The atmosphere at the Goldin Auctions Elite sale was electric as collectors clamored for memorabilia tied to NBA phenoms Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama. The event coincided with a fiery playoff performance by Edwards, likely fueling the feverish interest in his gear and cards.
One of the standout items that stole the spotlight was an early NBA jersey worn by Anthony Edwards in just his fourth game, fetching an eye-watering $118,978. This record-breaking sale marked the highest price ever paid for an Edwards jersey in a public auction. The jersey, complete with MeiGray/NBA authentication and photomatching, symbolizes Edwards’ blossoming talent, as it was worn during a game where he notched his first career block and contributed 12 points to his rapidly growing stat sheet. Edwards solidified his rising star status during the 2024 playoffs, where he etched his name alongside legends by becoming one of the youngest players to score over 40 points in consecutive postseason appearances.
Another prized possession that garnered significant attention was an Anthony Edwards 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card. Graded an impressive BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a perfect Beckett 10 autograph score, this card commanded an impressive $85,550 at the auction, further cementing Edwards’ allure in the memorabilia market.
Not to be outdone, Victor Wembanyama’s memorabilia also drew fervent interest, especially his rookie cards. A 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, numbered 1 of only 5 and graded PSA 10, fetched a remarkable $113,460. Another rare gem, a Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7 of 10, commanded a notable price of $49,410.
The auction wasn’t solely a showcase for contemporary basketball luminaries. A 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card stirred nostalgia and fierce competition, ultimately selling for a sizeable $92,720, while a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, wasn’t far behind, fetching an impressive $92,190.
Beyond basketball, former Duke standout Cherokee Parks’ NCAA Championship ring stirred memories and sparked bidding wars, with the 1994 ring clinching an impressive $44,320.
Captivating snapshots capturing pivotal moments in the early careers of basketball icons Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also found their way to the auction block, fetching $15,982 and $14,640, respectively.
In a nod to the diversity of sports memorabilia, a jersey worn by Fernando Tatis during his early MLB days, specifically his first career road game, also found a new home at the auction, commanding a respectable $10,098. This eclectic mix of collectibles underscores the enduring appeal and robust market for sports memorabilia, spanning generations and sports alike.
