Freeman’s/Hindman is currently hosting an enthralling sports memorabilia auction that has caught the eye of collectors worldwide, with its standout piece being a complete set of 1984-85 Star Company basketball cards. This set, containing 288 cards in their original team bags, includes the highly coveted Michael Jordan rookie card, showcasing the basketball legend’s enduring popularity in the collectibles market. Anticipated to fetch between $50,000 and $70,000, these cards represent both rarity and a piece of sports history.
The Star Company made a bold move by securing the NBA trading card rights in the early 1980s when Topps chose not to renew its contract. Their decision to distribute cards mainly through mail orders and select locations made these cards less accessible, amplifying their scarcity and value. Many collectors have opened their cards over the years, making intact sets like this one even more exceptional and sought after in the market.
While basketball memorabilia takes center stage, the auction also features remarkable pieces from baseball’s storied past. Among these treasures are three autographed baseballs signed by the legendary Babe Ruth, with one autograph on a mini baseball showcasing Ruth’s signature in pristine condition on the sweet spot. These artifacts serve as testaments to Ruth’s enduring legacy and are sure to captivate collectors of historical sports items.
Adding to the allure are other notable Michael Jordan cards from his rookie season, such as the 1984 Gold Medalist No. 195 and the 1985 Rookie of the Year No. 288, along with a PSA 8 graded 1986-87 Fleer rookie card of Jordan. The auction also boasts a diverse selection of vintage cards and sports-related collectibles, including a signed baseball from the 1955 Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend featuring signatures from 19 baseball icons like Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Cochrane, a single-signed Jimmie Foxx ball, and a 1959 Ty Cobb signed and inscribed baseball.
Vintage card enthusiasts will be delighted by offerings like a rare 1968 O-Pee-Chee Nolan Ryan rookie card graded PSA 8 and a near complete set of 1952 Topps baseball cards featuring over 60 high numbers. The auction also showcases multiple Mickey Mantle cards from the 1950s and 60s, adding to its appeal for collectors of iconic sports figures.
Standout items in the auction include a San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XXIV Champions ring, a 1926 New York Yankees multi-signed baseball graced with autographs from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a collection of 1920s-30s St. Louis Cardinals contract agreements signed by Branch Rickey.
Running until June 13 on Freeman’s/Hindman’s website, this auction not only presents the rich history embedded in these collectibles but also offers sports enthusiasts and collectors the chance to own a piece of that history. Whether one’s passion lies in basketball, baseball, or the broader landscape of American sports, this auction promises a diverse array of rare collectibles for all avid collectors to enjoy.
