BASKETBALL CARD INVESTING: BEST BUYS JANUARY 2021 (2024)

BEST BASKETBALL CARDS INVESTMENTS TO BEGIN 2021

Welcome to our basketball card “best buys” of the month!

If you missed our previous article on Kobe Bryant and his rookies to make our Buy List, you missed out on some serious profit. The 1996 Skybox E-X2000 Kobe Bryant Stardate and the refractor RC’s that we recommended back in September turned out to be a home run.

The PSA 10 that we were able to pick up for a little over $1000 — sold at auction on eBay for $10,001. That’s 1000% profit in under 90 days. That doesn’t happen very often. The Kobe refractors have since skyrocketed — but we haven’t sold any of those yet and don’t plan to — anytime soon.

BASKETBALL CARD INVESTING: BEST BUYS JANUARY 2021 (3)

If you missed the boat on the Kobe Bryant Atomic refractors & refractor rookie cards and they’re now out of your buying range ($4,000-$10,000+) Allen Iverson refractor RC’s are definitely worth a hard look right now.

Back to Kobe — if you’re able to swing higher figures and “money ain’t a thang” Kobe refractors are only going to go higher from here. As ridiculous as these prices look now.. in 5–10 years, these are going to look dirt cheap.

SUPPLY & DEMAND

Let’s take a look at this from a simple supply and demand standpoint — which makes the most sense to me after 10+ year career on Wall Street, running a firm and having had success trading futures, stocks, commodities and options on the floor of both the NYMEX and NYSE.

With only 20–40 refractors in most of the 1996 rookie sets, 100’s of thousands of Kobe Bryant fanS from around the glob will be competing to won these prized pieces of history. To be able to own and hold — not just a rookie card, but a piece of history that is the Legend — Kobe Bryant. One of the best ever to play the game of basketball.

He was an absolute terror for opposing defenses for over 20 years. Through 3 decades… many of us grew up watching Kobe. Millions of people’s lives have been shaped and influenced by the incredible play, relentless work ethic, killer instinct, charisma and style of one man — Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba.

BASKETBALL CARD INVESTING: BEST BUYS JANUARY 2021 (4)

Kobe Bryant instilled in so many of us the mamba mentality. He gave his all to basketball and after retiring — gave that same love and dedication to his daughters, to women’s basketball and more.

If you think for a second that there aren’t 22 people in the world who are willing and able to spend 50K+ in 5–10 years for one of these.. you’re out of your mind. Extremely limited demand, eye appeal, one of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game.. it’s not rocket science. Scarcity +increased demand many collectors return to the hobby — not to mention a Hall of Fame induction coming and a movie to be made on his life.. Barring any economic disaster, recession or disease — these Kobe Bryant refactors could easily be worth 100K+ in the next 5–10.

Historically, the next best rookies follow suit. In the case of the 1996 Rookie refractors- the next rookie that we anticipate card prices taking off off is Allen Iverson. Later followed by Ray Allen.

BASKETBALL CARD INVESTING: BEST BUYS JANUARY 2021 (5)

There are a number of reasons we like the refractor rookies as opposed to base (although for those with less to spend base rookies can still do very well) Namely, scarcity and eye appeal.

1. 1996–97 Bowmans Best Picks Allen Iverson Atomic Refractor

2. 1996–97 Bowman’s Best Retro Atomic Refractor

3. 1996–97 Bowmans Best Picks Allen Iverson Refractor

4. 1996–97 Bowman’s Best Retro Refractor

1996–97 Finest Gold Heirs

1996–97 Finest Refractor

BASKETBALL CARD INVESTING: BEST BUYS JANUARY 2021 (6)

2003 TOPPS CONTEMPORARY COLLECTION LEBRON JAMES #1

Easily the most undervalued and unappreciated LeBron James rookie card and quite possibly my all-time favorite. This card is constantly overlooked as collectors & investors the higher valued LeBrons — like the 2003 Topps Chrome Rookie — but don’t pass up an opportunity to own this LeBron RC.

Due to it’s extremely low Pop count and stunning eye appeal, this could easily be one of, of not the most valuable LeBron Rookie cards when it’s all said and done.

Especially the Red parallel /299, which have already begun to see a skyrocketing increase in value. And while the 2003 Topps Contemporary Collection Red /299 is already out of most collectors’ budgets, there’s still time to add the base rookie before it takes off into the stratosphere.

2003 BOWMAN SIGNATURE

1996 KOBE BRYANT ROW 0

1996 KOBE BRYANT ROW 1

1996 KOBE BRYANT ROW 2

1996 REFRACTOR RC 10000

UPDATE 2/14

The Flair Showcase Kobe Bryant Row 0 recently sold at auction on eBay

***ARTICLE CURRENTLY BEING EDITED CHECK BACK SOON FOR FULL LIST!**

BASKETBALL CARD INVESTING: BEST BUYS JANUARY 2021 (2024)

FAQs

Are NBA cards a good investment? ›

The majority of sports cards are only worth a few cents, and they don't increase in value much. The value of a card depends on how important the player is, how rare the card is, how good the card looks, and how much history it has.

