Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama, two names causing waves in the basketball world, not just on the court, but also at auctions. The recent Goldin Auctions April Elite sale witnessed a flurry of activity centered around these rising stars, with memorabilia connected to the players reaching unprecedented prices.
The spotlight was firmly on Anthony Edwards, as his early NBA jersey worn in just his fourth career game commanded a whopping $118,978. This remarkable sum sets a new record for any publicly sold Edwards jersey. The jersey, authenticated by MeiGray/NBA and with photomatching to boot, holds a special place in history as it witnessed Edwards making his mark by scoring 12 points and claiming his first career block. This sale coincided with Edwards shining in the 2024 playoffs, where he put up astonishing performances, joining the elite company of Kobe Bryant as one of the youngest players to score over 40 points in consecutive postseason games.
Another item that caught the eye of bidders was an Edwards 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card. Graded BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a Beckett 10 for autographs, this card fetched an impressive $85,550, further solidifying Edwards’ collectible value.
Not to be outdone, Victor Wembanyama, the exciting prospect on the basketball scene, saw significant interest in his memorabilia as well. A 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, numbered 1 of 5 and graded PSA 10, soared to a remarkable $113,460 at the auction. Another prized possession, a Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7/10, fetched a substantial $49,410, showcasing the escalating interest in Wembanyama’s collectibles.
Beyond the modern basketball stars, the auction also featured timeless gems that caught the attention of collectors. A 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card fetched an impressive $92,720, underlining the enduring appeal of this basketball legend. Similarly, a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, closed at $92,190, adding a touch of soccer stardom to the auction excitement.
Former Duke standout Cherokee Parks also made an appearance in the auction, with his NCAA Championship ring stealing the limelight at $44,320, a fitting tribute to his collegiate success.
Captivating snapshots of basketball greats like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar captured early career moments and carried a price tag of $15,982 and $14,640, respectively, showcasing the enduring allure of nostalgia in sports memorabilia.
Venturing beyond basketball, a jersey hailing from Fernando Tatis’s early MLB days, from his first career road game, found a new home at $10,098, underlining the diverse range of collectibles that drew attention at the auction. The eclectic mix of items on display underscored the universal appeal of sports collectibles, bridging generations and sports domains.
