Top 10 Most Expensive Basketball Cards Ever Sold
- Jeff Brighton
- Oct 10, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: 19 hours ago
Last updated on 11/20/2025
Dive into the exhilarating world of basketball memorabilia as we unveil the top 10 most expensive basketball cards sold at public auctions(*)! From iconic LeBron James and Kobe Bryant dual-signed patches to the legendary Michael Jordan's game-used Logoman patch, these extraordinary cards showcase the pinnacle of sports collectibles. Discover how these remarkable pieces of history fetched astronomical prices, making headlines in the collector’s market.
10/ 1997-98 SkyBox E-X2001 Essential Credentials Now #8 Kobe Bryant (#01/08) - BGS MINT 9
Price: USD579,500
Date: 02/23/25
This BGS MINT 9-graded (0005192481) 1997-98 SkyBox E-X2001 Essential Credentials Now Kobe Bryant card (#01/08) is among the rarest and most visually striking issues of the Lakers legend’s early career. As the inaugural entry in the Essential Credentials Now parallel—a set with ascending serial numbers tied to card placement—this #8 Bryant card is one of just eight copies ever produced, dwarfed only by the 73-copy Essential Credentials Future parallel. Featuring a dynamic action image framed by SkyBox’s innovative semi-transparent acetate design, the card immortalizes Bryant’s ascendant stardom two years before his first NBA title. Posthumously enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2020, Bryant’s legacy as an 18x All-Star and 5x champion amplifies the desirability of this artifact, bolstered by standout BGS subgrades (9.5 Centering, 9 Surface) and its status as a cornerstone of 1990s basketball card innovation. A trophy-grade collectible for devotees of the "Black Mamba" and the golden era of NBA card releases.
9/ 2012-13 Panini Prizm Gold Prizm #1 LeBron James (#07/10) - BGS GEM MINT 9.5, MBA Silver Diamond Certified
Price: USD793,000
Date: 09/14/25
This BGS GEM MINT 9.5-graded (0017819703) 2012-13 Panini Prizm Gold Prizm LeBron James card (#07/10), Silver Diamond-certified by MBA, represents a pinnacle of modern basketball collectibles. Hailing from Prizm’s inaugural NBA set—the first chromium release since Topps’ exit—this Gold Prizm parallel is one of only 10 base-set numbered copies, cementing its status among James’ most coveted issues. As the NBA’s all-time scoring leader and 4x MVP enters his 23rd season, this card captures his enduring dominance, underscored by pristine BGS subgrades (9.5 Centering, Corners, Edges, Surface). With James and Luka Dončić fueling Lakers’ 2025-26 title ambitions, this artifact merges rarity, historical significance, and the legacy of a player reshaping basketball’s narrative two decades into his career.
8/ 2004-05 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Signatures Logos #USL-LJ LeBron James Signed Game-Used Logoman Patch Card (#1/1) - PSA Authentic, PSA/DNA GEM MT 10
Price: USD854,000
Date: 09/29/24
This unparalleled 1/1 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Signatures Logos card (PSA/DNA Autograph GEM MT 10, serial-numbered 1/1) features a game-used multicolored NBA Logoman patch and LeBron James’ pristine on-card blue ink signature. Distinguished from his 2003-04 rookie Logoman card (which used a photo-shoot jersey), this artifact’s game-used patch—worn by James in an official NBA game—elevates it to rarefied air, blending scarcity, legacy, and provenance. As the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, 4x champion, and 20x All-Star, James’ career-defining milestones—including the 2016 Cavaliers title that ended Cleveland’s 52-year drought—are echoed in the card’s crimson-and-gold design. With James set to make history in 2024-25 as the first NBA player to share the court with his son, demand for his elite collectibles, especially 1/1 Logoman masterpieces like this, is poised to ascend further. A pinnacle of modern card innovation, this piece represents the zenith of basketball memorabilia, merging artistry, history, and unmatched rarity.
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7/ 2004-05 UD Exquisite Collection Dual NBA Logo Autographed Patches # LJ-KB LeBron James/Kobe Bryant Dual-Signed Game-Used Logoman Patch Card (#1/1) – PSA Authentic, PSA/DNA GEM MT 10
Price: USD840,000 Date: 15/06/23
Introducing the 2004-05 UD Exquisite Collection Dual NBA Logo Autographed Patches card featuring basketball legends LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. This extraordinary 1/1 card is showcasing game-used patches with the NBA logo from both players. Each side bears their autographs, capturing a historic moment in basketball and celebrating the excellence of their careers. This card is not only a significant piece of sports memorabilia but also a symbol of the greatness that LeBron and Kobe brought to the game.
6/ 2023-24 Panini Prizm Nebula Choice Prizm #136 Victor Wembanyama Rookie Card (#1/1) - Jersey Number - PSA MINT 9
Price: USD860,100
Date: 02/23/25
This PSA MINT 9-graded (91496513) Panini Prizm Nebula Choice Victor Wembanyama rookie card, serial-numbered 1/1 (matching his Spurs jersey), captures the historic potential of the 7-foot-3 French phenom. Wembanyama, the 2023 No. 1 draft pick and unanimous 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, redefines basketball with a generational blend of elite shot-blocking (NBA-best 3.6 blocks/game), 50-point scoring outbursts, and rare five-by-five stat lines (joining Hakeem Olajuwon in the record books). As Panini Prizm’s flagship rookie issue—the most coveted modern basketball brand—this 1/1 Nebula parallel embodies the same cultural gravity as LeBron James’ iconic 2003-04 rookie releases. With Wembanyama poised to dominate the NBA for decades, this jersey-number-matched masterpiece represents a pivotal entry point into the career of a player reshaping the sport’s future.
