After compiling our list of the Rarest Basketball Rookie Cards, and seeing the discussion that ensued, we felt we’d look at the the most valuable basketball cards ever sold. Note that there are some ultra rare cards that might have more value currently, but they also haven’t hit the basketball cards market recently, hence we can’t establish a concrete value. The cards we’re looking at here represent cards where the players have been more involved in design, whether via signature or design.
Having high profile celebs like Drake, who reportedly purchased $200,000 USD worth of cards recently, trying to find a rare LeBron triple Logoman, has put cards back in the limelight. Baseball cards have always enjoyed a lot of the huge success in terms of valuable cards, basketball has closed the gap considerably.
On our out list of the ten most expensive basketball cards.
Also Read: The Most Expensive Baseball Cards Ever Sold
The 10 Most Expensive Basketball Cards Ever Sold
1. 2009-10 Panini National Treasures Stephen Curry Rookie Logoman Autograph
Sold for $5.9 million
Back in 2021, the Warriors icon’s Panini National Treasures card sold for an insane $5.9 million. Rookie cards tend to have a lot of value for obvious reasons. This one is special as it was the launch of a career that saw the Warriors lay down a dynasty run through the 2010s.
2. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph
Sold for $5.2 million
The first of a few LeBron cards to crack the top 10 list, this rookie autographed card was sold in 2020 becoming the most expensive basketball card ever. Of course it was overtaken by the Curry rookie aforementioned, but if it were to come back on the market, it could retake that top spot.
3. 2018 Panini National Treasures Luka Doncic 1/1 Logoman Autograph
Sold for $4.6 million
Another autograph series rookie card rounds out the top three with the Doncic version selling for $4.6 million in February of 2021.
4. 2018 Panini National Treasures Luka Doncic 1/1 Logoman Autograph
Sold for $3.12 million
Okay, double-take, right? The same card was sold the next year in 2022 for $3.12 million. This ‘9 MINT’ card is super cool and it comes with an even cooler price tag.
5. 1997-98 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Game Used Jersey
Sold for $2.7 million
When Upper Deck came out with the Game Worn Jersey cards, it represented a closeness fans could have with the game’s icons. Having a “piece” of Michael Jordan history has been an easy sell. At $2.7 million, someone has a piece of history.
6. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph
Sold for $2.4 million
You’ll notice this same card #2 on our list sold for more than double this value of this one, sold later in 2021. The difference? This one is graded an 8.5 while the more valuable one is slightly higher at 9, both graded by Beckett. LeBron James is the king of endorsement deals and brand building in the NBA.
7. 2020 Panini Triple Logoman Patch LeBron James
Sold for $2.4 million
The second $2.4 million LBJ card is special. Why? Because the then-owner pulled the card from a pack and sold it that same year — something no other card higher on our list has achieved.
8. 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan
Sold for $2.1 million
Michael Jordan is always going to be collectable. Not only does he have some of the most valuable trading cards, but Michael Jordan collectables range from shoes, pictures, jerseys and more.
9. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph
Sold for $2.1 million
A third Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron Rookie Patch Autograph card in the top 10? Yup! This card is hot for so many reasons. The combination of autograph and jersey have proven to be a huge winner for Upper Deck. This version was sold in 2022.
10. 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Kobe Bryant
Sold for $2 million
The Metal Universe cards did well that year, obviously, with Kobe slotting in just behind Michael Jordan in our top ten list. Anything Kobe Bryant will hold value, especially after the legend’s passing. This is a great card representing one of the game’s greatest.
Other Valuable Basketball Cards Sold
2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph
Sold for $1.98 million
1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card
Sold for $1.92 million
2013-14 Panini National Treasures Logoman Patch Autograph Giannis Antetokounmpo
Sold for $1.92 million
2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph
Sold for $1.845 million
1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractors Kobe Bryant Rookie Card
Sold for $1.752 million
2006-07 Upper Deck LeBron James/Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant Exquisite All-NBA Access Triple Logoman
Sold for $1.68 million
2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph
Sold for $1.572
2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph
Sold for $1.5375
1997-98 Michael Jordan Upper Deck Game Jersey Autograph
Sold for $1.44 million
2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph
Sold for $1.392 million
