The bronze-colored "Apprentices" subset in 1996 Finest also came with refractor parallels and this one isn't cheap in top grade. Again, these parallels are easily distinguished from the base versions based on the teal coloration of the front text. While there are a seeming endless number of parallels Panini Prizm decided to produce, the golds are always the rarest and typically serial numbered to 10. If you dont own one, heres your opportunity to get in while you can. Because the 97 Metal Universe Championship PMGs have such high demand and low supply, the value is priceless. This article listed the best Kobe Bryant basketball cards recently sold at auction. There were 90 cards in their base set for this year, separated into what they call Rows. Row 2 is the base set and the most common while Row 1 and Row 0 are much rarer. Moreover, will a pull rate of 1:720 packs, they are some of the rarest and more challenging inserts to pull. With a star-studded rookie class and such amazing card designs, the hobby boxes of 1996 Skybox E-X2000 can sell for upwards of $10k. I think the design of the 1996 Bowman's Best card is easily one of the best of the cards on this list. On 5/24/2021 a PSA 9 of the #23SR parallel sold for $87,330. Considering that over 22 million Kobe Bryant cards have been printed throughout his career, that is a surprisingly low number. PSA graded 41 of Kobes Hardware cards with eight grading gem mint 10, ten mint 9, and three nm-mt+ 8.5. The Essential Credentials Future cards had a unique serial numbering system where the card number was equal to the print run. Some other huge names like Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, Stephon Marbury and Antoine Walker were included but it's Bryant's card that is easily the standout. The highest grade of the card is a Mint 9 (only 2), and only 11 have ever been graded by PSA. The most recent auction for a Star Rubies Kobe Bryant from the 1997 set was for a PSA 6 example. 9. The 500 series are limited to 500 copies per player and sequentially numbered out of 500 on the backside. The highest Kobe Bryant rookie card sale came from this set at a price shy of $1.8 million at an auction. Because of the chipping, it only has a PSA 10 population of 22. $399.99. He is based in Atlanta and covers Black folklore, politics, and race. This leaves them with higher overall mint percentages if you look at the PSA pop reports. Please, comment below and let me know which cards you think should be on the list. 2004 Exquisite may not be quite as popular as the inaugural 2003 set, but it still commands huge prices with some of the more rare auto and patch cards from the all-time greats. However, there are also ultra-rare inserts randomly inserted in their hobby boxes known as High Voltage 500. The base versions use gold foil for the text on the front but the scarcer "Rubies" parallels use a ruby-colored foil instead. While examples can have asking prices of $150,000 or more, they usually sell for around $32,500, making them one of the most coveted Kobe cards, regardless of condition. 1998-99 Topps Stadium Club Kobe Bryant Statliners Die-Cut S17 Los Angeles Lakers. One of his rarest cards, the 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Emerald, sold for $2 million in 2022, breaking the record for the most expensive basketball card in the world. Compared to some other rare high end cards, these Topps Chrome refractors tend to have a strong card stock and are not prone to chipping. On 3/12/2022 a PSA 10 sold for $13,200. Sellers declare the item's customs value and must comply . The Flair Showcase card was a multi-image card with a side portrait blending with an action shot of the late star. However, because they are so rare, any player is considered valuable. Prices tend to hover around the $8k-$10K range for a PSA 10 copy, although considering it has a PSA 10 population of 8 and only 59 have ever been graded, not many ever really pop up for sale. This card is well known as Kobe's most valuable rookie and the most sough after modern basketball card in the entire industry. Due to the high number of Kobe cards, I will not include his rookie cards or refractors in this list. On 4/6/2021 a PSA GEM MT 10 sold for $73,200, and on 10/27/2021 another PSA 10 sold for $18,450. AUTH Kobe Bryant Rookie Card Values. All