Kobe Bryant Basketball Card Index
6 Month Trend: Down
2 Year Trend: Down
Low Value: $15,405
High Value: $16,876
Average Value: $16,239
6 Mo. Growth Rate: -2.40%
Most Popular Kobe Bryant Basketball Cards
1996 Topps Kobe Bryant #138
a. Last Sold Price (PSA 10): $812.50
b. CL Value Estimate (PSA 10): $812.50
c. Population (PSA 10): 4,423
Description: A classic rookie card, the 1996 Topps Kobe Bryant #138 captures the essence of Bryant’s early NBA days. Its traditional design and memorable pose make it a staple for collectors.
1996 Bowman’s Best Kobe Bryant #R23
a. Last Sold Price (PSA 10): $385.00
b. CL Value Estimate (PSA 10): $385.59
c. Population (PSA 10): 1,605
Description: This card features a young Kobe in action, showcasing his early promise on the court. The 1996 Bowman’s Best Kobe Bryant #R23 is known for its sharp imagery and high-quality finish.
1996 Finest Kobe Bryant #74
a. Last Sold Price (PSA 10): $500.00
b. CL Value Estimate (PSA 10): $500.00
c. Population (PSA 10): 1,750
Description: The 1996 Finest Kobe Bryant #74 card is part of a premium set, highlighting Kobe’s rookie season with a sleek design. Its unique aesthetic and glossy finish appeal to high-end collectors.
Most Valuable Kobe Bryant Basketball Cards
1997 Metal Universe Kobe Bryant Precious Metal Gems (PMG) Green Rookie Card
a. Sold Price: $2,000,000.00
b. CL Value: $978,964.13
c. Where It Sold: Private Sale
Description: This 1997-98 Metal Universe Kobe Bryant Precious Metal Gems card dazzles with its vibrant emerald green background, a standout in the PMG series. The card, #81, showcases Bryant in mid-action, depicting the dynamism and focus that defined his career. Graded an 8.5 by Beckett, it boasts near mint to mint condition, with high marks for centering and surface quality.
1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractors Kobe Bryant Rookie Card
a. Sold Price: $1,752,000.00
b. CL Value: $522,302.05
c. Where It Sold: Goldin
Description: The 1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractors Kobe Bryant card, #138, is a prized possession for its pristine condition, earning a perfect 10 grade from Beckett for centering, corners, edges, and surface. This card captures a young Kobe Bryant in his iconic number 8 Lakers jersey, mid-play, with the reflective chrome finish adding a premium touch to the action shot. The card’s refractor quality creates a distinctive rainbow sheen, enhancing its visual appeal and collectibility.
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2002-03 Upper Deck Autographed NBA Logo Mania Kobe Bryant Signed Game Used Patch Card
a. Sold Price: $922,500.00
b. CL Value: $417,226.27
c. Where It Sold: Goldin
Description: The 2002-03 Upper Deck NBA Logo Mania card is a highly coveted piece, featuring an autograph by Kobe Bryant, set against an orange backdrop with his portrait. This rare 1/1 card includes an actual piece of game-used NBA logo patch, adding a tangible piece of basketball history to its value. Graded a 9 by Beckett, the card boasts a perfect 10 for centering and high marks for its corners and surface, making it a gem for any serious collector.
2004-05 Exquisite Collection Titleists Kobe Bryant Rookie Card
a. Sold Price: $900,000.00
b. CL Value: $275,022.73
c. Where It Sold: Private Sale
Description: The 2004-05 Exquisite Collection Titleists card features Kobe Bryant in his Los Angeles Lakers uniform, capturing an intense in-game moment with a vivid action shot. This card is not only visually striking with its holographic elements but also boasts an authentic Kobe Bryant signature. Graded as Mint 9 by Beckett, it has received near-perfect scores in centering, edges, and surface, solidifying its status as a high-caliber collectible.
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1996-97 SkyBox E-X2000 Credentials Kobe Bryant Rookie Card
a. Sold Price: $617,460.00
b. CL Value: $279,263.45
c. Where It Sold: Goldin
Description: The 1996 SkyBox E-X2000 Credentials Kobe Bryant card is a stunning collectible, graded GEM MT 10 by PSA, indicating a card in impeccable condition. It features a young Kobe Bryant clad in his Lakers’ vibrant gold and purple, focused on the game with the basketball at the ready. The card’s intricate design and “Credentials” branding add to its exclusivity and appeal among collectors.
1996-97 Flair Showcase Legacy Collection Kobe Bryant Rookie Card
a. Sold Price: $430,500.00
b. CL Value: $148,880.60
c. Where It Sold: Goldin
Description: This 1996-97 Flair Showcase Legacy Collection card captures Kobe Bryant in a contemplative pose, set against a shimmering, textured background that exemplifies the card’s high-quality production. Graded PRISTINE 10 by Beckett, it achieves top marks in centering, corners, and surface, with a near-perfect score on the edges. The Legacy Collection designation underscores its rarity and desirability, making it a treasure for any collector.
2015 Panini Prizm Black Prizms Kobe Bryant 1/1 Rookie Card
a. Sold Price: $324,000.00
b. CL Value: $159,094.40
c. Where It Sold: PWCC
Description: The 2015-16 Panini Prizm Black Prizms Kobe Bryant card, #182, captures the basketball legend in a dynamic leap for a shot, showcasing his athleticism and concentration. This card has been graded a GEM MINT 9.5 by Beckett, reflecting its superior condition with exceptional centering, edges, corners, and surface quality. The card’s sleek design and monochromatic color scheme highlight Bryant’s action shot, making it a standout piece for collectors.
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Conclusion
In the realm of sports memorabilia, Kobe Bryant basketball cards are not just collectibles; they are a tribute to a legendary career and an investment in basketball history. The most valuable Kobe cards are distinguished by their pristine condition, rarity, and the captivating moments of Bryant’s career they encapsulate. From rookie cards to autographed treasures, each piece carries its own story, reflecting the Mamba Mentality that continues to inspire. These cards are more than paper and ink; they are a tangible legacy of skill, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What determines the value of a Kobe Bryant card?
The value hinges on condition, rarity, edition, and special features such as autographs or game-used memorabilia.
Why are Kobe Bryant’s rookie cards so valuable?
Rookie cards capture the start of Kobe’s iconic career, and their limited quantity boosts their worth.
How does card grading affect the value?
Higher grades from reputable services like PSA or Beckett can exponentially increase a card’s market value.
Are autographed Kobe cards more valuable?
Yes, autographs, especially on limited editions, can significantly raise a card’s desirability and value.
What is the most valuable Kobe Bryant card ever sold?
Record-breaking sales often involve rare editions with perfect grades, such as the 1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractors Kobe Bryant card.