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Most Valuable Basketball Cards From The 1990s

By Abhay Acharya / 12 January 2024 08:34 AM

Source : basketballside

Embark on a nostalgic journey through the hoops heyday with the most valuable basketball cards from the 1990s.

These iconic collectibles encapsulate the era's basketball legends, featuring luminaries like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan.

Adorned with unique designs, holographic brilliance, and rare inserts, these cards represent not just athletic prowess but also a cultural phenomenon.

As sought-after relics, they mirror the golden era of the sport and stand as prized treasures for collectors, capturing the essence of the court graced by history's greatest basketball talents.

1. 1997-98 Upper Deck Game Jersey Michael Jordan Autograph Card

Source : twitter

  • Highest Sold Price: $2.7 million
  • Grading: NM-MT BSG 8

The 1997-98 Upper Deck Game Jersey Michael Jordan Autograph Card is a crown jewel among the most valuable basketball cards from the 1990s.

This masterpiece encapsulates the unparalleled legacy of Michael Jordan, featuring an authentic autograph and a swatch from his iconic Bulls jersey.

It broke records when it sold for $2.7 million, according to ESPN, making it one of the most costly basketball cards ever.

2. 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Emerald Kobe Bryant Card

Source : hoopshype

  • Highest Sold Price: $2 million
  • Grading: NM-MT+ BGS 8.5

Step into the realm of basketball card royalty with the 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Emerald Kobe Bryant Card, a gem that transcends collectibles.

This rarity, drenched in emerald allure, immortalizes Kobe Bryant at the pinnacle of his career.

The card's design is equally captivating, a bold splash of emerald green amidst the chrome accents, making it a true standout.

3. 1996 Topps Chrome Refractors Kobe Bryant Rookie Card

Source : psacard

  • Highest Sold Price: $1.7 million
  • Grading: GEM-MT PSA 10

Step into the realm of basketball nostalgia with the 1996 Topps Chrome Refractors Kobe Bryant RC, a crown jewel among the most valuable basketball cards from the 1990s.

This card immortalizes Kobe's pre-championship days, a glimpse of the swagger and talent that would electrify the NBA for two decades.

The Refractors technology makes the card shimmer with rainbow hues, adding an otherworldly touch to Kobe's focused gaze.

4. 1997 Metal Universe Michael Jordan Precious Metal Gems Green

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  • Highest Sold Price: $915,000
  • Grading: PSA Authentic

1997 Metal Universe Michael Jordan Precious Metal Gems Green is a masterpiece, featuring Jordan in a dynamic pose against a vibrant green backdrop.

Its scarcity and exclusivity have elevated its status to iconic proportions, symbolizing the pinnacle of sports card rarity.

The Precious Metal Gems series is renowned for its limited production, and the green variant is particularly elusive, making it a crown jewel for collectors.

A PMG Green in good condition can fetch upwards of $350,000, making it a true investment piece for the serious collector.

5. 1996 Finest Gold Refractor Kobe Bryant Card

Source : blowoutforums

  • Highest Sold Price: $500,000
  • Grading: GEM MT PSA 10

Among the crown jewels of 1990s basketball cards, the 1996 Finest Gold Refractor Kobe Bryant Rookie Card (#269) shines with an almost mythical allure.

This masterpiece, adorned in gold brilliance, captures the essence of Kobe Bryant's rookie year, showcasing his early prowess with the Lakers.

It reminds us that even the most extraordinary journeys begin with a single step, a single shot, a single card.

6. 1992 Classic Draft Pick Shaquille O’Neal Auto RC

Source : ebay

  • Highest Sold Price: $500,000
  • Grading: NM-MT PSA 8

Step into the realm of basketball card treasures with the 1992 Classic Draft Pick Shaquille O'Neal Auto RC, a pinnacle of '90s collectibles.

This iconic card, showcasing the young Shaq's autograph and rookie status, stands as a testament to his meteoric rise in the NBA.

Crafted during an era when the basketball card market reached new heights, this masterpiece symbolizes the fervor surrounding O'Neal's entry into professional basketball.

7. 1996 Topps Chrome Refractor Allen Iverson RC

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  • Highest Sold Price: $250,000
  • Grading: GEM MT PSA 10

Among the dazzling array of valuable 1990s basketball cards, one shines particularly bright: the 1996 Topps Chrome Refractor Allen Iverson RC (#171).

Iverson, a cultural and athletic phenomenon, solidified his legacy with this sought-after card.

The chrome refractor variant enhances the visual appeal, creating a shimmering effect that mirrors the electrifying style Iverson brought to the court.

A PSA Gem Mint 10 example can fetch a whopping $250,000, while even moderately graded cards still command thousands.

