Goldin Auctions recently hosted their April Elite sale, which witnessed a frenzy of bidding activity surrounding memorabilia linked to NBA up-and-comers Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama. These young basketball sensations had their items in high demand, with prices soaring to new heights.
One of the standout pieces from the auction was an early NBA jersey worn by Anthony Edwards during his fourth career game, fetching an impressive $118,978. This historic sale set a new record for any Anthony Edwards jersey publicly sold. The jersey, accompanied by MeiGray/NBA authentication and photomatching, holds sentimental value as it witnessed Edwards making significant plays, including his first career block and a 12-point contribution to his team. Edwards’ stellar performance continued into the 2024 playoffs, where he joined the elite club of youngest players to score over 40 points in consecutive postseason games, solidifying his rising star status.
Another highlight was an Anthony Edwards 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card, graded BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a Beckett 10 for autographs, which commanded a hefty price tag of $85,550 at the auction.
Victor Wembanyama, another promising talent in the basketball world, also garnered significant attention during the sale, particularly for his rookie cards. A 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, numbered 1 of 5 and graded PSA 10, was sold for an impressive $113,460. Similarly, a rare Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7/10 featuring Wembanyama fetched $49,410, showcasing the growing interest in his memorabilia.
The auction wasn’t just limited to current NBA stars, as items related to basketball legends also made a splash. A 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card achieved a remarkable price of $92,720, while a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, was sold for $92,190.
In addition to basketball memorabilia, former Duke star Cherokee Parks’ NCAA Championship ring and others were up for bidding, with his 1994 Championship ring fetching $44,320.
The sale also featured captivating photographs capturing pivotal moments in the early careers of basketball icons Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which sold for $15,982 and $14,640, respectively.
Diversifying the range of collectibles, a jersey from Fernando Tatis’s early MLB days, highlighting his first career road game, found a new owner for $10,098. The enthusiasm and competitive bids for these diverse sports memorabilia items underscore the enduring allure and strong market demand for sports collectibles that transcend generations and sports.
