Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama, two rising stars of the NBA, saw their memorabilia fetch staggering prices at the Goldin Auctions’ April Elite sale. The auction, which coincided with a thrilling playoff game where Anthony Edwards showcased his skills, witnessed fervent bidding wars for items linked to these young basketball talents.
One of the standout pieces was an early NBA jersey worn by Anthony Edwards in only his fourth career game. The jersey, donned during a game where Edwards tallied his first career block and scored 12 points, sold for a whopping $118,978. This sale set a new record for any publicly sold Anthony Edwards jersey, further solidifying his place as a coveted figure in the basketball memorabilia market. Moreover, Edwards’ recent stellar performance in the 2024 playoffs, where he matched Kobe Bryant as one of the youngest players to achieve 40 points in consecutive postseason games, undoubtedly added to the allure of his memorabilia.
A 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card featuring Anthony Edwards, graded BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a Beckett 10 for autographs, commanded a price of $85,550 at the auction, showcasing the high demand for items tied to this budding NBA sensation.
Victor Wembanyama, the promising young talent making waves in the basketball world, also garnered significant attention for his memorabilia. A 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, graded PSA 10 and numbered 1 of 5, fetched an impressive $113,460. Additionally, a rare Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7/10 belonging to Wembanyama closed at $49,410, demonstrating the fervor surrounding his collectibles.
The auction extended its appeal beyond contemporary basketball stars, delving into iconic figures of the past. A 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card fetched $92,720, showcasing the enduring popularity of the late basketball legend. Furthermore, a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, found a new owner for $92,190, underscoring the broad spectrum of sports memorabilia attracting collectors.
Not to be outdone, former Duke standout Cherokee Parks’ NCAA Championship ring from 1994 garnered considerable interest, selling for $44,320 at the auction. This nod to college basketball history highlights the diverse range of memorabilia capturing various milestones in the world of sports.
Photographs capturing pivotal moments in the careers of basketball icons Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also fetched considerable sums at the auction, selling for $15,982 and $14,640, respectively. These items offer glimpses into the early trajectories of two of the sport’s most legendary players.
Even outside the realm of basketball, the auction featured a jersey from Fernando Tatis’s early MLB career, specifically his first road game, which sold for $10,098. This eclectic mix of sports memorabilia demonstrates the enduring appeal and wide-ranging interest in collecting items that commemorate significant moments across different sports and eras.
