Top 10 Most Valuable Basketball Cards Of All Time

September 21, 2021 By Sourav

In the past, baseball has consistently ranked first, followed by football and basketball, and then hockey. However, it seems that basketball has suddenly become the top-selling sports card in the world. Some of the most valuable basketball cards now have pretty high demands.

The outstanding performance of basketball players and their ability to capture the attention of their fans contribute to the value of cards.

Despite each basketball card is just a piece of cardboard, what could a basketball card be worth? Furthermore, what could be the value of this small piece? Our comprehensive research on the best NBA cards got the answers for you. Let's jump right in!

Most Valuable Basketball Cards | NBA Ranking

10. George Mikan - 1948 Bowman #69
9. Wilt Chamberlain - 1961 Fleer #8
8. Bill Russell - 1957 Topps #77
7. Oscar Robertson - 1961 Fleer #36
6. Lew Alcindor - 1969 Topps #25
5. Jerry West - 1961 Fleer #43
4. Larry Bird / Magic Johnson - 1980 Topps #9
3. Julius Erving - 1972 Topps #195
2. Michael Jordan - 1986 Fleer #57
1. Kobe Bryant - 1996 Topps Chrome #138

Don’t Miss:

• Best Basketball cards | All-Time Infographics
• FAQs Regarding Best Basketball cards

Basketball is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports in the USA. Besides, it is also considered one of the richest sports in the world. And the cards of its players are counted among the most valuable collectibles for NBA fans. So, here they are!

10. George Mikan - 1948 Bowman #69

Mike Mikan, nicknamed "Mr. Basketball," was an American basketball player for the Chicago American Gears of the National Basketball League. He also played for the Minneapolis Lakers of the NBL and the NBA.

The Bowman George Mikan's card is ranked at the 10th number out of the top 10 most valuable basketball cards of all time. Furthermore, this is the most expensive basketball card in history, known as "T206 Honus Wagner".

Considering the card's sketch, we can see the featured Mikan rushing towards the basket with persistent furry. Bearing one of the best NBA logos, it is undoubtedly among the most attractive to look at.

The Bowman George Mikan card is allocated by the private collector to Memory Lane Inc's Hidden Treasures Auction with a bid of $50,000. Besides, the Mikan rookie is considered as one of the hobby's iconic cards and sold for $403,664, making the highest bid in SCP Auction's 2015 Fall Premier.

9. Wilt Chamberlain - 1961 Fleer #8

On number 9 out of the top 10 most valuable Basketball cards of all time, we've ranked Wilt Chamberlain. The most famous basketball player in history was Wilton Norman Chamberlain, who played as a center.

Due to the career reputation of Wilt Chamberlain as one of the greatest NBA centers of all time, the card featuring him is in high grade than some of the other key rookies in the set.

The Wilt Chamberlain's card is designated by above-average designation. The corners of the card are virtually uncirculated and crispy. Furthermore, this card is one of the most important vintage trading cards of all time.

A Wilt Chamberlain rookie card- the 1961/62 Fleer #8, graded PSA Mint 9-sold is making a history of $461,250. The Fleer design is straightforward with the team info at the top, name, and position in the middle and the Chamberlain picture in roughly the lower 60% of the card.

8. Bill Russell - 1957 Topps #77

Former NBA player William Felton Russell played as a center for the Boston Celtics of the NBA from 1956 to 1969. He is on number 8 out of the top 10 most valuable Basketball cards of all time.

During his heydays, Russel played for some of the most successful teams in the NBA. And for all of them, he delivered brilliant performances that the basketball fans will never forget.

Looking at Russel's card, we can say that the effort has been made to ensure the integrity of the picturing player Bill Russel. Russel's design is featured with the team info at the top, Bill Russel's picture occupying 60% of the card, and his name at the bottom of the card.

Although the card is considered one of the best ones, this rookie is also known as the toughest in high-grade, with the lousy centering and poor print effects demolishing havoc on the card's design. Moreover, Russel's iconic basketball card sold for estimating the amount of $39,995.

7. Oscar Robertson - 1961 Fleer #36

Robertson played in the National Basketball Association for the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks under the nickname "the Big O."

Known as one of the richest NBA players of all time, he made immense wealth through his sporting career. And Oscar Robertson's card is ranked on the 7th spot in the list of top 10 most valuable Basket Ball cards of all time.

Due to the greatest pictured player Robertson in the card, also known as NBA's first "big guard, the card is considered as one of the most desirable vintage cards in the hobby. Besides this, the 1961 Fleer is a cardboard masterpiece, and these spectacular cards are the decade's major release.

The card design featuring the black-and-white Robertson looks impressive, with the orange-red combo denoting the names of the team. Further, the Robertson's card being among the best of hobby's iconic cards collection, sold out for $88,000. During the 1960s and 1970s, it was the top basketball trading card.

6. Lew Alcindor - 1969 Topps #25

A former professional basketball player, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played 20 seasons in the National Basketball Association with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.

Lew Alcindor's card is worthy to rank on the top 6th spot in the list of the ten most valuable Basketball cards of all time. On a different note, many basketball pundits still consider him one of the best basketball players to watch out for.