Categories; Accessories 0 Antique & Vintage 247 Appliances 6 Aquatic/Reptile Products 2 Art 20 Arts & Crafts 1 It is Serial Numbered to 500, and there is a base insert version of this card as well, only it is more common and not serial numbered. The subset name is located above the skybox Molten Metal logo. Lastly, they are limited to 100 copies per player, making them ultra-rare and hard to find. They also sell figures and toys based on athletes in a diverse array of sports, including not only basketball but also tennis, hockey, golf, and more. The Playmakers Theatre inserts are gaining more momentum in the hobby recently for a few reasons. Some reputable sellers have it listed for $1259, but there are significantly lower bids on some auctions starting at $180 . This one of Kobe getting ready to attempt his trademark jam has a PSA 10 value of $1,000, and the most impressive thing about this card is that it predates the Fleer Precious Metal Gems series, making this an anomaly in the Fleer collection. The most recent auction was a PSA 9 example, which ended in May 2022 for $33,000. 114 copies have been graded. Kobe Bryant, the shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, had a legendary 20-year career before retiring with 5 NBA championships under his belt, as well as 15 memberships in the All-NBA Team. With only 73 copies available, they are challenging to find; however, the Now parallels have only eight copies and are near impossible to find for sale due to collectors locking them up in vaults for permanent keeping. High Voltage 500 are parallel cards to the regular High Voltage inserts, which are in roughly one per hobby box. Showing only 100 cards. Bills GM Joins NFL Doctors Optimism, Kobe Bryant card sold for a record $1.795 million. On 1/7/2022 a PSA 10 sold for $5,400. On 2/19/2022 a PSA 10 sold for $360,000. PSA mint 9 examples sell between $1,500 $1,800. This card in particular also sells for more than the series one rookie, most likely due to the preferred design. Log In Sign up PSA. historic prices, and card details. This card has a PSA 10 population of 35, which is even less than the Topps Chrome refractor, but as you can see the popularity of Topps Chrome sells for many multiples higher than Bowmans Best. Compare prices below or click on the card you want for more values, historic prices, and card details. It is serial numbered to 10. I used to love watching him and Shaq play together during that dominant Lakers run. While it has a PSA 10 population of 63, which is higher than some other cards on the list, the popularity of the iconic Topps Chrome brand skyrockets the cards demand and value. Read Description. Continue reading to learn about the 9 most expensive Kobe Bryant cards ever sold. This rare Kobe Rookie Card shows him baby-faced and smiling, ready to make a play. A Kobe Bryant card was sold privately last week for $2 million, PWCC Marketplace announced Tuesday, the highest a Bryant card has ever brought. window.addEventListener( 'loadOrInteraction', function() { Gold Medallion parallels are also in the set and easier to pull. Stay posted for any cards that surface on eBay for auction because any PMG card is valuable regardless of the player. These Star Ruby cards are also serial numbered to only 50, making them more rare than the previous year. Because of the oval die-cut shape, the Jambalaya card doesnt have corners, which makes them easier to find in near-perfect conditions. The Row 1 or "Grace" Legacy Collection parallel from this iconic set is another one that's worth thousands of dollars in top grade. These include #1 (Charles Barkley), #23 (Michael Jordan), #50 (Shaquille ONeal), and #20 (Allen Iverson). If you grew up before the 2000s, the hobby of collecting sports cards shouldnt be foreign to you. Goldin Auctions sold a PSA 10 example at auction in March 2021 for an impressive $18,450. Bryant tragically died in 2020 in a helicopter crash. Kobe Bryant. Proving just how rare they are. Kobe Bryants 1996 rookie season was a historic time in the basketball card hobby, as Topps Chrome emerged as a top tier brand, and many other sets created refractors, die cuts, and rare serial numbered inserts and parallels. As you can see, the rare and limited print run of the Star Ruby parallel really brings up the value. There was a gold version, which was part of a set that appeared in just one of every 2,500 packs. If you somehow have a Kobe Bryant basketball card in your possession, hold on to it tightly. On 6/21/2021 a PSA 10 of the Essential Credentials Future sold for $12,500. Mystery Sports Card Packs! 