The auction world was set abuzz as Goldin Auctions’ April Elite sale brought in record prices for memorabilia linked to NBA sensations Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama. Basketball enthusiasts and collectors eagerly participated in the event, driving up bids for items connected to these young stars.
Anthony Edwards, whose stellar performance during a pivotal playoff game for the Minnesota Timberwolves likely heightened interest, saw his fourth career game jersey fetch an impressive $118,978. This sale, a new record for any Edwards jersey sold publicly, was particularly significant as it marked a milestone in his early career. Worn during the game where Edwards secured his first career block and added 12 points to his name, the jersey came with MeiGray/NBA authentication and photomatching, adding to its allure. Edwards further solidified his rising star status during the 2024 playoffs, where he joined the elite club of players like Kobe Bryant by scoring over 40 points in consecutive postseason games.
Another highlight of the auction was an Edwards 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card, graded at a remarkable BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a Beckett 10 for autographs, which commanded an impressive $85,550.
Victor Wembanyama, a player garnering significant attention for his potential, also saw strong demand for his memorabilia, specifically his rookie cards. A 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, uniquely numbered 1 of 5 and graded PSA 10, fetched a notable $113,460. Additionally, a rare Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7/10 belonging to Wembanyama closed at $49,410, showcasing the appeal of his early collectibles in the sports memorabilia market.
The auction featured not only modern basketball stars but also iconic figures from the past. A 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card made waves by achieving an impressive $92,720, appealing to fans of the legendary player. Similarly, a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, commanded a hefty sum of $92,190, indicating the enduring popularity of soccer collectibles.
Former Duke standout Cherokee Parks’ 1994 NCAA Championship ring was among the notable items on auction, ultimately fetching $44,320. The diverse range of items, from basketball cards to championship rings, illustrated the broad interest in sports collectibles that transcends different generations and sports.
Photographs capturing crucial moments in the early careers of basketball giants Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also captivated bidders, with each fetching $15,982 and $14,640, respectively. These snapshots of sporting history added a unique dimension to the auction, appealing to fans looking to own a piece of basketball lore.
The event also featured a jersey from Fernando Tatis Jr.’s early MLB career, worn during his first road game, which sold for $10,098. This wide array of memorabilia, spanning various sports and eras, emphasized the enduring appeal of sports collectibles and the passion they evoke among fans and collectors alike.
