Near the bottom of the card, an inscribed "#/8" is written in blue ink by Bryant, signifying that the card is one of only eight made. The Charlotte Hornets drafted Kobe Bryant with the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, and he was then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would spend his entire 20-year career. Lets jump right in and show off the most valuable Kobe Bryant cards of all-time! Only 10 of the emerald card were made and this one is numbered 100. But in the late 1990s, jersey cards were rare and collectors actually wanted to pull them, even plain, one-color jersey swatches. Cards with "MVP" are numbered to 35 and cards with "Black Mamba" are numbered to 99. Notable Nicknames returned in 2012-13 National Treasures, and Kobe Bryant was again included in the set. Kobe Bryant This specific card is one of her earliest rookie cards, and theres only been eight that have been graded as a 10 by PSA, Craig said. Home Basketball Basketball Cards Top 24 Kobe Bryant Cards of All-Time. The card features Bryant aggressively driving towards the basket as he contorts his body at the rim. The Kobe Bryant Flair Showcase Legacy Row 0 card has an excellent design and is one of the rarest cards on the list. One of the biggest insert sets in the history of basketball cards, Jambalaya has the fortune of including both Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan in the checklist. Another triple auto of Jordan, Bryant, and James is featured above. If you are looking to get your hands on a Kobe Bryant rookie card without having to break the bank, the 1996-97 Hoops card could be the perfect starting place for you. The $1.32 million price tag is believed to be the highest price paid for a football card, eclipsing the previous record by nearly $500,000. This dual-signed card is one of the premier offerings of the 2019-20 NBA Hoops set and was sold on Dec. 30, 2020 for a hefty price of $39,999.99. So you have to tear it perfectly.. On the card is Bryant in a yellow No. Learn more>. 5 Kobe Bryant Basketball Cards To Hold 4 is a card thats hunted by Kobe fans all over the world: his Topps Chrome rookie card. The cards beautiful design and color scheme works well in highlighting Kobe. 1996-97 Fleer Kobe Bryant RC #203. At No. The 1996-97 Topps Basketball #138 card is one of the most iconic cards on this list. Sure, the price may seem too high for most people but the fact that its the Mambas final Kaboom card before his untimely passing makes it more valuable. In 1999, Upper Deck released the Encore set, which included game-worn jerseys and signatures of Kobe Bryant. Rare parallels really began to take hold around this time, and the Star Rubies found in 1997-98 Skybox Premium are another popular option. This is one of those cards that you just have to see in person. We'll also discuss their value, where to find them and how to make sure you get the best deal on them. But when it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers legend, the Black Mamba himself will always have a special place in any persons collection. According to officials at PWCC Marketplace, this card set a record for the highest-selling Bryant card. This version has appeared in similar numbers to the serial numbered version, but it is not embossed and is not serial numbered. The BGS 9.5 gem mint grade also drives the cards value up and makes it a worthy addition to any Kobe card collection. Ask any card enthusiast about the player they want to collect and youll most likely end up with, The reasoning here is very simple. 1996-97 Fleer Kobe Bryant RC #203. . The same thought applies to Bryants basketball cards. Rovell also explained another oddball element of the cards value. The "1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractors #138 Kobe Bryant Rookie Card -- BGS PRISTINE/Black Label 10" is just one of two in the world "at its level of perfection," according to Goldin Auctions. The fact that both The Black Mamba and the Pelicans rising star signed the card itself makes it a more desirable item for any collector. However, the exact value of this card varies because centering is challenging with this card, which makes the value condition sensitive. The highest Kobe Bryant rookie card sale came from this set at a price shy of $1.8 million at an auction. The autographed jersey cards have proven to be the most popular. They can be distinguished from the Bams by the gold "SLAM" found in the upper-right and lower-left corners and a gold tint. Kobe Bryant Rookie Card Sells for Fortunately, this marvel remains in perfect shape over 22 years later. A lot of things can still happen, which will drive these prices to go higher than before. Here are a few favorites: The first thing to note about this card is the excellent aesthetics. The card features a large image of Kobe in mid-air with a basketball in hand as he goes up for a dunk. The incredible design and its rarity in the market have driven up the cards value exponentially over the years. One glimpse at it and youll appreciate its clean look, amazing graphics, and the unique way it highlights Bryant as an integral part of Los Angeles City itself. Published Each base version has a teal counterpart, which is numbered to 150. According to