Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama stole the show at the Goldin Auctions’ April Elite sale, as their basketball memorabilia fetched jaw-dropping prices, reaffirming the frenzy surrounding NBA collectibles. The spotlight was on Edwards, who saw his fourth-career game jersey command a staggering $118,978, setting a new record for any of his jerseys sold publicly. This piece of NBA history, authenticated by MeiGray/NBA and boasting a photomatch, witnessed Edwards making his mark by snagging his first career block and racking up 12 points on the board. The frenzy around Edwards didn’t end there; his 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card, graded a pristine BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a flawless Beckett 10 autograph, clinched an astonishing $85,550 at the auction.
But Edwards wasn’t the only player enchanting bidders. Victor Wembanyama, the young phenom creating ripples in the basketball world, also captured the attention of collectors. His rookie cards were hot commodities, with a 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line card, numbered 1 of 5 and graded PSA 10, hammering down at an impressive $113,460. Another prized possession, a rare Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7/10, garnered a hefty price of $49,410.
The auction wasn’t just about the new guard; it paid homage to the legends too. A 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card fetched a staggering $92,720, while a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, commanded a lofty $92,190. Not just basketball stars, former Duke standout Cherokee Parks saw his NCAA Championship ring from 1994 clinch a solid $44,320.
Delving into the archives, the auction featured poignant snapshots from the early careers of iconic players like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, selling for $15,982 and $14,640, respectively. The auction also showcased a jersey from Fernando Tatis Jr.’s early MLB days, worn during his first-ever road game, which fetched a respectable $10,098. This diverse array of memorabilia highlighted the enduring allure of sports collectibles, transcending eras and sports genres, and captivating enthusiasts with nostalgia and history.