5/ 2003-04 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor # 111 LeBron James Rookie Card (#02/50) – PSA GEM MT 10
Price: USD900,000
Date: 02/09/23
The sold 2003-04 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor # 111 LeBron James Rookie Card is a prized collectible that exemplifies the height of basketball memorabilia. Limited to only 50 copies, this particular card, numbered 02/50, received a PSA GEM MT 10 grade, affirming its pristine condition. With its eye-catching gold refractor finish, this card not only celebrates LeBron’s promising beginnings in the NBA but also embodies the rarity and desirability that collectors seek. Its sale marks a significant moment in the market, reflecting the enduring legacy of one of basketball's greatest players.
4/ 2009-10 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual NBA Logo Autographed Patches #DL-BJ LeBron James/Kobe Bryant Dual-Signed Game-Used Logoman Patch Card (#1/1) - PSA EX-MT+ 6.5, PSA/DNA MINT 9
Price: USD1,161,440
Date: 06/15/25
This historic Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual NBA Logoman Autographed Patches card (PSA EX-MT+ 6.5, PSA/DNA Autograph MINT 9) features on-card blue ink signatures from Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant and NBA all-time scoring leader LeBron James, paired with multicolored game-used Logoman patches. As one of the most coveted modern basketball cards, it represents the pinnacle of the "Logoman" legacy introduced in 2002-03 Upper Deck sets. The dual Hall of Fame pairing, rarity of dual Logoman patches, and certified autographs elevate this artifact to a once-in-a-generation collectible, embodying the apex of basketball card artistry and prestige.
3/ 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph (RPA) Parallel #78 LeBron James Signed Patch Rookie Card (#18/23) - BGS NM-MT+ 8.5, Beckett 10
Price: USD1,220,000
Date: 02/23/25
The 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph (RPA) # 78 LeBron James Signed Patch Rookie Card is a standout piece for basketball collectors. Limited to only 23 copies, this card is numbered 18/23 and holds a prestigious BGS NM-MT+ 8.5 rating, along with a perfect Beckett 10 for its autograph. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and striking design, this card features LeBron's iconic rookie patch, making it a treasured item that embodies his extraordinary talent and legendary status in the NBA.
2/ 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ultimate Logos Signature # KB-L Kobe Bryant Signed Game-Used Logoman Patch Card (#1/1) - PSA MINT 9, PSA/DNA MINT
Price: USD1,584,643
Date: 08/18/24
The 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ultimate Logos Signature # KB-L Kobe Bryant Signed Game-Used Logoman Patch Card is a remarkable collectible that showcases the legacy of one of basketball's greatest icons. As a one-of-a-kind card, numbered 1/1, it features a stunning game-used Logoman patch and Kobe's autograph, elevating its desirability among collectors. Graded PSA MINT 9 for its overall condition and with a PSA/DNA MINT 9 rating for the authenticity of the signature, this card represents not only a significant piece of memorabilia but also a pivotal moment in Kobe's illustrious career. Its rarity and exceptional quality make it a treasured addition to this list.
1/ 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ultimate Logos Signature # MJ-L Michael Jordan Signed Game-Used Logoman Patch Card (#1/1) - PSA Authentic, PSA/DNA GEM MT 10
Price: USD2,928,000
Date: 06/02/24
The 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ultimate Logos Signature # MJ-L Michael Jordan Signed Game-Used Logoman Patch Card is a stunning centrepiece in the world of basketball collectibles. This one-of-a-kind card, numbered 1/1, features a game-used Logoman patch and Jordan's autograph, making it an extraordinary treasure for collectors. Graded PSA Authentic and boasting a flawless PSA/DNA GEM MT 10 rating for the signature, this card exemplifies both rarity and excellence, solidifying its status as one of the top sold basketball cards at Goldin Auctions and a monumental piece of sports history.
The Grail/ 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant # DL-KM Signed
Price: USD12,932,000
Date: 08/23/25
Businessman Kevin O’Leary and partners Matt “Shyne” Allen and Paul Warshaw set a sports collectibles record, purchasing the one-of-a-kind 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card—featuring Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant—for $12.9 million. This eclipsed the previous high of $12.6 million for a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card. The dual-signed relic, adorned with NBA logo patches, remains irreplicable after Upper Deck lost its NBA license in 2009. Its value is amplified by the legacies of Jordan (6x NBA champion) and Bryant (5x NBA champion), whose tragic 2020 death cemented the card as a bittersweet tribute to two basketball icons.
Additional Notes (*):
Please keep in mind that the data presented may not reflect the most current sales or prices at Goldin auctions. Our insights are based solely on publicly available information, and discrepancies may exist due to private transactions or unreported sales. We encourage readers to verify details through multiple sources as the market for basketball cards is constantly evolving. Thank you for your understanding!
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