2021, for $960,000.
This Stephen Curry Autographed Panini card only has five copies, and this is one of the ones made for Stephen Curry. It is in excellent condition and was graded GEM MIINT 9.5 by BGS, which means that the condition is excellent.
9. Anthony Davis Autographed Panini National Treasures – $1.045 Million
Autographed Anthony Davis 2012-13 Panini National Treasures also sold for a fantastic price. It was sold for $1.045 million and is Anthony Davis’ most expensive card. Twenty-six bids for its final price, and it becomes one of the most expensive basketball cards in the world.
This card is in excellent condition and was graded BGS MT 9/10. Only a handful of copies of this particular card exist, and Goldin Auctions starts bidding at $150,000. This card also features a “Logoman” NBA patch from Davis’s jersey in a game.
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo Panini Prizm #290 – $1.16 Million
Coming as today’s idol, Giannis Antetokounmpo has a series of cards that are no less popular. One is the Giannis Panini Prizm #290, which sold on December 12, 2020. This card is worth more than a million, and be on 8th in most expensive basketball cards in the world.
7. One Kind LeBron James Upper Deck Ultimate Signatures – $1,291,500
One of a Kind Lebron James Upper Deck Ultimate Signature has a PSA Authentic or Auto 10 grading. This was paid $1,291,500 through an auction on March 6, 2021. Godin Auction was responsible for the auction and became the Upper Deck Ultimate signature.
This Lebron James Upper Deck Ultimate Signatures Card is in excellent condition and was graded PSA 10. It features James’ second NBA Campaign in a Cleveland Cavaliers jersey. No wonder this card is legendary and the most expensive basketball cards in the world.
6. Michael Jordan Upper Deck Game Jersey Autograph – $1.44 Million
Michael Jordan also has a high caste-level card. Sold for $ 1.44 million, it’s no wonder that only certain people are interested in this card. Indeed, this card has a low grade, namely PSA NM 7 or Auto 8.
With that rating, this particular card was number 8 of the 23 cards produced. There are 69 registered phone bidders, and the winning bidder remains anonymous. This was the first Heritage Auction event dedicated to selling modern basketball cards.
5. Kobe Bryant Topps #138 Rookie Card – $1.8 Million
In 5th place, there is a card from the legendary player, namely Kobe Bryant. This is his rookie season, and it’s no wonder that many are interested in him. It ranks 5th among the most expensive basketball cards in the world.
This card is scarce with a world-rated BGS Pristine or Black Label 10. The Kobe Brant rookie card received perfect 10s in all categories, and following Kobe’s death, this card increased in value by 600%. Because previously, it was only worth $ 58,100.
4. One of A Kind Giannis Antekounmpo Autographed Panini National Treasures – $1,857,300
In 4th place of most expensive basketball cards in the world is the Giannis Antetokounmpo card, which sold for more than $1.8 million. This card is in the Upper Deck, sold with Mint 9 by BGS grading with a 10 for the signature.
3. 2018-19 One of Kind Luka Doncic Autographed Panini National Treasures – $4.6 Million
Luka Doncic has had a perfect season. That’s also what might make this card increase in price to more than $ 4.6 million. The grade of the card Is ungraded, and this card was sold to high-end collector Nick Foorella with a perfect signature.
2. 2003-04 LeBron James Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Card #78 – $5.2 Million
2nd of the most expensive basketball cards in the world is Lebron James’ card which sold for $5.2 million on April 26, 2021. This card is in the upper deck with a BGS MT rating of 9.5. There are only 2 of these Lebron James cards, making them rare.
1. 2009-10 Stephen Curry Autographed National Treasures Logoman Rookie Card – $5.9 Million
Up on top of the most expensive basketball cards in the world, this one card sold for $5.9 million. This makes it the most expensive and the second most valuable sports card after the $6.6 million Honus Wagner baseball card.
This card is a description of Stephen Curry’s Rookie season. This card is only graded a PSA 8, but Curry’s autograph is rated a Gem Mint 10, the highest grade ever given out by PSA, and this is an investment asset for basketball fans too.
Trading cards are experiencing a significant increase in popularity. But the very high price also makes it even more unique, especially those with high grading. That’s why it’s so hard to find copies of the most expensive basketball cards in the world.
