
Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama, two burgeoning NBA talents, have not only been making waves on the basketball court but have also been setting ablaze the world of sports memorabilia. At Goldin Auctions’ April Elite sale, collectors and enthusiasts alike were treated to a whirlwind of excitement as items tied to these young stars fetched record prices and left jaws dropping.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the sale of an early NBA jersey once donned by Anthony Edwards during his fourth career game, which commanded a staggering $118,978. This jersey, authenticated by MeiGray/NBA and accompanied by photomatching, holds the distinction of being the priciest Edwards jersey ever to be publicly sold. It witnessed Edwards making his mark by recording his inaugural career block and adding 12 pivotal points to his burgeoning record. Notably, Edwards’ star power soared even higher during the 2024 playoffs when he etched his name alongside the legendary Kobe Bryant as one of the youngest players ever to score over 40 points in consecutive postseason games.
In a realm where trading cards reign supreme, an Edwards 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card emerged as another star of the auction, demanding a notable $85,550. Graded a pristine BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a perfect Beckett 10 for autographs, this card exemplifies the fervor surrounding modern sports collectibles.
Not to be outdone, Victor Wembanyama, the French prodigy drawing comparisons to NBA greats like Kevin Durant, saw his memorabilia also commanding significant attention. In particular, his rookie cards were the talk of the town, with a 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, numbered 1 of 5 and graded PSA 10, fetching an impressive $113,460. Another rare gem, a Gold Shimmer rookie numbered 7/10, kept the bids soaring at a final price of $49,410.
The auction didn’t solely focus on the rising stars of the NBA – it also paid homage to legends of the sport. A 1996-97 rookie card of the late Kobe Bryant from Topps Chrome Refractor found a new home for $92,720, highlighting the enduring legacy of the basketball icon. Additionally, a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, fetched $92,190, showcasing the international appeal of sports collectibles.
Transitioning from basketball to college hoops, former Duke standout Cherokee Parks also made an appearance in the auction, with his NCAA Championship ring from 1994 selling for an impressive $44,320. Photographic snapshots capturing pivotal moments in the careers of basketball luminaries Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also made their mark, with bids closing at $15,982 and $14,640 respectively.
The auction’s diversity was evident in the inclusion of a jersey from Fernando Tatis Jr.’s early days in MLB, showcasing his first career road game, which found a new owner for $10,098. This eclectic mix of memorabilia underscores the enduring allure and fervent interest in sports collectibles that transcends generations and sports leagues.
As the final gavel fell on this star-studded event, it was evident that the allure of sports memorabilia continues to captivate hearts and wallets alike, cementing its status as a timeless link between fans, athletes, and the magic of sports history.