1996-97 Bowmans Best Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #R23. This card really hits the trifecta of collecting. The E-X2000 Credentials Kobe Bryant Rookie Card is a limited-edition card in a set of 499 examples. Parallel cards have a reflective coating on them that Panini calls Prizm. Other brands usually call this refractor. Prizm has both gold and silver Prizm, denoted by the color of the shiny border around the photo. Nonetheless, while this Metal series is not as big . Here is a list of the most valuable Kobe Bryant cards, including rookies and inserts from the late 90s and 2000s. Having the coolest cards from some of your favorite athletes was like a badge of honor in the streets. Moreover, we see how rare they are, with a small supply of only 23 graded by PSA. The card, which was sold through the PWCC Marketplace,is one of the most desirable of all time. Kobe Bryant Basketball Trading Card Values. These first appearances are often highly valued since they are produced before the athletes attain major popularity. Raw versions of the card sell for anywhere between $150-$250. It can be found in 1996 Fleer Ultra Series 2 hobby boxes. Firstly, they are limited to 100 copies per player and are of the early cards with serial numbers. 1996-97 Fleer Metal Kobe Bryant LA Lakers #181. On 4/23/2020 a PSA 9 sold for $9,017. A PSA 9 example is valued between $1,800 - $2,200, while a PSA 10 just sold at auction by Golding Auctions for $7,500. This card also has a semi-transparent acetate material, which can cause chipping of the coloring along the edges making it near impossible to pull a mint condition card even from a pack. PriceIt Game | The only recorded sales are of a PSA 7, selling for $20,400 in October 2021, and a PSA 10, selling for $80,000 in February 2022. This card features Kobe going for a layup and has seen major price appreciation since his untimely death. The card displays all three signatures, rated 10 by Beckett for quality. The Topps. More than just a great player, Kobe became a cultural figure for an entire generation of players and fans. The Raise the Roof text has the early 90s feel, with the letters having varying angles and sizes. Kobe Bryant was seemingly destined for greatness. At a Goldin auction, one of these cards, complete with its entire original coating as assessed by the PSA, sold for $162,360. Year: 2004-2005. The sale is notable in that the card -- a 1997-98 . First on our list of most valuable Kobe Bryant cards is this Emerald PMG! A Kobe Bryant rookie card sold for $1.795 million late Saturday on Goldin Auctions, an online auction house and repository for sports memorabilia, making it one of the most expensive basketball . Additionally, each row also went by another name: Row 0 was labeled as "Showcase", Row 1 was "Grace" and Row 2 went by "Style". And the last time one of these in BGS 10 condition sold in 2017, it went for an incredible $33,500. Shop the 1997 Essential Credential Kobe Bryant card on eBay, Shop the 1997 Precious Metal Gems Kobe Bryant card on eBay, Shop the 1997 Precious Metal Gems Kobe Bryant cards on eBay, Go Out on a Limb with These NBA Championship Picks, Players who have made the biggest impressions in the NBA bubble. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network and Amazon. The most recent sale of a 97 Credential Kobe parallel was in September 2022 by PWCC Auctions and ended at $90,000. PSA graded fifteen of Kobes Fusion basketball cards, with five grading gem mint 10, six mint 9, three NM-MT 8, and one authenticated. Get my weekly newsletter with the latest hobby updates delivered straight to your inbox! returned too many results. Five players remain correct: Michael Jordan, Grant Hill, Allen Iverson, Shawn Kemp, and Stephon Marbury. Out of all Kobe rookie cards, this has to be the most unique design. The card came out in 1996-1997, like Bryants other rookie cards. This card will run you anywhere from $150-$1,850. All Rights Reserved. CNNs Jill Martian contributed to this report. 