Three scarce Kobe Bryant cards from early in the NBA icon’s career are among the top items in Heritage Auctions’ Spring catalog sale.
All three will bring six-figure prices when the auction concludes later this month.
In all there are 31 lots of Bryant cards and memorabilia in the auction.
Leading the way is one of the eight 1997 SkyBox E-X2001 Bryant (Essential Credentials Now) cards. Graded PSA 6 and numbered 1 of 8, it’s from a set that is widely regarded as one of the premier parallel issues of the 1990s, at a time when parallels were just beginning to emerge as an element inside some trading card packs.
It’s expected to sell for $500,000 or more.
The Essential Credentials parallels are defined by their extremely limited print runs, with the “Now” versions serial-numbered to match the player’s jersey number. Bryant wore number 8 early in his career before switching to number 24.
This intentional scarcity, combined with the era’s growing interest in premium inserts, has made the set highly sought after.
Two other key Bryant cards in the auction are numbered 8 of 50, including a 1997 Metal Universe Championship (Precious Metal Gems). The PSA 8 is one of the top examples, with only two graded higher.
Precious Metal Gems, introduced by Fleer as a premium parallel within the groundbreaking Metal Universe brand, are widely regarded as one of the most important insert concepts ever created, combining extremely low serial numbering with bold, experimental foil designs that revolutionized 1990s card aesthetics.
The Bryant PMG is expected to net at least $400,000.
Also carrying a number 8 of 50 is a 1998 Metal Universe Kobe Bryant (Precious Metal Gems) #53 PSA EX-MT 6 – #’d 8/50 that stands as one of the most significant and condition-sensitive cards of Bryant’s early career. Heritage believes it will reach $200,000.
Auction bidding is underway now and closes the weekend of May 15-17.
