most valuable basketball cards 1990s
Although other brands of the mid-90s havent sold as many PSA graded cards as Topps Chrome, each set has inserts and rare cards that can sell for top dollar. In a career packed full of iconic moments, one of Michael Jordan's most memorable occurred during Game 1 of the 1991-1992 NBA Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers. This Chrome Refractor Allen Iverson #171 cards is one of the rarest cards of this great basketball players nicknamed the Answer. This 1998 Michael Jordan Skybox Molten Metal card truly is unique and special. Theyll always make a list of valuable 90s memorabilia, for a number of reasons which soon become apparent. Iverson averaged 23.5 points and 7.5 assists per game for a 22-win Philadelphia 76ers team as a rookie, and two years later he had them in the postseason. When Topps released its Finest set in 1993 for basketball and baseball, it was a real game changer in the hobby. If he wasn't reigning jumpers over you with his lanky frame and offensive quickness, he was pulling down rebound after rebound or blocking the ball on defense. Ive set aside the top insert sets of the 90s for another article. Malone was an incredible power forward who was extremely effective on both offense and defense as he used his strong frame to his advantage night in and night out. Coming in the number 1 spot for the most Valuable 1990s basketball cards is the Kobe Bryant Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems card. In the same vein, those released in the players second year will be more valuable than those released in the third year, and so on. The game is regarded as iconic as it was the last game played by both Hall of Famer James Worthy and fellow Laker Magic Johnson. While Fleer remained the top brand in 1991, Upper Decks solid design and likability, perhaps due in part to the recognition of the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie carze, makes it a close second. 5 pick out of Farragut Career Academy in Chicago. To understand this, lets take a look at the factors that make basketball cards valuable. Your email address will not be published. An MJ hand-numbered /23 card shows that only 23 of its kind exists, and will be very valuable. T210 Old Mill Joe Jackson. This card is 1 of only 2 graded as authentic, making it very rare and valuable. Parallels: Red PMG (/90), Green PMG (/10). This is currently listed on eBay for $100,000. Impressively, it is in mint condition. Get my weekly newsletter with the latest hobby updates delivered straight to your inbox! 1990 Hoops #113 Tim Hardaway Rookie Card The most expensive basketball card sold to date is the 2013-14 National Treasures Giannis Antetokounmpo NBA Logoman Patch Auto rookie card which sold for a mind-blowing $1.85 million. Click on any card to see more graded card prices, historic prices, and past sales. I remember being amazed as a kid when I heard stories of him being able to grab a quarter off the top of the backboard. It last sold in 2019 for $350,100. Like the 1990 Hoops and SkyBox sets, there were just so many of these cards printed. If you are looking to rip through an old hobby box, the most noticeable flaw will be off-center cuts. Still, notable rookies included Baron Davis, Richard Hamilton, Steve Francis, Shawn Marion, and Jason Terry. 1998-99 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Living Legend - [Base] #147. It features Kobe in a yellow Lakers Jersey dunking the ball from behind his back framed in gold trim. There are many online shops that specialize in buying and selling 1990s basketball cards. This card is produced with a red foil background, making it not as rare as the green Metal gems card in the number 4 spot. Many players regarded as the greatest of all time played in this era and still capture the imagination of sports collectors today. For example, the most expensive basketball cards ever are rookie cards. Alonzo Mourning, Christian Laettner, and Robert Horry are other notable rookies from this year. They were the NBA's Batman and Robin and would win 6 NBA championships togetherand they very well could have won more had their winning streak not been sidetracked by Jordan's retirement. Selling in auction sites some of these sites include eBid, Selling in online market places these include eBay and Craiglist. 19 pick Pat Garrity for No. He possessed incredible shoot ability for a power forward but was also known as a big-time rebounder who could take the ball coast to coast. The odds reduce to virtually zero if the card is to be in mint condition. 1999 Upper Deck Ovation Super Signatures Gold Michael Jordan #MJS card $250,000, 6. With 5.2 seconds left on the clock, MJ released that 17-footer that helped the Bulls win their 6th NBA championship in the 90s. Exceedingly rare, the odds of pulling a Jordan were 1 in 55,000 packs, which goes some way to explaining why its so expensive. The 1990s saw a rise in basketball card brand diversity. Michael Jordan returned after his baseball journey, and notable rookies such as Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace entered the league. Rookie cards are produced when a player is just starting out and therefore made in limited quantities. When a company notices an error in a lot, the production is stopped, and those items are never released. So, when gunning for rookie cards, they should be cards of players that went on to achieve great success in the game. Still, his status as one of the most dynamic stars of the 1990s has helped him maintain some enduring hobby popularity, and the 1994-95 Finest is his most sought-after rookie card. 2 spot in these rankings. It is graded 9.5 by Beckett (BAS). 