Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama took the spotlight at Goldin Auctions’ recent April Elite sale as their memorabilia commanded record prices, showcasing the enduring allure of sports collectibles. The auction featured a frenzy of bidding activity, highlighting the growing interest in items associated with these rising basketball stars.
One of the standout pieces from the event was an early NBA jersey worn by Anthony Edwards during his fourth career game, which sold for a staggering $118,978. This jersey, authenticated by MeiGray/NBA and accompanied by photomatching, marked a significant milestone in Edwards’ career as he notched his first career block and contributed 12 points to his growing tally. Edwards’ stellar performance during the playoffs, where he joined the elite ranks of players scoring over 40 points in consecutive postseason games alongside legends like Kobe Bryant, undoubtedly added to the allure of his memorabilia.
A key highlight for collectors was the sale of an Anthony Edwards 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card, graded BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a Beckett 10 for autographs, fetching an impressive $85,550. This card represented a coveted piece for enthusiasts eager to own a piece of Edwards’ early career in the NBA.
Victor Wembanyama also saw a surge of interest in his memorabilia, particularly his rookie cards. A 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, numbered 1 of 5 and graded PSA 10, commanded a remarkable price of $113,460 at the auction. Another rare card featuring Wembanyama, a Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7/10, closed at $49,410, underscoring the growing demand for items related to the promising young talent.
The auction wasn’t solely focused on contemporary basketball stars, as evidenced by the sale of a 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card for $92,720. Additionally, a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, fetched $92,190, appealing to collectors across different sports disciplines.
Delving into the realm of nostalgia, former Duke standout Cherokee Parks’ NCAA Championship ring and other memorabilia items garnered attention, with his 1994 Championship ring selling for $44,320. The auction also featured iconic photographs capturing pivotal moments early in the careers of basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with the images selling for $15,982 and $14,640, respectively.
Shifting gears to baseball, a jersey from Fernando Tatis Jr.’s early MLB days, spotlighting his first career road game, fetched $10,098, adding a touch of diversity to the range of collectibles on offer. The diverse array of memorabilia showcased at the event underscored the enduring appeal of sports collectibles, weaving together narratives from various eras and sports domains, captivating enthusiasts and collectors alike.
