In the world of sports card collecting, Michael Jordan continues to reign supreme. The latest proof of his enduring popularity comes from PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction, where a 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies edition featuring the basketball legend sold for a staggering $216,000. This sale not only sets a new record for this particular /50 parallel card but also cements its position as the second most expensive Star Rubies card ever sold.
The 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies card series is highly sought-after among collectors. Known for introducing serial-numbered cards to the hobby, this series has sparked rarity within the industry. The Star Rubies edition, along with Skybox’s Precious Metal Gems, has become synonymous with high value and exclusivity.
What makes the 1998 release even more special is that it was the final Skybox set to showcase Jordan before his retirement in 1998. This fact adds an extra layer of desirability and value to the cards from this set. The intricate foil details and edge-to-edge design of these cards make them particularly prone to wear, further increasing their rarity and collectibility.
The record-setting Jordan card, graded PSA 7, is a Pop 4. This means that only four cards of this exact type have received the same grade, making it incredibly rare. In fact, there are only five cards that have been graded higher, making this particular card truly exceptional.
But the auction didn’t stop at the Michael Jordan card. Other collectibles also reached new heights in terms of value. A PSA 1 (MC) graded 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 card, despite its less-than-perfect condition, sold for an impressive $35,400. This iconic card featuring the legendary New York Yankees player continues to command high prices, even in lower grades.
Kobe Bryant, another basketball great, also made waves in the auction. A 1999 Upper Deck Game Jerseys patch auto card featuring Bryant fetched a record-breaking $32,700. As collectors continue to remember and honor Bryant’s legacy, the value of his cards continues to rise.
The auction also showcased the growing interest in Formula 1 cards. A 2020 Topps Dynasty F1 card featuring Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas went for an impressive $20,400. This high-value card demonstrates the increasing popularity of Formula 1 as a collectible category and the appeal of acquiring cards featuring the sport’s most prominent figures.
Overall, the PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction proved once again that sports card collecting is a thriving industry. From Michael Jordan’s record-breaking card to vintage gems like the Mickey Mantle card, collectors are willing to pay top dollar for these rare and coveted pieces. As the hobby continues to evolve and new records are set, it’s clear that the allure of sports cards shows no signs of slowing down.