8. 1999 Upper Deck Ovation Super Signatures Gold Michael Jordan

Source : psacard

  • Highest Sold Price: $250,000
  • Grading: PSA Authentic

In the pantheon of cards worth money from the 1990s, theĀ 1999 Upper Deck Ovation Super Signatures Gold Michael Jordan shines like a championship trophy.

This card, featuring the basketball legend Michael Jordan in a rare and coveted Gold edition, transcends sports memorabilia.

Its allure lies in the pristine signature of His Airness, making it a treasure for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

9. 1998-99 Michael Jordan Skybox Molten Metal Fusion Titanium

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  • Highest Sold Price: $198,030
  • Grading: GEM MT PSA 10

Among the glittering constellation of valuable 1990s basketball cards, one radiates with a unique, molten allure: the 1998-99 Michael Jordan Skybox Molten Metal Fusion Titanium.

Jordan, mid-flight in a gravity-defying layup, is rendered in a pointillist style, tiny metallic dots forming his iconic silhouette against a shimmering gold background.

The dynamic design, coupled with Jordan's commanding presence, renders this card a timeless artifact, echoing the era when Air Jordan reigned supreme.

10. 1996-97 E-X2000 Credentials Kobe Bryant Rookie

Source : goldin

  • Highest Sold Price: $170,400
  • Grading: GEM MINT Beckett 9.5

The 1996-97 E-X2000 Credentials Kobe Bryant Rookie card stands as a pinnacle in basketball collectibles.

With its futuristic design and scarce availability, this card has transcended the realms of mere memorabilia, becoming a coveted piece of sports history.

Bryant's rookie year is immortalized in this card, showcasing him in the early stages of what would become a legendary career.

The Credentials parallel, distinguished by its die-cut design and limited availability, heightens the allure.

11. 1996 Flair Showcase Legacy Collection Row 1 Kobe Bryant Rookie

Source : ha

  • Highest Sold Price: $136,530
  • Grading: GEM MT PSA 10

Among the dazzling array of valuable basketball cards from the 1990s, one shines particularly bright: the 1996 Flair Showcase Legacy Collection Row 1 Kobe Bryant Rookie.

The black and white photo, with its dramatic lighting and angled pose, exudes raw athleticism and quiet determination.

With Kobe's enduring popularity and the limited nature of the card, its value has steadily climbed over the years.

12. 1999-00 Upper Deck Michael Jordan (Game Jersey Autographs)

Source : instagram

  • Highest Sold Price: $132,000
  • Grading: MINT BSG 9

Among the pantheon of valuable basketball cards from the 1990s, the 1999-00 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Game Jersey Autographs hold a special place.

This card is a coveted masterpiece, seamlessly fusing Jordan's autograph with a swatch of his actual game-worn jersey.

The marriage of his iconic signature and a tangible piece of basketball history makes it a rare and sought-after collectible.

Released during the twilight of Jordan's illustrious career, this card serves as a tangible link to his on-court greatness.

13. 1990 Kentucky Big Blue Shaquille O'Neal Dream Team A/W

Source : ebay

  • Highest Sold Price: $100,000
  • Grading: GEM MT PSA 10

Step into the realm of basketball nostalgia with the 1990 Kentucky Big Blue Shaq Dream Team A/W card, a crown jewel among the most valuable basketball cards from the 1990s.

This rare piece encapsulates Shaq's collegiate prowess with the LSU Tigers, foreshadowing the illustrious NBA career that would follow.

The card's vintage allure lies in its vibrant design, featuring the iconic LSU hues and capturing the essence of a basketball prodigy in the making.

14. 1997 Topps Chrome Refractor Tim Duncan

Source : goldin

  • Highest Sold Price: $15000
  • Grading: NM-MT PSA 8

Dive into the realm of basketball card treasures with the 1997 Topps Chrome Refractor Tim Duncan, a gem from the most valuable basketball cards of the 1990s.

The Refractor parallel boasts a rainbow-hued, reflective surface that sets it apart from the common card.

This visual pop factor makes it undeniably eye-catching and adds to its collector appeal.

Duncan, a future Hall of Famer, led the San Antonio Spurs to numerous championships, adding historical significance to this sought-after card.

15. 1996-97 Topps Chrome Ray Allen

Source : goldin

  • Highest Sold Price: $1,180
  • Grading: MINT PSA 9

The 1990s were a star-studded era in basketball, birthing legends like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant.

But alongside these giants, sharpshooters like Ray Allen were quietly carving their own legacies.

Allen's 1996-97 Topps Chrome rookie card stands as a testament to his early promise and a coveted gem for collectors.

Allen's rookie year saw him average 13.4 points per game, showcasing his silky jump shot and clutch play.