PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction has once again made headlines in the world of trading cards, as a 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies edition featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan sold for a record-breaking six-figure sum of $216,000. This sale not only sets a new record for this specific /50 parallel card but also solidifies its status as the second most expensive Star Rubies card ever sold.
The 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies card series has become highly sought-after among collectors due to its introduction of serial-numbered cards, which create a sense of rarity within the hobby. Alongside Skybox’s Precious Metal Gems, this series has been instrumental in enhancing the collectibility of trading cards. The intricate foil details and edge-to-edge design of the 1998 release make them susceptible to wear, contributing to their overall rarity.
What makes this particular auction even more significant is that the 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies set was the final Skybox set to showcase Michael Jordan before his retirement in 1998. This adds an extra layer of value and desirability to cards from this set, making them highly coveted among collectors.
The record-setting Jordan card, which received a PSA 7 grade, is a Pop 4, indicating that only four cards of this type have received the same grade. Additionally, there are only five cards that have been graded higher, further highlighting the exclusivity of this particular card.
The auction didn’t stop at breaking records with the Michael Jordan card. Another notable sale was a PSA 1 (MC) graded 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 card, which sold for an impressive $35,400, despite its less-than-perfect condition. Collectors recognize the historical significance of the 1952 Topps set and the iconic status of Mickey Mantle, making this sale a noteworthy achievement.
Kobe Bryant, another basketball legend, also made waves in the auction with a 1999 Upper Deck Game Jerseys patch auto card. This card went under the hammer for an impressive $32,700, setting a new record for Kobe Bryant cards. The combination of Patch and Autograph features on this card, along with Bryant’s enduring popularity even after his tragic passing, contributed to its high value.
The auction also showcased the growing interest in sports beyond basketball. A 2020 Topps Dynasty F1 card featuring Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas generated significant attention and fetched a notable sum of $20,400. This demonstrates the expanding market for Formula 1 collectibles and the enthusiastic support for the sport among collectors.
In conclusion, PWCC Marketplace’s November Premier Auction has once again made its mark in the trading card industry, setting records with the sale of a 1998 Skybox Premium Stars Rubies Michael Jordan card. Alongside other impressive sales, such as the Mickey Mantle and Kobe Bryant cards, this auction signifies the ongoing interest and enthusiasm for collectibles from both sports and non-sports categories.
