KOBE BRYANT 1996-97 Topps Chrome Rookie RC REPRINT #138 Encased GEM 10 Note: Please note that this card is not an originally issued card, but rather a Reprint of the Original. The card itself looks exactly as the original and is in mint condition. Reprints are made for the enjoyment of card collecting fans due to the fact that most original vintage cards are priced well above most collector's budget. Collectors can enjoy having a Reprint of their favorite players with a very little investment. However, please note that Reprint Cards should not be bought for investment purposes since they typically do not go up in price. Enjoy the card at a very modest price.
On Saturday night, a Kobe Bryant rookie card sold for $1.795 million online at Goldin Auctions, breaking the record for the most expensive trading card ever solid depicting the late, legendary Laker.
The card, officially known as the 1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractors #138, is notable for being just one of two of its kind to have earned the perfect 10 “pristine” rating from Beckett, designated by a special black label.
Black label, Black Mamba. Nothing could be more appropriate.
Final Sale Price: $1,795,800
An all-time record for any Kobe Bryant card. pic.twitter.com/dTStDwavHx— Goldin (@GoldinCo) March 7, 2021
As Darren Rovell notes at The Action Network, the card now enters the top 10 of the most expensive trading cards ever sold, checking in right behind an autographed 2003-04 LeBron James “rookie patch” card that went for almost $1.85 million last summer.
It’s now the fourth-most expensive basketball card sale of all time.
“[Kobe]’s rookie card is one of the rarest in existence and one of only two on earth in black label pristine condition, which is the highest possible obtainable grade,” said Ken Goldin, founder of Goldin Auctions. “The fact that it sold for the final auction price of $1.795 million, the all-time record for any Kobe Bryant card, speaks to just how beloved he was around the world.”
Prior to 2020, there were only 10 cards that ever sold for $1,000,000+ in history.
Last night, we sold 5 cards for $1,000,000+.— Goldin (@GoldinCo) March 7, 2021
The GOAT-worthy sale comes on the heels of Kobe’s childhood basketball hoop from suburban Philadelphia selling at auction for $37,200.
There’s no doubt about it: He may have left us far too soon, but it’s always Kobe season.
5 Most Expensive Basketball Cards Ever Sold
As of 7 March 2021
#1: Luka Doncic 2018-19 National Treasures “Logoman,” $4.6 million
#2: Giannis Antetokounmpo 2013-14 “Logoman” 1:1 autographed, $1.857 million
#3: LeBron James 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection “Rookie Patch” autographed #138, $1.845 million
A once-in-a-lifetime competitor. A phenomenal specimen of his Rookie Card, one blessed with radiant beauty. A condition assessment of unsurpassable magnitude. Finally, an emotional resonance that's undeniable, unquantifiable. The merging of these superlative attributes in a single entity – as presented here – yields a creation that's almost impossibly harmonious on a physical level. And nothing less than rapturous in its effect upon the spirit.
On January 26, 2020, a tragic accident claimed the life of Kobe Bryant. One of the sports world's most adored figures, the Lakers superstar seemed larger-than-life on the court, and his grand accomplishments as father, philanthropist, artist and businessman compounded the universality of the grief that was felt so strongly upon his passing. The offered card stands as a super-premium, highest-tier memorial to its subject's greatness and character.
Graded PRISTINE/Black Label 10 by BGS. Hall of Famer, in a universally and fervently pursued Rookie Card appearance. The card's BGS condition report: Centering 10, Corners 10, Edges 10, Surface 10; its run of perfect scores qualifies the item for prestigious "Black Label" recognition. A bright and thoroughly lovely Kobe Bryant collectible – and a wondrous spectacle – in Black Label Pristine condition.
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