In the world of sports card collecting, records are made to be broken. And PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction has just witnessed another groundbreaking sale. A 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies edition featuring legendary basketball player Michael Jordan has been snapped up for an impressive six-figure sum.
The highly sought-after 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies card has set a new record for this particular parallel card. With only 50 cards in existence, it now ranks as the second most expensive Star Rubies card ever sold. This card series is known for introducing serial-numbered cards to collectors, creating rarity within the hobby. The Star Rubies cards, along with Skybox’s Precious Metal Gems, have become the pinnacle of coveted collectibles.
What makes the 1998 release even more special is that it was the final Skybox set to feature Michael Jordan before his retirement in 1998. This adds even more value to the cards from this set. The intricate foil details and edge-to-edge design of these cards also make them prone to wear, making them even rarer. The record-setting Jordan card, which received a PSA 7 grade, is a Pop 4. This means that only four cards of this type have received this grade, with just five others graded higher.
But the auction didn’t stop there. Other collectibles also reached new heights. A PSA 1 (MC) graded 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 card fetched an impressive $35,400, despite its less-than-perfect condition. Even in its imperfect state, the allure of owning a vintage Mantle card was enough to drive up the price.
Kobe Bryant’s memorabilia also proved popular in the auction. A 1999 Upper Deck Game Jerseys patch auto card set a new record selling price of $32,700. The combination of Bryant’s iconic status and the autographed patch made this card a highly desired item for collectors.
Even the world of Formula 1 made an appearance in the auction. A 2020 Topps Dynasty F1 card featuring Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas fetched an impressive $20,400. The thrill of Formula 1 racing combined with the limited availability of the card contributed to its high selling price.
As the demand for sports cards continues to rise, so does the value of these rare and iconic pieces of memorabilia. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar for cards featuring their favorite athletes, especially when they are from limited-edition sets or have unique attributes like autographs or game-worn memorabilia.
PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction has once again demonstrated the incredible allure and value of sports cards. From a record-breaking Michael Jordan card to iconic pieces from other sports, collectors and enthusiasts continue to fuel the market’s growth. With each new record set, it becomes clear that the world of sports card collecting is constantly evolving and reaching new heights.