In the world of sports card collecting, Michael Jordan continues to dominate as his cards reach staggering prices at auctions. The November Premier Auction hosted by PWCC Marketplace witnessed yet another record-breaking sale, this time with a 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies edition card.
The 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies card featuring the basketball legend was snatched up for an impressive six-figure sum of $216,000. This particular card, limited to only 50 parallel editions, now holds the title as the second most expensive Star Rubies card ever sold. The series is well-known for introducing serial-numbered cards, which have become highly sought-after by collectors. The Star Rubies edition, along with Skybox’s Precious Metal Gems, has been influential in creating rarity within the hobby.
What makes the 1998 release of the Skybox Premium Stars Rubies card even more special is that it was the final Skybox set to showcase Jordan before his retirement in 1998. This adds a layer of significance and 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, further increasing their rarity and desirability.
The Jordan card that set the record received a PSA 7 grade and is considered a Pop 4. This means that only four cards of this type have received the same grade, with a mere five others graded higher. With such limited availability and high demand, it’s no wonder that collectors were willing to pay such a substantial amount to add this card to their collections.
But the record-breaking auctions didn’t end with the Jordan card. Other notable collectibles also reached new heights in terms of their selling prices. A PSA 1 (MC) graded 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 card, despite its less-than-perfect condition, sold for an impressive $35,400. This card is a classic and highly coveted by baseball card enthusiasts.
Another record was set with a Kobe Bryant 1999 Upper Deck Game Jerseys patch auto card, which sold for $32,700. As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Bryant’s cards have continued to rise in value since his tragic passing in 2020. The combination of his autograph, a game-worn jersey patch, and limited availability contributed to the high price this card fetched.
Even the world of Formula 1 made its mark in the auction. A 2020 Topps Dynasty F1 card featuring Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas garnered an impressive $20,400. With the popularity of Formula 1 racing increasing globally, collectibles related to the sport have gained significant attention from collectors.
The PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction proved to be an exciting event for sports card enthusiasts. With the record-breaking sale of the Michael Jordan card, along with impressive prices for other collectibles, it’s clear that the demand for rare and valuable sports cards continues to soar. As the world of sports card collecting evolves, collectors eagerly await the next opportunity to find their own piece of history.