officials at PWCC Marketplace, this card set a record for the highest-selling Bryant card. For popular releases from his peak playing days, Upper Deck has a lot of good choices. This Kobe refractor rookie is cherished for its remarkable condition. Thats why the first edition of this set remains an in-demand product these days. With only 18 of these made, the card itself features an on-card signature from Bryant in an immaculate design. The following list features some of the best Kobe Bryant cards in existence. This is one of Kobes earliest pack-issued patch autographs, and the numbering was hand-drawn by the Black Mamba himself. The average selling price for this card is around $400, with the highest prices reaching just shy of $800. Web2000 Upper Deck Ultimate Victory #65 Kobe Bryant: $3.53: 2000 Upper Deck Ultimate Victory #67 Kobe Bryant: $1.02: 2000 Upper Deck Ultimate Victory #69 Kobe Bryant: $2.03: 2000 Upper Deck Ultimate Victory #71 Kobe Bryant: $2.53: 2000 Upper Deck Ultimate Victory #72 Kobe Bryant: $0.83: 2000 Upper Deck Ultimate Victory #73 Kobe Bryant: $2.25 The second-most valuable Kobe Bryant rookie card on the list is 1996-97 E-X2000 #30. Checking reviews and ratings can also give you insight into whether the seller can be trusted. One of the most iconic parallels in modern collecting, Precious Metal Gems have seen their stock rise considerably over the years and this really took off with 1997-98 Skybox Metal Universe. Although it may be out of reach for most people, you can expect its price to continue going up in the coming years. If you cut it, youll get a horrible grade. It contains dual on-card autographs and game-worn patches, so it doesnt get much better than that. If you don't understand the reference of Kobe's other nickname, think of a fine wine and what age does to it. The 1996-97 Topps Rookie Card is one of the most popular Kobe Bryant cards. Kobe's rookie cards were released in the 1996-97 basketball card set by several manufacturers, including Topps, Fleer, Upper Deck and Skybox. Finally, we have another sought-after rookie card from Bryants 96 campaign, the Topps Finest gold refractor. His passion for the game and his natural talent made him a force to be reckoned with on the court. A Kobe Bryant Upper Deck card from the 2002-03 season recently sold for $922,500 at auction, setting the record price for a non-rookie Kobe card. on Dec. 20, 2020. Most ever paid for a Kobe card This record-setting Kobe Bryant Green PMG sold for $2 Million in a private sale! pic.twitter.com/1o7cFJA5um. This Topps Chrome base card isn't as rare as the Refractor version and doesn't sell for as much as it or the regular Topps base card. What Noyz Boyz lacks in grammatical correctness, it more than makes up for with flash and tough odds. This gorgeous patch auto comes from 2013 National Treasures, a set that featured high-dollar rookies of Giannis Antetokounmpo. His rookie cards are some of the most popular and valuable cards on the market, with many selling for thousands of dollars. These base cards are typically common with plenty in circulation, with many worth in the two- to three-digit range depending on their condition and rarity. As stated earlier, his legendary career and the narrative that came along with it will keep his cards in demand within the community. on the market. This 2007 Exquisite dual logoman autograph is a rookie for KD, who is shown in his Seattle Supersonics uniform. The price tag set a record for modern-day (produced in 1980 or later) basketball cards and was the most any basketball card has ever sold for. During the 2012-13 season, a new high-end product was released at a price level that was unmatched to that point. Later sets have the Credentials parallels also, but the white-framed rookie edition is the top pick for KB. Perhaps the only thing that could make a Kobe Bryant card more valuable is if it shared the card with another NBA legend. In addition, make sure you're familiar with the item you're looking to purchase. The grade of 10 refractors of this card is worth an estimated $1,500. In January, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card sold for $5.2 million on PWCC Marketplace and still stands as the most expensive sports card ever sold. As of the moment, this card commands a premium price on the market. Oh, and how about five rings for good measure. Death of Kobe Bryant means for the Value Today, we are highlighting the 20 biggest Kobe Bryant card sales of all time. Of course, these five cards are just a small sample of the market out there. This is the first set where the pair have dual autographs, so it is still widely collected to this day. Whats true is that The Black Mambas cards, especially those deemed high in value, will never experience a drastic drop. A rare Kobe Bryant rookie card sold for more than $1.795 million on Saturday, an all-time record for any Bryant card, according to the Goldin Auctions, an online auction house. I agree to receive the "CBS Sports HQ Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. In first place is an autographed card found from Paninis Impeccable set for the 2019-20 season. The average selling price for this card is around $700 for a grade of 9. He also possesses a treasure trove of knowledge on all things comics. Goldin did not release the name of the cards buyer. Kobe Bryant card Since he was not included in the first batch, fans need to look to this version for their Kobe Bryant collection. 