The world of sports card collecting continues to see skyrocketing prices, as PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction witnessed yet another record-breaking sale. This time, it was a highly coveted 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies card featuring the basketball legend, Michael Jordan, which was claimed for an impressive six-figure sum of $216,000.
What makes this sale even more remarkable is that it set a new record for this particular /50 parallel card. It now holds the distinction of being the second most expensive Star Rubies card ever sold. The 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies card series is renowned for introducing serial-numbered cards to collectors, adding to their rarity and desirability. This series, along with Skybox’s Precious Metal Gems, has been instrumental in creating a sense of rarity within the hobby.
The 1998 release of the Skybox Premium Stars Rubies card holds a special place among collectors and enthusiasts alike. This set was the last to showcase Jordan prior to his 1998 retirement, making cards from this set even more valuable. The cards’ intricate foil details and edge-to-edge design make them particularly prone to wear, further adding to their rarity and desirability among collectors.
The record-setting Michael Jordan card, which received a PSA 7 grade, is considered a Pop 4 card. This means that only four cards of this specific type have received the same grade, with only five others graded higher. The combination of the card’s rarity, the prestigious PSA grading, and the iconic status of Michael Jordan all contributed to its remarkable sale price.
But the auction didn’t stop with the Michael Jordan card. Other collectibles reached new heights as well. A PSA 1 (MC) graded 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 card, despite its less-than-perfect condition, fetched an impressive $35,400. This demonstrates the enduring popularity and value of iconic baseball cards, even in less pristine states.
Additionally, a record was set for a Kobe Bryant 1999 Upper Deck Game Jerseys patch auto card, which sold for $32,700. Bryant’s tragic passing earlier this year has led to an increased interest in his collectibles, with prices continuously surging. The demand for special memorabilia, such as game-worn jerseys, adds to the allure of cards like these.
Another notable sale from the auction was a 2020 Topps Dynasty F1 card featuring Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, which garnered $20,400. Formula 1 has a growing fan base, and this card showcases the top drivers in the sport, making it highly sought after among collectors.
The PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction once again demonstrates the ever-increasing popularity and value of sports cards. Iconic figures like Michael Jordan, Mickey Mantle, and Kobe Bryant continue to captivate the hearts of collectors worldwide. As the market evolves and collectors seek rarity and unique memorabilia, prices for these highly coveted cards are expected to keep reaching new heights.
In conclusion, PWCC has set another record with the sale of a Michael Jordan card, with the 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies edition fetching an impressive six-figure sum. The auction also saw record-breaking sales for other collectibles, including a Mickey Mantle card and a Kobe Bryant card. These sales highlight the enduring popularity and value of sports cards in the collecting world.