1996-97 SP Premier Prospects Rookie #134 The most recent sale of Kobes second-year Credentials parallel took place in February 2022 by auction house Goldin Auctions. But he is a basketball icon and collectors will likely continue to value his cards and memorabilia. In 2003, E-X resurrected the Essential Credentials Future and Essential Credentials Now serial numbered parallels. One of Kobes most iconic, yet attainable rookie cards is the 1996-97 Topps card. You own: 0 / 100 items High grade copies are tough to come by as you can imagine just how condition sensitive they are. Because of the challenging pull ratio and unique concept, the Intimidation inserts are gaining popularity in the hobby. These are some of the most problematic cards to find in near-perfect conditions. Topps Chrome also released a refractor version of this card, which tends to sell for 3x as much as the regular card. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? The auction house called the quality of the card a condition assessment of unsurpassable magnitude, scoring 10s in every tested category. Just like its series one counterpart, the refractors fetch much higher prices. Best Selling. The Upper Deck Exquisite Collection was originally sold in packs of 6, with no guarantee that you would get any rare or valuable ones in each. This 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Emerald Kobe Bryant card just set. By contrast, the base insert version has been graded 82 times, with 14 getting a 10 by PSA. Due to a manufacturing error, Fleer produced 15 of the 20 Supernatural cards with an incorrect front logo, resulting in five cards with serial numbers out of 40 rather than 250. Moreover, the background is covered with a platinum finish, and the text also boasts a metallic gradient. 2. Honestly, it doesnt get much rarer than that. This is arguably Kobes best card in existence, said Jesse Craig, Director of Business Development at PWCC. On 4/6/2021 a BGS GEM MINT 9.5 sold for $67,200, and on 10/6/2021 a PSA 9 $18,450. There are so many Kobe Bryant rookies but the ones on this list are his most valuable. However, It has a PSA 10 population of only 8, which makes it quite the rare Kobe rookie card. Goldin did not release the name of the cards buyer. It could be considered Flairs rookie card too, from the year they really took off with their Bryant and Michael Jordan cards. Set# 182 is the Prizm Kobe Bryant Gold card, one of the most recent cards that you can buy, being released for Bryants 2015-2016 season. They have cards from players still in the NBA that are worth millions. This signed card in the Exquisite Collection is actually two cards, KB1 and KB2, each of which sold at a Goldin Auction for $36,000. 1996 Flair Showcase Legacy Row 2 #31 Estimated PSA 10 Value: $3,000 The base version has been graded over 5,000 times but has a PSA 10 population of only 24. The Gold parallel has only been graded 20 times by PSA, with only 5 getting a gem mint grade. Because of the foil-type finish, they are often found with soft corners and edge wear, resulting in a lower grade. Ungraded examples of the Kobe Bryant Jambalaya card sell between $7,500 $9,000, depending on the condition. The card was graded "9" by the BGS (or "mint") and the signature was graded . This example that went up for sale at a Goldin auction was marked as #01, which likely added to its allure and contributed to it taking $133,200 when the hammer finally fell. Because of the scarcity, impressive design, and legendary player list, High Voltage 500 cards are highly collectible and valuable. Players are cropped-out and placed over a background of the sky, appearing as though they have broken through the roof. Since this is the lone sale of the only PSA 10 copy in existence of the 2003 Limited Logos Kobe, its no wonder the sale price crept up near the top of all-time sales for a Kobe card. These premium cards, as their name suggests, were high quality in both design and content. (Bailey Zappe Autographed Rookie Card out of 10) 12 /r/footballcards , 2023-02-23, 14:16:54 This #74 Apprentices rookie was featured on Series 1 hobby boxes which contained cards numbered 1-146. Platinum Medallion parallels first appeared in the 1996 set; however, they do not have serial numbers. MORE: The Makings Of Black Mamba: Kobe Bryant Through The Years. The cards represent three of the biggest stars in the sport, including