Sports cards are more than just pieces of cardboard with pictures of athletes on them. They are also pieces of history, art, and passion that can fetch millions of dollars in the market. Whether you are a collector, an investor, or just a fan, you might be curious to know which sports cards are the most valuable and why. In this article, I will rank the 10 most expensive sports cards ever sold, based on the latest auction results and private sales. I will also tell you some interesting facts and stories behind each card. Let’s get started!
Tom Brady – 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket Autograph – $3.8 million
Tom Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time, with seven Super Bowl rings and countless records to his name. He is also one of the most popular and collectible players in the hobby, especially his rookie cards. The most valuable Tom Brady card is the 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket Autograph, which features a stunning action shot of Brady throwing a pass, along with his signature and a serial number out of 100. This card is extremely rare and desirable, as it represents the first year of Brady’s legendary career. In February 2022, a copy of this card graded BGS 9 with a 10 for the autograph sold for a whopping $3.8 million, making it the second most expensive football card ever sold. However, in 2023, the same card sold for only $855k, marking the biggest loss ever on a single sports card. Ouch!
Mike Trout – 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor Autograph – $4 million
Mike Trout is widely regarded as the best baseball player of his generation, with three MVP awards and numerous records to his name. He is also one of the most popular and collectible players in the hobby, especially his rookie cards. The most valuable Mike Trout card is the 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor Autograph, which features a stunning refractor effect of Trout in his minor league uniform, along with his signature and a serial number of 1/1. This card is extremely rare and desirable, as it is the only one of its kind in the world. In August 2020, a copy of this card graded BGS 9 with a 10 for the autograph sold for a staggering $4 million, making it the most expensive baseball card ever sold at the time. However, in 2022, this card was surpassed by another baseball card, which we will see later.
Babe Ruth – 1933 Goudey #53 – $4.2 million
Babe Ruth is widely regarded as the greatest baseball player of all time, with seven World Series titles and countless records to his name. He is also one of the most popular and collectible players in the hobby, especially his vintage cards. The most valuable Babe Ruth card is the 1933 Goudey #53, which features a colorful portrait of Ruth in his Yankees uniform, along with his name and team. This card is extremely rare and desirable, as it is one of the four Ruth cards in the iconic 1933 Goudey set, which is considered one of the most important sets in sports card history. In June 2021, a copy of this card graded PSA 9 sold for an incredible $4.2 million, making it the most expensive pre-war card ever sold.
Patrick Mahomes – 2017 Panini National Treasures Rookie Platinum NFL Shield Autograph – $4.3 million
Patrick Mahomes is widely regarded as the best quarterback of his generation, with one Super Bowl ring and numerous records to his name. He is also one of the most popular and collectible players in the hobby, especially his rookie cards. The most valuable Patrick Mahomes card is the 2017 Panini National Treasures Rookie Platinum NFL Shield Autograph, which features a stunning patch of the NFL logo from Mahomes’ jersey, along with his signature and a serial number of 1/1. This card is extremely rare and desirable, as it is the only one of its kind in the world. In July 2021, a copy of this card graded BGS 8.5 with a 10 for the autograph sold for an astonishing $4.3 million, making it the most expensive football card ever sold.
Luka Doncic – 2018-19 Panini National Treasures Rookie Logoman Autograph – $4.6 million
Luka Doncic is widely regarded as one of the best basketball players of his generation, with one MVP award and numerous records to his name. He is also one of the most popular and collectible players in the hobby, especially his rookie cards. The most valuable Luka Doncic card is the 2018-19 Panini National Treasures Rookie Logoman Autograph, which features a stunning patch of the NBA logo from Doncic’s jersey, along with his signature and a serial number of 1/1. This card is extremely rare and desirable, as it is the only one of its kind in the world. In March 2021, a copy of this card graded BGS 9.5 with a 10 for the autograph sold for an amazing $4.6 million, making it the second most expensive basketball card ever sold.
LeBron James – 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection RPA – $5.2 million
LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, with four NBA titles and countless records to his name. He is also one of the most popular and collectible players in the hobby, especially his rookie cards. The most valuable LeBron James card is the 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection RPA, which features a stunning patch of James’ jersey number from his debut season, along with his signature and a serial number out of 99. This card is extremely rare and desirable, as it is from the first and most prestigious Exquisite Collection set, which revolutionized the high-end sports card market. In April 2021, a copy of this card graded BGS 9 with a 10 for the autograph sold for an astounding $5.2 million, making it the third most expensive basketball card ever sold.
Mickey Mantle – 1952 Topps #311 – $5.2 million
Mickey Mantle is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, with seven World Series titles and countless records to his name. He is also one of the most popular and collectible players in the hobby, especially his vintage cards. The most valuable Mickey Mantle card is the 1952 Topps #311, which features a colorful action shot of Mantle in his Yankees uniform, along with his name and team. This card is extremely rare and desirable, as it is from the first and most iconic Topps set, which is considered the holy grail of sports card collecting. In January 2021, a copy of this card graded PSA 9 sold for an unbelievable $5.2 million, making it the second most expensive baseball card ever sold. However, in 2022, this card was surpassed by another copy of the same card, which we will see later.
Stephen Curry – 2009 National Treasures Stephen Curry Rookie Logoman Autograph – $5.9 million
Stephen Curry is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, with three NBA titles and countless records to his name. He is also one of the most popular and collectible players in the hobby, especially his rookie cards. The most valuable Stephen Curry card is the 2009 National Treasures Stephen Curry Rookie Logoman Autograph, which features a stunning patch of the NBA logo from Curry’s jersey, along with his signature and a serial number of 1/1. This card is extremely rare and desirable, as it is the only one of its kind in the world. In July 2021, a copy of this card graded PSA 8 sold for an astonishing $5.9 million, making it the most expensive basketball card ever sold.
Honus Wagner – 1909-11 T206 – $6.6 million
Honus Wagner is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, with eight batting titles and countless records to his name. He is also one of the most popular and collectible players in the hobby, especially his vintage cards. The most valuable Honus Wagner card is the 1909-11 T206, which features a portrait of Wagner in his Pirates uniform, along with his name and team. This card is extremely rare and desirable, as it is one of the most famous and controversial cards in sports card history. It is believed that only 50 to 200 copies of this card were ever produced, as Wagner allegedly objected to his image being used by a tobacco company. In August 2021, a copy of this card graded SGC 3 sold for an incredible $6.6 million, making it the most expensive pre-war card ever sold.
Mickey Mantle – 1952 Topps #311 – $12.6 million
Mickey Mantle is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, with seven World Series titles and countless records to his name. He is also one of the most popular and collectible players in the hobby, especially his vintage cards. The most valuable Mickey Mantle card is the 1952 Topps #311, which features a colorful action shot of Mantle in his Yankees uniform, along with his name and team. This card is extremely rare and desirable, as it is from the first and most iconic Topps set, which is considered the holy grail of sports card collecting. In December 2022, a copy of this card graded PSA 10 sold for an unbelievable $12.6 million, making it the most expensive baseball card and the most expensive sports card ever sold. This card is also the only PSA 10 copy of the 1952 Topps Mantle in existence, making it truly one of a kind.
These are the 10 most expensive sports cards ever sold, as of February 2024. As you can see, these cards are not only valuable because of their rarity and condition, but also because of their historical and cultural significance. They represent some of the greatest moments and players in sports history, and they capture the imagination and passion of millions of fans and collectors around the world. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or just admire these cards, you can’t deny their beauty and allure. They are truly the ultimate treasures of the sports card hobby. 🏆
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