Forty seasons after it rolled off the line at Duryea, PA as part of a unique, often confusing–and much derided–set of basketball cards, one of the highest graded examples of the Topps Larry Bird-Magic Johnson rookie cards sold for over a half million dollars late Friday night.
The PSA Gem Mint 10 example–one of 24–was purchased by Rob Gough, an entrepreneur, actor and producer who has become heavily involved in the hobby. Gough purchased one of the PSA 9 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle cards for a record setting $5.2 million back in January. He has a special fondness for the Bird-Johnson rookie, owning a card in each grade from PSA 5-10.
Other key cards sold in the SCP Auctions event included a 1986 Topps Jerry Rice rookie graded PSA 10 that sold for $96,510, a 1969 Topps Reggie Jackson graded PSA 9 that went for $50,137 and a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie graded BGS 9.5 that netted $50,137. A 1948 Bowman George Mikan rookie card (PSA 8) sold after the auction for $120,000.
In all, the 371 lots offered brought in nearly $2.5 million.
Memorabilia ranged from the turn of the 20th century to the modern era. A 1903 World Series champions watch fob–forerunner of the championship ring–sold for $97,558. It had originally been presented to catcher Jake Stahl, who later went on to manage Boston’s 1912 World Series champs. Harry Hooper’s 1916 Red Sox championship gold pocket watch was also offered and sold for over $50,000.
A Michael Jordan game-worn jersey from his 1984-85 rookie season that was rescued from a vintage clothing store sold via SCP for $125,332 while a 1965 Pele game worn soccer jersey ended at $69,184.
Complete results can be found here.
Related Stories:
Reggie’s 1971 All-Star Jersey, Key Basketball Rookie Cards Headline SCP Sale
Ranking Every 1980-81 Topps Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Card
Buried Treasure: 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Wax Find Revealed
Waxing Nostaglic: 1988-89 Fleer Basketball Loaded With Key Rookies, Stars
Hey, Who’s That Guy Guarding Elston Turner in the 1985-86 Wendy’s Denver Nuggets Set?
Notes: Auctions Strong; BoSox GM’s Collection Story; Lakers Warmups; What’s the Deal with Kelce’s RC?
