Freeman’s/Hindman has kicked off an electrifying sports memorabilia auction sure to pique the interest of enthusiasts and collectors alike. At the forefront of this event is a complete set of 1984-85 Star Company basketball cards, still sealed in their original team bags, including the highly coveted Michael Jordan rookie card. Valued between $50,000 and $70,000, this set encapsulates the allure of vintage collectibles and Jordan’s enduring impact on the sports memorabilia market.
During the early 1980s, the Star Company made a bold move by acquiring the NBA trading card rights when Topps opted not to renew its contract. This decision, coupled with limited distribution through mail orders and select outlets, rendered Star cards relatively scarce compared to their larger counterparts. Consequently, preserved sets like these, still in their pristine packaging, have become exceedingly rare and desirable among collectors.
The auction, however, isn’t solely centered around basketball memorabilia; it also boasts remarkable pieces from baseball’s illustrious past. Notably, there are three autographed baseballs signed by the legendary Babe Ruth, one of which features Ruth’s signature prominently displayed on the sweet spot of a mini baseball, showcasing his iconic mark in the annals of baseball history.
In addition to the Star Company set, collectors will find other noteworthy 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. These items further underscore Jordan’s enduring legacy and significance in the sports card collecting world.
Moreover, the auction encompasses a diverse range of vintage cards and sports-related memorabilia. Highlights include a signed baseball from the 1955 Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend featuring autographs from baseball icons like Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Cochrane, a Jimmie Foxx single-signed ball, and a 1959 Ty Cobb signed and inscribed baseball.
Vintage card enthusiasts will be captivated by several standout lots, including a rare 1968 O-Pee-Chee Nolan Ryan rookie card graded PSA 8 and a near complete set of 1952 Topps baseball cards, showcasing over 60 high-number cards. Additionally, multiple Mickey Mantle cards from the 1950s and 60s add to the allure of this auction for fans of iconic sports figures.
Other notable items up for grabs include a San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XXIV Champions ring, a 1926 New York Yankees multi-signed baseball bearing the autographs of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a collection of 1920s-30s St. Louis Cardinals contract agreements signed by the revered Branch Rickey.
Running through June 13 on the Freeman’s/Hindman website, this auction not only embodies the rich history embedded in these collectibles but also presents a rare opportunity for sports enthusiasts and collectors to own a piece of that storied past. Whether one’s passion lies in basketball, baseball, or the broader spectrum of American sports history, this auction guarantees a tantalizing array of treasures waiting to be claimed.
