In the world of sports card collecting, PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction continues to make waves with yet another record-breaking sale. The spotlight this time is on a highly coveted 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies edition featuring the basketball legend himself, Michael Jordan. This particular card was claimed for an impressive six-figure sum of $216,000, setting a new record for the /50 parallel cards. With this sale, it now ranks as the second most expensive Star Rubies card ever sold.
The 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies card series holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. Not only does it feature the iconic basketball legend, but it also introduced serial-numbered cards to the hobby, creating rarity and increasing their value. The Star Rubies cards, along with Skybox’s Precious Metal Gems, have become coveted gems among collectors.
What makes the 1998 release even more special is that it was the final Skybox set to showcase Michael Jordan before his retirement in 1998. This fact makes cards from this set even more valuable to collectors. The intricate foil details and edge-to-edge design of these cards also make them prone to wear, further adding to their rarity.
The record-setting Michael Jordan card in question received a PSA 7 grade and is considered a Pop 4, meaning only four cards of this type have received the same grade. There are only five other cards of this kind that have been graded higher, making this particular card an extremely rare find.
But the impressive sales didn’t stop there. The auction also saw other notable collectibles fetching high prices. Despite its less-than-perfect condition with a PSA 1 (MC) grade, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 card sold for $35,400. This goes to show the enduring popularity and value of iconic baseball cards.
Another record was set for a Kobe Bryant card, specifically a 1999 Upper Deck Game Jerseys patch auto card, which sold for $32,700. Kobe Bryant’s legacy lives on, and collectors continue to seek out his memorabilia.
Even the world of Formula 1 made its mark in the auction, with a 2020 Topps Dynasty card featuring Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas fetching $20,400. This card showcases the appeal of collecting memorabilia from various sports and highlights the growing interest in the world of motorsports.
As the PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction continues to amaze collectors and enthusiasts, it’s clear that the demand for rare and valuable sports cards remains strong. Whether it’s the allure of basketball legends like Michael Jordan, the timeless appeal of baseball greats like Mickey Mantle, or the thrill of collecting memorabilia from rising stars like Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, these record-breaking sales showcase the enduring passion for sports card collecting.
In conclusion, the recent sale of the record-breaking 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies Michael Jordan card for $216,000 is a testament to the incredible value and rarity of this particular collectible. With other notable sales, such as the Mickey Mantle and Kobe Bryant cards, it’s clear that the sports card market continues to thrive, attracting both collectors and investors alike. It will be interesting to see what future auctions and sales bring to the ever-evolving world of sports card collecting.