15 (tie). There were Fleer All-Star sticker card inserts that can be worth more than the base cards on this list assuming the sticker is still in tact and is graded in top condition. Click on any card to see more graded card prices, historic prices, and past sales. The card has Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers printed at the bottom in gold. 1990 Score Bo Jackson (#697) This just may be the most famous "baseball" card of the 1990s, and it remains one of the most popular. 1996 Finest Gold Refractor Kobe Bryant #269 PSA 10 $500,000, 3. The card is finished with a gold trim around the edges. This 1996-96 E-X2000 Credentials Kobe Bryant Rookie card features Kobe in a yellow Lakers jersey with the ball looking to turn quickly. The card is currently listed on eBay for $500,000, with a similar example selling at a Goldin auction for $206,400. Vinyl Records Value: Your Old Value Records Worth a Fortune, Vintage Stiffel Lamps: Value and Price Guide, Vintage Smith Corona Typewriter: History, Models, and Value, Vintage Schwinn Bikes: [Types, Identification, and Values], Vintage Rooster Cookie Jar Identification and Value Guide. For years during the 1980s, there were hardly any basketball cards to collect whatsoever Topps bowed out of the hobby after 1981, Star released a few sets later on and Fleer didn't join the market until 1986. 1990 saw notable rookie cards from Shawn Kemp and Tim Hardaway, along with other historic players such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Dennis Rodman, and Scottie Pippen. The basketball cards that are worth the most are rare rookie patch autos (RPA) of star players in mint condition. Like many sports cards of this era, they were heavily produced in such large quantities that the market is still flooded with them. (Sold February 2021 by Heritage Auctions). This decade also saw one of the most iconic moments of the game: Michael Jordans final shot as a Bull. How Much Should You Invest Annually In Sports Card. The card was graded as a Beckett 9 and sold at a Goldin auction in March 2021 for $198,030. Cards of star players are generally the most valuable. Adding the mystique of being a pre-rookie, it is one very valuable basketball card. 1990 Hoops #279 Shawn Kemp Rookie Card. The rise in young basketball talent grew the fanbase in recent years. The sport was on the road to recovery following a lack of interest worldwide, helped by Jordan, Weve put together a list with 10 of the most expensive 90s, Weve combed through recent auction data to bring you a list of ten of the most, modern-day big man, its no surprise to see one of, Classic Games were a pre-rookie/prospect card company that managed to get the temporary exclusive rights to produce Shaq cards during his time at, Many of the cards were hand-signed by the man himself, making it one of the very first pieces of, As with the majority of rare Jordan cards from the era, its tough to locate in high-grade and is also extremely popular among collectors and investors following the release of. Its currently listed on eBay for $500,000. We've already touched on this card in our "10 Basketball Cards Every 90s Kid Should Own" article a few months ago: "Due to an exclusive sports card agreement with Classic Games, Shaquille O'Neal was not initially eligible to be included in 1992-93 products. Required fields are marked *. Known for his passing skills that weren't common at the center position, he turned in several solid seasons, most notably with the Lakers and Kings. Michael Jordan 1997/98 Metal Universe "Precious Metal Gems" - other than the Jordan rookie card, these may be the holy grail of Jordan collectors, and of basketball cards in general. Only 100 of these cards were produced, with 90 of them having a red foil background. Given the deep background, any flaw is readily apparent, so high grades are costly to buy. This rookie Kobe Bryant card is another example of the Finest Gold Refractor card featured in the number 5 spot. The card is considered very rare with only 23 being produced. It is the same thing with basketball cards. According to Upper deck, the odds of pulling a Michael Jordan insert card is 1 in 144. Of anyone besides Jordan on this list, Magic Johnson was probably the most exciting as you never knew what his next move was going to be. You may find some other of this card, but finding one in pristine condition is very difficult. We've listed the cards in order, starting with a great option from the late 1990s. Kobe tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020 leading to the value of his memorabilia skyrocketing. Kobe was always going to make any list with the most expensive 1990s cards, and the 1996-97 Topps set has one of the strongest rookie classes of all time. I've been looking forward to covering this set as today we'll look at the 15 highest selling psa graded basketball cards from the inaugural 1990 Skybox setFe. And to have any value at all, the cards on this list will need to be graded in PSA 10 gem mint conditionmeaning they're nearly flawless. 1994 was not a particularly exciting year, as Jordan had left to play baseball following his 3rd championship in the 1992-1993 season. The card features Kobe in a yellow Lakers jersey passing the ball with one hand. It has a picture of the phenom in game action, as well as a smiling MJ in the background. It doesnt matter that the height of their careers was after the 1990s. The card is currently listed on eBay for $250,000. Isiah Thomas was the leader of the Detroit Pistons squads that won back-to-back NBA Championships in 1989 and 1990. The colors and the edging make it susceptible to chips and wear, which is another reason why its valued highly. Dikembe Mutombo and Larry Johnson were the top rookies of the 1991 class, and Jordan cards caught fire after he won his first championship against Magic Johnson and the Lakers to end the previous season. 