not only Bryant but also Lebron James and Michael Jordan. While not serial numbered, these did have what could be called a SPP (or Super Short Print run). Report this item Report this item - opens in new window . The red Kobe PMG has only been graded 16 times and the green just twice. After making the jump from high school to the NBA, Bryant was one of the most hyped young stars of the day. Fleer Kobe Bryant Rookie Sports Trading Cards & Accessories, Fleer Kobe Bryant Grade 9.5 Basketball Rookie Sports Trading Cards & Accessories, With 42 bids, it ended for a total of $111,000. The Flair Showcase Legacy Collection Row 1 Kobe Bryant Rookie Card is from the players 1996/1997 season. Overall, there are so many things going for these as far as the design goes. Published The main difference in the design from the regular High Voltage cards are the 500 Volts designnation on the front, along with a different refractor-like pattern when shown in the light. Price: $36,000. This card has a PSA 10 population of 3, and 1 PSA 9, for a total PSA pop of just 4. Navigation. This is a second-year card of Kobe with the back description complementing his incredible leaping ability and all-around skills. Many of them are just as exciting in eye appeal as was Kobe's play on the court. More NBA Coverage: The cards feature laser cut technology with pinhole-sized cutouts tracing the players silhouette. The lone PSA 10 would probably eclipse $100k. . Huge Chasers! Look for the label that says, Upper Deck Authenticated.. Showing only 100 cards. Another giveaway feature is the green and red foil background split between the word Jambalaya in cursive. Toggle navigation. If youre looking for an ultimate challenge, consider hunting down the 1/1 Masterpiece edition. PSA graded 49 of Kobes Star Power Supreme inserts with eleven grading gem mint 10, twelve mint 9, seventeen NM-MT 8, and the remaining PSA 7 or less. Two years removed from his rookie season, Fleer Brilliants was released and while it doesnt have a large number of parallel and insert cards, it is quite the set and includes rookies such as Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter, and Paul Pierce. Only one other example of this card is considered to exist at this level of quality. It is serial numbered to 75. setTimeout( function() { Judging by the grades PSA is giving these inserts, they must be very prone to chipping as a majority of the cards were given a PSA 8 Near Mint designation. The majority of cards in the population are nm-mt PSA 8, with fifteen total. Its more desirable than even a Kobe Bryant rookie card or a Kobe Bryant autograph. The card features a great action shot of a young Kobe driving past a defender looking to score. Ungraded examples have a value between $9,000 $12,000, depending on the condition. Kobe is shown soaring through the air catching a pass that will undoubtedly result in points on the board. Despite the high sale prices of these elite versions, you can still pick up lesser grades of the same designs in the base Flair, making for a great Kobe rookie card to add to your collection. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. This card has a PSA 10 population of 15, and only 50 have ever been graded by PSA. Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest players to ever set foot on the court. The value of an ungraded 1998 Intimidation Nation Kobe Bryant card is between $800 $1,000, depending on the condition. It's straightforward but modern-looking enough to give it some great pop overall. Series two featured card #269 Kobe Byrant in a gold bordered Heirs design, which has both a base and refractor parallel version. And that should boost the price more in theory. These don't come up for sale very often in top grade due to the extreme condition sensitivity but when they do they go for huge bucks. Learn how to search faster and find your cards. The clear favorite among Kobe Bryant rookies, Bryant's base 1996-97 Topps Chrome card is one of the few non-numbered rookie cards without a signature that still commands high prices. 