One of many rarest Kobe Bryant playing cards in existence lately bought for $2 million, setting an all-time document for a Kobe card and inserting it among the many costliest basketball playing cards of all time.
The cardboard was a 1997-98 Steel Universe Treasured Steel Gems Emerald Kobe Bryant, and the deal was brokered by PWCC Market. Why did this uncommon card command a document value?
The Emerald variations of the Treasured Steel Gems subject are extremely coveted, as there are solely 10 of every subject in existence. Whereas the Kobe card is numbered 004-of-100, there are solely 9 different Emerald variations (because the remaining 90 playing cards are the Crimson model and so they aren’t price as a lot).
The cardboard additionally holds historic significance as a result of it modified the best way that producers approached “insert” playing cards that provide options to the bottom participant playing cards which are generally present in packs.
“That is arguably Kobe’s finest card in existence,” mentioned Jesse Craig, the Director of Enterprise Improvement at PWCC. “It’s extra fascinating than even a Kobe Bryant rookie card or a Kobe Bryant autograph. The grade on that is additionally the very best that exists, with just one different BGS 8.5 on the planet.
“These Treasured Steel Gems variants are arguably probably the most desired insert card in the complete world. These set the tone for the insert market going ahead. It’s simply extremely tough to search out them in any situation, and due to their delicate nature, to search out one in such good situation is extremely uncommon.”
Curiously, in 2012, a Treasured Steel Gems Emerald Kobe that was numbered 008-of-100 bought for $37,665 on eBay. This card possible wasn’t graded, nevertheless it’s loopy to see how a lot the worth has elevated during the last decade (particularly contemplating playing cards the place the serial quantity and jersey quantity match are usually price extra).
“This value is pushed each by the standard of card and by the reverence for Kobe Bryant,” Craig added. “We’re now just a few years faraway from his tragic passing and persons are beginning to mirror on what he meant to the sport and the tradition of the game.
“Merely put, he’s simply within the dialogue for one of many biggest gamers of all-time and has a loyal following throughout the globe. His property are prone to proceed to see an increase in demand as individuals proceed to hunt a technique to personal part of historical past and join with one of many biggest gamers we’ve ever seen play the sport.”
Produced in affiliation with BasketballNews.com.
