The recent Goldin Auctions April Elite sale was a slam dunk for basketball fans and collectors alike, with memorabilia tied to rising NBA stars Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama fetching staggering prices. The auction, coinciding with an electrifying playoff performance by Anthony Edwards, saw record-breaking sales that resonated throughout the sports memorabilia world.
One of the standout items was an early NBA jersey worn by Anthony Edwards in only his fourth career game. This piece of basketball history commanded a jaw-dropping sum of $118,978, setting a new record for any Edwards jersey sold publicly. Authenticated by MeiGray/NBA and complete with photomatching, the jersey commemorated the game where Edwards notched his first career block and contributed 12 points. Additionally, Edwards made waves during the 2024 playoffs by becoming one of the youngest players to score over 40 points in consecutive postseason games, solidifying his star status.
Another hot ticket item was Edwards’ 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card. Graded a pristine BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a Beckett 10 for autographs, this card fetched a whopping $85,550 at the auction, further highlighting the demand for memorabilia tied to the explosive young talent.
Victor Wembanyama, the promising prospect making waves in the basketball scene, also drew significant attention at the auction, primarily for his rookie cards. A 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, one of five in existence and graded PSA 10, commanded an impressive $113,460. Another rare find was the Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7/10, which closed at $49,410, showcasing the growing popularity of Wembanyama’s memorabilia in the collecting community.
The auction wasn’t limited to modern basketball stars, as proven by the impressive prices commanded by iconic cards from legends like Kobe Bryant and rising soccer star Kylian Mbappe. A 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card sold for $92,720, while a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, fetched $92,190, underscoring the enduring appeal of these sports icons across generations.
Former Duke standout Cherokee Parks also made a splash at the auction with his 1994 Championship ring, which reached a final bid of $44,320. The event featured other noteworthy items, including photographs capturing pivotal moments in the careers of basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which sold for $15,982 and $14,640, respectively.
Diversifying the offerings, a jersey from Fernando Tatis Jr.’s early MLB days, commemorating his first career road game, was sold for $10,098, demonstrating the eclectic mix of sports collectibles that captivate enthusiasts across different eras and sports disciplines. The record-breaking sales at the Goldin Auctions April Elite sale underscored the robust interest in sports memorabilia and the enduring allure of collecting pieces of sporting history.
