PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction has once again made headlines in the world of sports card collecting, as a highly sought-after 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies card featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan achieved a record-breaking sale. The card, limited to a parallel of just 50 copies, fetched an impressive six-figure sum of $216,000, setting a new record for its series.
The 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies card is regarded as one of the most coveted cards among collectors, particularly for its association with Michael Jordan and its rarity. This particular card now ranks as the second most expensive Star Rubies card ever sold. The Star Rubies series, along with other iconic releases like Skybox’s Precious Metal Gems, introduced the concept of serial-numbered cards, adding an extra layer of scarcity to these collectibles.
What sets the 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies card apart is its significance. It was part of the final Skybox set to showcase Michael Jordan before his retirement in 1998, making the cards from this set especially valuable to fans and collectors alike. The cards feature intricately designed foil details and a captivating edge-to-edge design. However, the delicate nature of these cards also adds to their rarity, as they are prone to wear and damage over time.
The record-breaking Michael Jordan card that was sold at the PWCC auction received a PSA 7 grade. This means that only four cards of this specific type have received this grade, with only five others graded higher. The combination of its rarity, the iconic status of Michael Jordan, and the increasing demand for basketball collectibles undoubtedly contributed to the outstanding price it fetched.
But the auction didn’t stop there. Other notable collectibles also reached new heights during the event. Despite its less-than-perfect condition, a PSA 1 (MC) graded 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 card sold for an impressive $35,400. This classic baseball card featuring the legendary Mickey Mantle continues to be highly sought after by collectors, regardless of its condition.
Another record was set for a card featuring the late basketball great Kobe Bryant. A Kobe Bryant 1999 Upper Deck Game Jerseys patch auto card fetched a staggering $32,700, showcasing the enduring popularity and value of his memorabilia.
Even the world of Formula 1 had its moment in the spotlight with a 2020 Topps Dynasty F1 card featuring Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas fetching $20,400. This shows that the demand for sports collectibles extends beyond traditional American sports and encompasses the global appeal of Formula 1 racing.
The PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction has once again proven to be a platform where collectors and enthusiasts can acquire rare and highly sought-after sports cards. With record-breaking sales for the Michael Jordan card, the Mickey Mantle card, the Kobe Bryant card, and the Formula 1 card, this auction showcased the enduring popularity and value of sports collectibles in the market today.
