The atmosphere at the Goldin Auctions’ April Elite sale was electric as bidders clamored to get their hands on prized memorabilia linked to NBA sensations Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama. The buzz around the event was fueled by Edwards’ stellar performance leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a playoff victory, sparking a surge in interest in his collectibles.
One of the most breathtaking sales of the night was Anthony Edwards’ early NBA jersey, worn during just his fourth career game, which fetched a jaw-dropping $118,978. The jersey, authenticated by MeiGray/NBA and accompanied by photomatching, witnessed Edwards making his mark with his first career block and contributing 12 points to his name. This milestone sale solidifies Edwards’ position as a rising star in the NBA, especially after his impressive playoff performances, where he etched his name alongside legends like Kobe Bryant by scoring over 40 points in back-to-back postseason games.
Another remarkable piece of Edwards’ memorabilia that commanded attention was his 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card, graded as a stellar BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a Beckett 10 for autographs, fetching an impressive $85,550 at the auction.
Victor Wembanyama, the promising basketball phenom, also dazzled collectors with significant bids on his rookie cards. The spotlight shone on a 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, numbered 1 of 5 and graded PSA 10, which sold for a staggering $113,460. Another sought-after Wembanyama card, a Gold Shimmer rookie numbered 7/10, closed at a notable $49,410.
The auction wasn’t just about contemporary basketball stars, as evidenced by the remarkable sales of vintage collectibles. A 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card commanded attention, selling for an impressive $92,720. Additionally, a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded as a BGS MINT 9, captured hearts and wallets alike, selling for a notable $92,190.
The event also featured former Duke standout Cherokee Parks’ NCAA Championship ring, which achieved an impressive $44,320. Fans of basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar weren’t left disappointed, as pivotal career moment photographs of these icons fetched $15,982 and $14,640 respectively.
Amidst the basketball memorabilia frenzy, a jersey from Fernando Tatis Jr.’s early MLB days, commemorating his inaugural road game, caught the eye of collectors and sold for a respectable $10,098. The variety and depth of memorabilia showcased in this auction underscore the enduring fascination and enthusiasm for sports collectibles across generations and athletic disciplines.
