In the world of sports card collecting, Michael Jordan remains one of the most highly sought-after athletes. And at PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction, a rare 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies card featuring the basketball legend achieved a record-breaking sale. This particular card, part of the /50 parallel edition, was purchased for an impressive six-figure sum of $216,000.
The significance of this sale lies not only in the high price but also in the rarity of the card. The 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies series introduced the concept of serial-numbered cards to collectors, creating a sense of rarity within the hobby. The Star Rubies cards, along with Skybox’s Precious Metal Gems, have become highly coveted by collectors, driving up their value in the market.
The 1998 release holds a special place among collectors as it was the final Skybox set to feature Michael Jordan before his retirement in 1998, making the cards from this set particularly valuable. The intricate foil details and edge-to-edge design of these cards make them prone to wear, further adding to their rarity and desirability among collectors.
The record-breaking Jordan card in question received a PSA 7 grade and is categorized as a Pop 4. This means that only four cards of this type have received the same grade, with only five others graded higher. With such limited availability and high demand for Michael Jordan cards, it’s no wonder that collectors were willing to pay such a hefty price for this particular card.
But it wasn’t just the Michael Jordan card that reached new heights at the auction. Other collectibles also fetched impressive prices, demonstrating the continued popularity of sports cards in the market. A PSA 1 (MC) graded 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 card, despite its less-than-perfect condition, sold for $35,400. The rarity and historical significance of this vintage card continue to attract collectors, even in suboptimal condition.
Setting another record was a Kobe Bryant 1999 Upper Deck Game Jerseys patch auto card, which sold for $32,700. Bryant’s cards have seen a surge in demand since his untimely passing, and collectors are willing to pay a premium for authentic memorabilia featuring the basketball legend.
In the world of motorsports, a 2020 Topps Dynasty F1 card featuring Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas also garnered significant attention at the auction, selling for $20,400. This card showcases two of the biggest names in Formula 1 racing and captures the excitement and skill of these athletes on the track.
The PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction once again demonstrated the thriving market for sports cards and the incredible value collectors place on rare and limited-edition pieces. From Michael Jordan to Mickey Mantle, Kobe Bryant to Lewis Hamilton, these athletes continue to captivate the hearts and wallets of passionate collectors around the world.
