The fast-paced world of sports memorabilia saw a frenzy of bidding at the recent Goldin Auctions April Elite sale, with items linked to NBA sensations Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama stealing the show. The auction, which coincided with a standout performance by Edwards in a crucial playoff game, featured a jaw-dropping sale of memorabilia sure to delight collectors and fans alike.
Notably, an NBA jersey worn by Anthony Edwards during only his fourth professional game commanded an eye-watering price of $118,978. This remarkable sum set a new record for any publicly sold Edwards jersey. The garment, complete with MeiGray/NBA authentication and photomatching, carries the weight of history as it was worn when Edwards notched his first career block and contributed 12 points to his burgeoning career. Edwards’ meteoric rise as a basketball prodigy was further cemented during the 2024 playoffs when he etched his name alongside legends like Kobe Bryant by scoring over 40 points in consecutive postseason games.
Among the highlights of the auction was an Edwards 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card, graded a pristine BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a perfect Beckett 10 for autographs, which fetched an impressive $85,550 from eager bidders.
The allure of Victor Wembanyama’s memorabilia was equally intense, particularly in the realm of rookie cards. A standout item was the 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, numbered 1 of 5 and graded a flawless PSA 10, which changed hands for an impressive $113,460. Another rarity, a Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7/10, commanded a price of $49,410, underlining the burgeoning interest in Wembanyama’s early collectibles.
Not to be outdone, classic collectibles from basketball luminaries of the past also garnered significant attention at the auction. A 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card fetched a noteworthy $92,720, affirming the enduring popularity of the late basketball icon. Similarly, a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded a solid BGS MINT 9, found its new owner at a price of $92,190, demonstrating the broad appeal of sports memorabilia beyond the basketball court.
Delving into collegiate sports history, former Duke standout Cherokee Parks’ 1994 Championship ring became a sought-after item, ultimately selling for $44,320 in a nod to his college basketball success.
Photographs capturing iconic moments from the early careers of basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar added a nostalgic touch to the auction, with prices reaching $15,982 and $14,640, respectively, underscoring the timeless appeal of these iconic athletes.
Even beyond the realms of basketball, the auction featured a jersey from Fernando Tatis Jr.’s early Major League Baseball days, symbolizing his first road game in the league, which fetched a commendable $10,098. This eclectic mix of memorabilia serves as a testament to the enduring allure of sports collectibles, bridging generational and sport-specific boundaries to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