1996 Skybox E-X2000 Credentials and Base #30 Kobe Bryant, 1996 Flair Showcase Legacy Collection Row 0 & 1 #31 Kobe Bryant, 1996 Topps Chrome Refractor #138 Kobe Bryant, 1996 Finest Refractor w/ Coating #74 Kobe Bryant, 1996 Finest Refractor w/ Coating #269 Kobe Bryant, 1996 Bowmans Best Rookies #R23 Kobe Bryant Atomic Refractor, 1996 Skybox E-X2000 Star Date 2000 #3 Kobe Bryant, 1996 Skybox Premium Star Rubies #55 Kobe Bryant, 1996 Skybox Premium Star Rubies #203 Kobe Bryant, 1996 Fleer Ultra Platinum Medallion Kobe Bryant #P266, 1996 Fleer Ultra Platinum Medallion Kobe Bryant #P52, 1996 Skybox Premium New Editions #3 Kobe Bryant, Most Valuable Kobe Bryant Cards Rare Inserts (1997-2018), 1997 Skybox E-X2001 Essential Credentials Future #8 Kobe Bryant, 1997 Skybox E-X2001 Jambalaya #12JB Kobe Bryant, 1997 Flair Showcase Legacy Collection Row 0 #18 Kobe Bryant, 1997 Hoops High Voltage 500 Volts #1HV Kobe Bryant, 1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems #81 Kobe Bryant, 1997 Skybox Premium Star Rubies #23SR & #226SR Kobe Bryant, 1997 Ultra Platinum Medallion #1P & #252P Kobe Bryant, 2003 E-X Essential Credentials #9 Kobe Bryant, 2003 UD Exquisite Autograph Patches #AP-KB Kobe Bryant, 2003 UD Exquisite Limited Logos #LL-KB Kobe Bryant, 2004-05 UD Exquisite Collection Number Pieces Autographs #NP-KB Kobe Bryant, 2008-09 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor #24 Kobe Bryant, 2015-16 Panini Prizm Kobe Bryant #182 Prizms Gold, 1998-99 Fleer Brilliants 24kt Gold #70TG Kobe Bryant, 2000 Upper Deck Game Jersey Patch 2 #KB-PA Kobe Bryant, 2009 UD SP Game Used Logo Men #LOGO-KB Kobe Bryant, 2009 Playoff National Treasures Notable Nicknames #NN-KB Kobe Bryant, 2018 Panini Prizm Prizms Gold #15 Kobe Bryant, 2012 Panini Prizm Most Valuable Players Prizms Gold #3 Kobe Bryant, 2017 Panini Impeccable All-Stars Autographs #16 Kobe Bryant, 1998 Fleer Playmakers Theatre #3 Kobe Bryant, Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Cards Conclusion, Brilliant Blue (Veteran 1:3 packs, Rookies 1:6 packs), Brilliant Gold (sequentially numbered to 99), 24-Karat Gold (sequentially numbered to 24). 1996 Topps Draft Pick Unredeemed Redemption Card #13 Kobe Bryant: $11.52: 1996 Topps NBA at 50 #138 Kobe Bryant: $10.63: 1996 Topps Youth Quake #15 Kobe Bryant: $31.25: 1996 . The set contains 20 electric players of the late 90s, including Jordan, Pippen, Malone, Rodman, Iverson, Garnett, and Kobe. The 1996 Flair Showcase set offered an interesting yet complicated grouping of base cards that were broken into tiers of scarcity that they called "Row 0", "Row 1" and "Row 2". Goldin Auctions recently sold a PSA example at auction in August 2022 for $15,350. Attributes of gem mint-rated cards include a sharp focus, sharp corners, and the full original gloss on the whole surface of the card. In 1997, Fleer released two Metal Universe sets, the standard set and the Championship set, which has 100 total cards, including 98 players and two checklists. Flair started in 1993 and jumped right into the high-end sports card trading market. Rookie cards are those that feature the athlete at the beginning of their career, once theyve hit the height of their sports competitive circuits. PSA graded 58 of Kobes Intimidation Nation cards, with nine grading gem mint 10, twenty mint 9, two nm-mt+, and the remaining grading PSA 8 or less. Not surprisingly, the pop on these cards are super low and only one PSA 10 copy exists. Skybox Premium emerged as a mid-tier brand, with the Star Rubies parallels being the main attraction. $13.99 + $0.99 shipping. On 5/24/2021 a PSA 10 of the Row 0 sold for $233,700 and a Row 1 sold for $100,860. It is just one of two in the world at its level of perfection.. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. PSA graded a meager 6 of Kobes Raise the Roof cards, with one grading gem mint 10, one nm-mt 8, and four near mint 7. This one is without a doubt the most sought after Kobe Bryant rookie card in the hobby and easily the key to a legendary set that features rookies of other stars like Allen Iverson and Ray Allen. The card was made by Panini, the Italian card developer who got their start making soccer stickers. He is a professional photographer, dog lover, gamer, and has quite the green thumb. There are a Refractor and Atomic Refractor parallel of the base version. Kobes other parallel, the Essential Credentials Now version, was serial numbered in reverse. The bidding for player contracts for the subjects of these cards is still hotly contested. On eBay, starting bid for this card is all over the place.