1996-97 Bowman's Best Kobe Bryant RC #R23. There are three base Kobe Bryant "Row" versions, each with different images and rarity. The card consists of Kobe driving for a layup in iconic fashion with the Topps logo in the top left corner. If youre of a certain age, you could be sitting on or have squandered a fortune. Bowman's Best is primarily a baseball card product but has also seen success with other sports, increasing demand for these cards. With only 50 copies, this is another very elusive card. As a result, Bryant's cards are top-rated among collectors. This 2003-04 Upper Deck Honor Roll card's symmetrical design makes it one of the most aesthetically pleasing cards on this list. Listed below are the five Kobe Bryant cards that have commanded the most expensive prices in recent memory. Kobe Bryant Cards First is the basic Gold Embossed die-cut card. 2023 Cable News Network. The same can also be said about Kobe Bryants first Prizm card, which is fetching a high price on the market. All Rights Reserved, Although they are not quite as popular as the foil version in 1997-98 Metal Universe, PMG parallels found in 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship are the rarest, with a print run of just 5. He also possesses a treasure trove of knowledge on all things comics. The card sells for around $1,000 in mint condition but can go for much more if it is autographed or has a high grade. The Most Valuable Kobe Bryant Rookie Cards The Flawless brand has continued over the years and remains a prime option for Kobe Bryant collectors. Kobe Bryant Cards #12 features the first Kobe card from the 2010s, and its his last 1/1 Prizm from his playing years. WebKobe Bryants legacy will long be felt in the hobby, he inspired a whole new generation of athletes with his mamba mentality, which is why his autographs will remain collectible and should retain their value. Many collectors believe that the value of Kobe's rookie cards is expected to rise as his legacy continues to grow. The reasoning here is very simple. The rarest version, Star Power Supreme, includes a yellow background and an additional image of Bryant. His famous Mamba mentality, scoring prowess, and drive to never yield against the odds makes him a popular choice among card collectors. His rookie card is one of the rarest in existence and one of only two on earth in black label pristine condition, which is the highest possible obtainable grade. Last week, a Bryant card went for $2 million, according to TMZ Sports. pic.twitter.com/sPCk889JJY. The supply [constraints] are there, and it was only a matter of time for the demand to catch up and hit a big number.. The most recent PSA 10 was sold for $57.6K in May of 2021, while a Both carry good value, but the numbered version is generally preferred. The back also has a photo of himlooking focused, along with his statistics from the 1996-97 season. The background makes it seem like Kobe is floating in the air. Perhaps the only thing that could make a Kobe Bryant card more valuable is if it shared the card with another NBA legend. At just over $3.5 million, this is the most expensive Kobe Bryant card ever sold. Exquisite was the premiumbasketball product for multiple years. That's precisely what this Upper Deck card does: it features dual images of Kobe Bryant and the man many consider the greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan. This card is a 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Emerald and is not a rookie card. Bryant has a Bronze Apprentice rookie (#74) and the rare Gold Heir version. Let's face it, jersey cards have jumped the shark. Kobe Bryant His cards, especially from the year he was drafted, have gone up in value during the past year. Theyre more challenging to catch these days for anything more than a pretty penny, owing to Bryants legendary status and the rarity of the card itself. Multiple images and large text make for a slightly overwhelming design, but that has not hurt values. He was only 41 years old, and his death sent shockwaves throughout the world. Finally, there are autographed cards out there as well. Please try again later. Some cards may come out in the open and make a claim to this title. Ask any casual card collector out there if they know anything about Score, and theyll likely shrug in confusion. A number of SI for Kids cards from the 1990s have sold for five to six figures, highlighted last week by a Serena Williams card from 1999 that fetched $117,000 in an auction. It's more desirable than even a Kobe Bryant rookie card or a Kobe Bryant autograph. Rovell, writing for ESPN in 2001, chronicled how a Tiger Woods card sold for $125,000. The card's condition report had perfect 10s across the board, qualifying it for the prestigious "black label" recognition. Even though the Kobe card isnt from his rookie year and doesnt feature an autograph, jersey patch, or serial number, this card goes for big money at auction. Before we dive in to the most valuable Kobe Bryant cards of all-time, let's discuss the player.