What LeBron James cards to invest in? ›

The Best LeBron James Cards
  • 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Autograph Exquisite Patches #AP-LJ LeBron James - #'d/100 ($160,000) ...
  • 2003 Topps Contemporary Collection #1 LeBron James - Gold #'d/25 ($160,116) ...
  • 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Limited Logos #LL-LJ LeBron James - #'d/75 ($161,716)
Nov 28, 2023

What basketball card set should I buy? ›

Packs like Panini National Treasures and Upper Deck Exquisite Collection offer high-end options with the potential for significant returns on investment. On the other hand, Panini Prizm, Panini Select, and Topps Chrome provide excellent value and variety for collectors at different price points.

How to sell basketball cards for top dollar? ›

Try to sell your cards in or near a city that has an NBA team. Cities that have NBA teams tend to generate more interest in basketball cards, which means your cards will be worth more money. If you don't live in a city with an NBA team, see if you can find one nearby and go there to sell your cards.

Will basketball cards go up in value? ›

While it is impossible to predict with certainty which basketball cards will increase in value, considering factors such as rookie cards, Hall of Fame players, limited edition and autographed cards, player performance, achievements, and market trends can help inform your investment decisions.

Are sports cards going down in value? ›

The sports card market, once booming, is experiencing a decline in value in 2024, sparking concerns among collectors, investors, and industry experts. Several factors have contributed to this downturn, marking a significant shift from the soaring prices witnessed in recent years.

Will LeBron James cards increase in value? ›

As LeBron continues his journey to possibly become the NBA's all-time leading scorer, this iconic rookie card's value will likely rise. Recently, the card has seen impressive auction prices. On May 21, 2022, a PSA 10 sold for $144,000 at Goldin Auctions.

What brand of NBA cards are the best? ›

What is the best Basketball card brand to buy 2023?
  1. Panini. Panini is undoubtedly one of the most recognized and reputable brands in the basketball card market. ...
  2. Upper Deck. Upper Deck is another prominent name in the basketball card industry. ...
  3. Topps. ...
  4. Leaf Trading Cards. ...
  5. Fanatics.
Dec 4, 2023

What are the best Shaq cards to invest in? ›

Let's dive in and find out:
  • 1992-93 Topps Gold Shaquille O'Neal #362 Rookie Card. ...
  • 1992 Topps Archives Shaquille O'Neal Rookie Card #150 (Gold) ...
  • 1992-93 Fleer Shaquille O'Neal RC #401 (Orlando-Perforated Version) ...
  • 1992 Shaquille O'Neal Stadium Club Beam Team RC #21 (Members Only)
Jan 23, 2024

What cards to invest in? ›

Here are top picks for the best cards to invest in this year.
  • Best Overall: Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps Rookie Card. ...
  • Best Rookie Card: Luka Doncic. ...
  • Best NFL Card: Tom Brady Optic Base. ...
  • Best NFL Card Pack: 2022 Panini Absolute Football Card Pack. ...
  • Best Hockey Card: 2015 Upper Deck Connor McDavid Rookie Card.
Feb 12, 2024

How do you tell if a basketball card is worth a lot? ›

Trading cards that are in mint condition tend to be worth more than cards with flaws like centering issues, dinged corners, and creases. First things first, is the card raw or graded? If your card is raw, compare it to PSA's Grading Standards as you sort through PSA's 1 – 10 grading scale.

How do rookie cards gain value? ›

Rookie cards are highly sought after by collectors for several reasons. Firstly, they represent a player's entry into the professional sports world, making them significant in terms of historical importance. Secondly, rookie cards are often limited in production, which adds to their scarcity and value.

How accurate is Collx? ›

The app uses visual recognition technology to scan the front and back of the card to match it against a database of twenty million cards. Mann says it has 95 percent accuracy.

Can you make money flipping basketball cards? ›

Flipping sports cards on eBay for a profit can be a lucrative business, but it requires careful research, planning, and strategy. Here are some tips for successfully flipping sports cards on eBay: Research: It is essential to have a good understanding of the sports card market and the value of different cards.

What is the best site to look up sports cards value? ›

Ludex is the Fastest and Most Reliable Sports and Trading Card Scanner on the Market! Elevate your collection with Ludex! Our prices come from sold listings on various marketplaces.

Is buying rookie cards a good investment? ›

Develop and Stick to an Investment Strategy

Long-term holding: Holding onto a card, like a rookie card, for 10+ years, could help you see bigger profits in the long term. Players you like: Buying the cards of players you like and believe in.

Can you make money buying basketball cards? ›

Buying and holding: Just like with #stocks or other #investments , some sports cards increase in value over time. If you can identify cards that are likely to appreciate in value, buying and holding them for a few years could be a profitable #strategy.

What sports cards hold the most value? ›

The 10 Most Valuable Trading Cards Ever Sold
  • 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53. ...
  • 2017 Panini National Treasures Patrick Mahomes II Rookie Patch. ...
  • 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311. ...
  • 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311. ...
  • 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. ...
  • 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth Rookie. ...
  • 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. ...
  • 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311.
Feb 23, 2024

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ms. Lucile Johns

Last Updated:

Views: 5741

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ms. Lucile Johns

Birthday: 1999-11-16

Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557

Phone: +59115435987187

Job: Education Supervisor

Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening

Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.