Goldin Auctions’ recent April Elite sale set the stage for a whirlwind of bidding wars, particularly surrounding the memorabilia of basketball sensations Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama. The event, coinciding with a memorable playoff game where Anthony Edwards shone on the court, witnessed a flurry of intense bidding activity, especially for items linked to these rising sports stars.
The highlight of the auction was the sale of an early NBA jersey worn by Anthony Edwards during his fourth career game, fetching a staggering $118,978. This sale notably marked a record for any publicly sold Edwards jersey. Authenticated by MeiGray/NBA and photomatched, this jersey witnessed Edwards etching his name in history with his first career block and a stellar performance of 12 points. Adding to his accolades, Edwards cemented his status as a rising star during the 2024 playoffs, joining the elite company of Kobe Bryant as one of the youngest players to score over 40 points in consecutive postseason games.
Another prized possession for collectors was the sale of an Edwards 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card, graded BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a Beckett 10 for autographs, fetching an impressive $85,550 at the auction.
Victor Wembanyama, a highly anticipated figure in the basketball world, also garnered significant attention for his memorabilia, particularly his rookie cards. A 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, numbered 1 of 5 and graded PSA 10, commanded a remarkable $113,460 at the auction. Additionally, a rare Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7/10 closed at $49,410, reflecting the growing interest in Wembanyama’s early collectibles.
The auction wasn’t solely centered around modern basketball stars, as shown by the impressive sales of vintage sports memorabilia. A 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card fetched $92,720, highlighting the enduring appeal of Bryant’s legacy. Similarly, a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, was sold for $92,190, showcasing the diverse range of collectibles attracting sports enthusiasts.
Delving further into the treasure trove of sports memorabilia, former Duke star Cherokee Parks’ NCAA Championship ring and others went under the hammer, with his 1994 Championship ring achieving a notable $44,320. In addition, photographs capturing significant moments in the early careers of basketball icons Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar fetched $15,982 and $14,640, respectively, adding a touch of nostalgia to the auction.
The auction’s diversity extended beyond basketball, with a jersey from Fernando Tatis’s early MLB days, marking his first career road game, selling for $10,098. This varied array of memorabilia at Goldin Auctions underscores the enduring allure of sports collectibles, bridging generations and sports disciplines, and igniting fervor among collectors worldwide.