1996-97 E-X2000 A Cut Above made the cards resemble the blade of a buzz saw. The documentary followed Jordans playing career, reminding people of the brilliance of MJ at a time when basketball was canceled and people needed ways to keep engaged with the sport. Only the first 10 cards in the set were done in green with the rest in red making this one in green foil very rare and valuable. The deep-etched image sees Jordan leaping through the air, with purple lightning exploding across the background, lighting up the night sky. When it comes to the world of sports cards, basketball cards are some of the most sought-after and valuable. He was a model of consistency in the middle of the San Antonio Spurs roster for 19 seasons, finishing his career 18th all-time in points (26,496) and seventh all-time in rebounds (15,091). As you can see, even the most valuable cards in this set don't pack a great deal of value these days. In number 3 is the 1997 Michael Jordan Upper Deck Game Jersey Autographed card, currently the most valuable MJ card sold to date. The lightning quick move allowed Hardaway to create just enough separation against opposing defenders to turn him into an elite scorer and passer. The card comes from the Metal Universe set, with cards featuring other popular players also highly sought after. The Kobe version also features a basketball and a look of concentration on the face of the Lakers star. Getting your basketball card graded is simple as submitting your card to the company. Prices are updated daily based upon 1990 Skybox listings that sold on eBay and our marketplace. Not only was it the rookie year of Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson, Topps Chrome was released. 1996 was truly a historic year in the hobby. When it comes to buying 1990s basketball cards or searching the attic to see if you have any hidden treasures, there are some things you need to look for when trying to determine what 90s basketball cards are worth money. Dimensions: 1-1/2 x 2-5/8. The card features Michael Jordan bouncing the ball as he prepares for a scoring run. That's what happens when Michael Jordan is playing in the league during your prime years. 1990 Hoops #358 Michael Jordan. Somewhat surprisingly, he was elected to only one All-Star game over his career but I guess it makes sense considering Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson routinely represented the Western Conference at center during that time. A passing of the torch from the MJ years, Kobes RCs are clearly some of the most popular youll find at auction today. 1997 - 1998 UD Game Jersey Michael Jordan #GJ13 $599,999.99 2. His tenacity and hustle were nearly unmatched. Out of 100 produced, only 10 were made with green foil with the other 90 in red. The second Shaq RC to make our list, the 1992 Beam Team insert features an image of the giant dominating the defense as he reaches high above the rim of the net. Perhaps due to a lack of abundant standout rookies and it being the third year of Finest, overall PSA graded sales of this set are lower than the two previous years. How do I know if my cards are genuine? 1990 Hoops #205 Mark Jackson. That is why its worth reaches the six-figure mark. 12. Rounding out the most valuable 1990s basketball cards is another Big Shaq card example. Also, the front of the Michael Jordan #GJ13 basketball card features an authentic piece from a jersey worn by the legend himself in the 1992 All Star Game. Sometimes, what makes a collectible very rare and valuable is an error. This is also a somewhat historic year for Jordan himself, as it was the year of his first NBA Championship and NBA Finals MVP. The card also has Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers Guard printed in blue on the bottom. You can still find hobby boxes from all these brands and years on eBay. I've always loved the look and feel of this card as it captures Jordan up close doing what he did best: throwing down a slam dunk on a breakaway drive. 4 on the list. The cards are wrapped in colored foil, which is highly susceptible to chips or wears and tear. This is because it is a 1/1 autographed card. Row 2 is the base set and more common while Row 1 and 0 are much rarer. With PSA 10 points grade, it is in the best condition possible. However, its a bit of a misnomer, as it was easier to get a Members Only Beam Teams than a standard pack-pulled Beam Teams. Talking of special ONeal cards, youll be hard pressed to find one better than this Big Blue Shaquille ONeal #19 non-perforated card. Also, I will NOT be using insert set values only the values of base sets. The 1990 -1991 season was as remarkable as any for Jordan individually as he'd lead the league in scoring, be named an All-Star, be selected to the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams as well as being named league MVP. The Gold featured only the most desired names, including MJ and Allen Iverson. This is because it is the big mans first trading card. The signature of Michael Jordan on a basketball card is enough to make it special. Top 1990s Basketball Rookie Cards to Collect Bolded links go directly to detailed player or set profiles. Anything Michael Jordan and/or Kobe Bryant. After two seasons as a backup with the Phoenix Suns, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks where he teamed with Dirk Nowitzki for six seasons before returning to the Suns. We wouldn't have really said this a couple years ago. What I wouldnt give to have one of these in my personal collection! Still, Jordan and Garnett cards, particularly their refractors, can fetch some top sales at auctions. The T210 Old Mill deck is one of the most varied. If you want this one in grade 10 condition, be prepared to SPEND BIG. Most companies simply waited to include him in their sets until they released Series 2 of their checklist, but Upper Deck took a different approach. Selling your basketball card is actually very easy because you can sell them in yard sales, in pawn shops near you, and in a host of online places.