Alcindor's card is considered one of the most prestigious autographed cards in existence. Although the card style is spectacular, the card is not convenient to wear because of its big size and is also not well centered.

Moreover, on the card design, we can see the most dominating player Lew Alcindor holding a basketball with a blue background that looks outstanding with the combo of orange, black, and white. The Alcindor's basketball card is one of the most coveted in the hobby and sold out for $501,900.

5. Jerry West - 1961 Fleer #43

Former basketball player and basketball executive Jerome Alan West represents the United States. His professional career was spent with the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers.

He is widely reputed for being one of the tallest basketball players of all time. The Jerry Wests' basketball card is placed in the 5th position in the list of the most valuable Basketball cards of all time.

The card details include the featured face of Jerry West with his left hand up, wearing a white shirt with the written Los Angeles. The card design casts a spell because of the yellow, red, and orange colors combination.

Besides, the team info is written on the top, and the West's picture occupies 80% of the card's volume. And this iconic style of the West's basketball card sold out for $17750.

4. Larry Bird/ Magic Johnson - 1980 Topps #9

A former professional basketball player, Magic Johnson was born in New York City. Previously, he was president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is also among the most reputed NBA players diagnosed with life-threatening diseases.

The Topps Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's basketball card is ranked 4th in the list of the most valuable Basketball cards of all time due to their most dominating basketball playing career.

Because of their position as basketball icons, their cards are still considered as the masterpiece in all sets in which they appeared. Mainly the card displays the three basketball players Larry Bird, Julius Erving, and Magic Johnson, one by one playing in the field.

Moreover, the team info is placed at the top, and the rest of the card features the players. Besides, the 1980 Topps Larry Bird and Johnson Rookie Card are among the most notable features that went for almost $75,000.

3. Julius Erving - 1972 Topps #195

We've ranked Julius Erving in 3rd spot out of the top 10 most valuable Basketball cards of all time. Julius Winfield Erving II, better known as Dr. J, is an American former professional basketball player.

He is one of the NBA playoff top scorers of all time, as he delivered brilliant performances during his heydays. The Julius Erving Topps basketball card is considered one of the coolest and most desirable cards for Dr. J rookie card collectors.

Erving's basketball card includes the exciting details of a bright yellow background and a picture of Erving holding the ball.

Under the left arm, the word squares at the bottom increase the volume of the card and give it a more professional appearance. A card like this amazing Erving rookie is typically sold for $3,000 to $35,000.

2. Michael Jordan - 1986 Fleer #57

Jordan is a former basketball player and entrepreneur known by his initials MJ. In addition to the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association, he also owns and operates 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Since his early days, he was widely reputed for being one of the greatest college basketball players ever. Michael Jordan's basketball card is ranked 2nd in the list of the most valuable basketball cards of all time.

The recently Jordan rookie cards graded ten on PSA's Population report. Additionally, Michael's basketball card is considered the most expensive basketball card and modern card featuring the bouncing Michael Jordan.

The cards display the team info at the top and the picture of Michael on the rest of the card, with the colorful edges occupying 70% of the card's volume. Besides, this card is known as the most recognizable and the most heavily simulated card in the hobby. The original one sold out for $738,000. It was the best basketball card to buy.

1. Kobe Bryant - 1996 Topps Chrome #138

The American professional basketball player Kobe Bean Bryant played for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers were his only professional team for his entire 20-year career.

Kobe Bryant's basketball card is the topmost valuable card in history. Kobe Bryant is the record holder basketball player in NBA history who made a minimum of 600 points repeatedly in 2008-10

And because of his high reputation, his basketball rookie card is also holding an incredible place. On a different note, he is also widely considered as one of the greatest NBA players of all time.

Besides, Kobe Bryant's card shows amazing details, picturing the bouncing Kobe Bryant in the field with the simple golden "Kobe Bryant" nameplate at the bottom that looks splendid; allotting it the distinction of the most valuable and expensive basketball card, the Kobe Bryant card sold for $1.795 million at auction.

Conclusion

All right, readers! Glad to see you got the information about the top 10 most valuable basketball cards of all time. You can either send us an email or write a comment below if you think we missed someone or went to the wrong rankings. Your response will be greatly appreciated.

Best Basketball cards | All-Time Infographics

FAQs Regarding Best Basketball cards

Q. What is the most valuable basketball card?

The most valuable basketball card belongs to LeBron James, the rookie card sold for $5.2 million, the highest ever price for a basketball card.

Q. Are the basketball cards a good investment?

So long as we are not in another junk wax era of sports cards, it is relatively safe to keep unopened boxes in your collection.�As long as you're willing to take some risks, you might consider investing in young, underdeveloped talent.

Q. How do you know if a basketball card is valuable?

See what value the items in the list were, the price, and the date they were sold, to compare the value to your credit card. This can help you determine whether people might be interested in buying.

Q. How do NBA cards make money?

Basketball cards can be a good source of long-term income through investing. In this strategy, a card is initially purchased at the lowest price possible, given time to appreciate in value, and ultimately sold for a profit.