Freeman’s/Hindman is making waves in the sports memorabilia world with its latest auction, featuring a treasure trove of iconic items that are sure to captivate collectors and sports enthusiasts alike. The star of the show is a complete set of 1984-85 Star Company basketball cards, wrapped in their original team bags and boasting the coveted Michael Jordan rookie card. This set of 288 cards is a piece of history, expected to fetch between $50,000 and $70,000 due to its rarity and the enduring appeal of Michael Jordan in the collectibles market.
The story behind these cards is just as fascinating as the cards themselves. The Star Company made a bold move in the early 1980s by securing the NBA’s trading card rights when industry giant Topps decided to opt out. Distributing primarily through mail orders and selective outlets, Star cards were not as widely circulated as those from bigger companies, adding to their desirability and scarcity. The fact that these cards have remained untouched in their original packaging for decades only adds to their allure and value.
But the auction doesn’t stop at basketball memorabilia; it also delves into the rich history of baseball with items like three autographed baseballs signed by the legendary Babe Ruth. One of these baseballs features Ruth’s signature boldly emblazoned on the sweet spot—a testament to the enduring legacy of the Sultan of Swat and a must-have for any serious sports artifact collector.
In addition to the standout Michael Jordan cards, the auction boasts a variety of other captivating sports collectibles. Among them are the 1984 Gold Medalist No. 195 and the 1985 Rookie of the Year No. 288 cards from Jordan’s early career, as well as a PSA 8 graded 1986-87 Fleer rookie card of the basketball icon.
Vintage card enthusiasts will find plenty to pique their interest, with offerings like a rare 1968 O-Pee-Chee Nolan Ryan rookie card graded PSA 8, a near complete set of 1952 Topps baseball cards with over 60 high numbers, and multiple Mickey Mantle cards from the 1950s and 60s. The auction also features a signed baseball from the 1955 Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend, bearing the signatures of 19 baseball legends including Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Cochrane.
Other notable items up for grabs include a San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XXIV Champions ring, a 1926 New York Yankees multi-signed baseball featuring autographs from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a collection of 1920s-30s St. Louis Cardinals contract agreements signed by the legendary Branch Rickey.
Running through June 13 on the Freeman’s/Hindman website, this auction not only showcases the rich history embedded in these collectibles but also provides a chance for sports fans and collectors to own a piece of that history. Whether you’re a basketball aficionado, a baseball buff, or simply a lover of American sports lore, this auction has something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of sporting history at this exceptional event.