Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama have become the talk of the town in the world of sports memorabilia, with their items fetching jaw-dropping prices at the Goldin Auctions’ April Elite sale. The event, coinciding with a pivotal playoff game that showcased Edwards’ prowess on the court, led to a flurry of bidding wars and record-breaking sales.
One of the standout items at the auction was an early NBA jersey worn by Anthony Edwards during only his fourth career game. This piece of history commanded an impressive $118,978, setting a new record for any Edwards jersey sold publicly. Authenticated by MeiGray/NBA and featuring photomatching, the jersey holds sentimental value as it witnessed Edwards making his mark with his first career block and contributing 12 points to his ever-growing legacy. Edwards’ stellar performance during the 2024 playoffs, where he joined the elite club of players scoring over 40 points in consecutive postseason games alongside legends like Kobe Bryant, further cemented his rising star status.
Another highlight of the auction was an Edwards 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card, graded BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a pristine Beckett 10 autograph, which sold for an impressive $85,550 – a testament to the high demand for his collectibles among avid fans and collectors.
Not to be outdone, Victor Wembanyama also attracted significant attention, especially for his rookie cards. A 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, numbered 1 of 5 and graded PSA 10, fetched a remarkable $113,460, indicating the growing interest in this young NBA prospect. Additionally, a rare Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7/10 went under the hammer for $49,410, showcasing the allure of unique and limited-edition cards in the collecting community.
The auction transcended the boundaries of basketball, featuring iconic cards from legendary players like Kobe Bryant and Kylian Mbappe. A 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card soared to $92,720, underscoring the timeless appeal of Bryant’s legacy. Meanwhile, a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, added a touch of soccer finesse to the event with a final bid of $92,190.
The nostalgia didn’t stop there, as former Duke standout Cherokee Parks’ NCAA Championship ring and other memorabilia also found new homes, with his 1994 Championship ring fetching $44,320. Additionally, photographs capturing key moments from the early careers of basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were highly sought after, selling for $15,982 and $14,640 respectively, showcasing the enduring appeal of timeless sports icons.
The auction’s diversity was further highlighted by a jersey from Fernando Tatis’s early MLB days, representing his first career road game, which garnered $10,098. This varied array of memorabilia demonstrates the universal allure of sports collectibles, bridging generations and sports genres to create a vibrant and thriving market for sports enthusiasts and collectors alike.
