Basketball card collecting has many iconic rookie cards for collectors to chase. From George Mikan to Bill Russell. Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) to, of course, Michael Jordan. But none of them possess the sheer star power totality of the 1980-81 Topps Larry Bird/ Julius Erving/ Magic Johnson card. Both Bird and Magic made their debut in the same year. Pairing … [Read more...] about 1980-81 Topps Basketball: Taming a Perforated Monster
1969-70 Topps basketball
“Number One Guy” Selling Unique Vintage Sports Card Collection
It was a spot usually reserved for a special player. Not always, but more often than not, card companies wanted to kick off their checklist with a memorable name. To this day, Topps makes a big deal about the first card in its annual flagship set, even letting collectors vote on it the last several years. The roster of players who have been the first card is a Hall of Fame … [Read more...] about “Number One Guy” Selling Unique Vintage Sports Card Collection
Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 2, the 1960s
As was the case in the earliest days of professional basketball, in the 1960s the limelight focused squarely on a select few greats: Russell and Wilt, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson and the still-undercelebrated Elgin Baylor. Left in their wake was another collection of Hall of Famers, including the likes of Jerry Lucas, Zelmo Beaty, Walt Bellamy, Bailey Howell, Lenny Wilkens, … [Read more...] about Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 2, the 1960s
National Convention Closes: FBI Presence; Ruth Rookie Consigned; Big Soccer Break
The National Sports Collectors Convention closed Sunday afternoon after its five-day run at the Stephens Convention Center. Next year's event is slated for the Atlantic City Convention Center July 27-31. A few notes: FBI Special Agent Brian Brusokas was once again in the building during part of the show. Over the years, most of the major … [Read more...] about National Convention Closes: FBI Presence; Ruth Rookie Consigned; Big Soccer Break
Hoops Unicorn: 1969-70 Topps Basketball Box Coming to Auction
Topps had been out of the basketball card business for 12 years when a phone call between the company and the league office led to a revival. They hadn’t sold all that well in 1957-58, but the arrival of Lew Alcindor apparently made it worth another shot. Just about every 24-pack wax box was opened at some point, but there’s one high quality survivor that’s about to … [Read more...] about Hoops Unicorn: 1969-70 Topps Basketball Box Coming to Auction
Notes: Nebraska Shop Featured; MJ Rookie Nets $200K; Forbes on Sports Immortals Collection; UD Hockey Sets
In 30 years, Wes Johnson has seen the ups and downs of the sports card hobby. He launched his Nebraska shop during a major boom period in 1990. Now, some of the kinds who used to frequent his store in Lincoln are adults and buying more than ever before. Watch the story from News Channel Nebraska below. The latest PSA 10 Michael Jordan rookie card to … [Read more...] about Notes: Nebraska Shop Featured; MJ Rookie Nets $200K; Forbes on Sports Immortals Collection; UD Hockey Sets
Notes: Curry’s Moon Shoes Bring $58K; 1930s Hockey Set Discovery; Big $ for Lou, Lew
The 'moon shoes' Steph Curry wore as a shout out to NASA earlier this month have sold in a charity auction. After 113 bids were made, the final price was $58,100. The shoes were specially made and each was signed by Curry, who made headlines when he jokingly made a comment about whether we'd ever set foot on the moon. Wow! $58,100 raised for STEM programs in … [Read more...] about Notes: Curry’s Moon Shoes Bring $58K; 1930s Hockey Set Discovery; Big $ for Lou, Lew
Basketball Items Steal Show in Goldin Sale
One of the best known examples of the 1916 M101-5 Babe Ruth rookie card sold for $220,950 early Sunday morning, leading the action in Goldin Auctions' Fall Auction. It drew the biggest price among the items in one of two catalogs issued for the sale. The other was devoted to one of the most impressive player collections ever offered in the hobby. More … [Read more...] about Basketball Items Steal Show in Goldin Sale
Jackie Robinson Rookie Jersey Sells for $2.05 Million
The only known jersey dating from Jackie Robinson’s historic 1947 rookie season has been sold for $2.05 million. The Brooklyn Dodgers home white flannel was the centerpiece in Heritage Auctions’ November Platinum catalog. It’s the most ever paid for a post-War jersey. “This is just the fourth piece of sports memorabilia ever to sell at auction for over $2 million,” … [Read more...] about Jackie Robinson Rookie Jersey Sells for $2.05 Million
Conlon Photo Archive Sells for $1,792,500
A collection of more than 7,400 glass plate negatives of baseball players originally taken by pioneering photographer Charles Conlon in the first part of the 20th century sold for nearly $1.8 million Saturday night. The archive, once owned by The Sporting News, had been the property of financially troubled sports memorabilia dealer and photo archivist John Rogers. In … [Read more...] about Conlon Photo Archive Sells for $1,792,500