Yao Ming Basketball Card Index
6 Month Trend: Down
2 Year Trend: Down
Low Value: $15,218
High Value: $20,601
Average Value: $16,115
6 Mo. Growth Rate: -25.40%
Most Popular Yao Ming Basketball Cards
2002 Topps Chrome Yao Ming #146
a. Last Sold Price (PSA 10): $110.00
b. CL Value Estimate (PSA 10): $110.65
c. Population (PSA 10): 369
Description: This card captures the essence of Yao Ming in his rookie year with the Houston Rockets. Featuring the iconic Topps Chrome finish, it’s a stunning representation of a rising star in the NBA.
2013 Prizm Yao Ming #209
a. Last Sold Price (PSA 10): $375.00
b. CL Value Estimate (PSA 10): $110.95
c. Population (PSA 10): 10
Description: A tribute to Yao Ming’s enduring legacy in basketball, this 2013 Prizm card showcases the player in dynamic form. The card, part of the renowned Prizm series, highlights Ming’s impact on the game with its sleek design and vibrant colors.
Most Valuable Yao Ming Basketball Cards
2002 Ultimate Collection Yao Ming ROOKIE RC
a. Sold Price: $64,999.00
b. CL Value: $10,129.73
c. Where It Sold: PWCC
Description: This 2002 Ultimate Collection card features Yao Ming, showcasing his early prominence with the Houston Rockets. It includes an autographed jersey piece, adding a personal touch from the towering center himself. With a PSA Gem Mint 10 rating, it stands as a high-quality collectible capturing a moment from Ming’s rookie season.
2006 Exquisite Collection Yao Ming Dual Patch Auto Rookie Card
a. Sold Price: $22,800.00
b. CL Value: $17,001.16
c. Where It Sold: PWCC
Description: This 2006-07 Exquisite Collection card is a standout with its dual patch autograph feature, presenting a dynamic image of Yao Ming in action for the Houston Rockets. Graded 9 by Beckett with high marks for centering and edges, it’s a testament to Ming’s impact on the court. The card’s elegant design, combined with Ming’s signature, makes it a prized piece for any collector.
2004-05 UD Exquisite Collection Number Pieces Autographs Yao Ming Signed Patch Card
a. Sold Price: $18,000.00
b. CL Value: $5,320.86
c. Where It Sold: Goldin
Description: This exquisite 2004 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection card features a bold number piece patch and autograph from Yao Ming, encapsulating his time with the Houston Rockets. The card, numbered 03/11, signifies its rarity and exclusivity. Encased and graded by PSA, it is a gem for collectors, combining a piece of jersey, the player’s autograph, and a high-quality photographic print.
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2003 Exquisite Collection Rainbow Yao Ming 1/1 Rookie Card
a. Sold Price: $18,000.00
b. CL Value: $13,440.18
c. Where It Sold: PWCC
Description: The 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Rainbow card showcases Yao Ming in his iconic Houston Rockets red, poised and ready on the court. Graded a Mint 9 by Beckett, the card excels with perfect centering and sharp corners. This collectible stands out with its reflective surface, capturing the stature and focus of Yao Ming in his prime.
2012 Panini Prizm Gold Yao Ming PRISTINE Rookie Card
a. Sold Price: $15,000.00
b. CL Value: $13,493.04
c. Where It Sold: PWCC
Description: The 2012-13 Panini Prizm Gold card features basketball legend Yao Ming, depicted in his Houston Rockets attire. Achieving a Beckett grading of 10 Pristine, this card boasts impeccable centering, edges, and corners, with a surface score of 9.5. The gold prism background adds a premium touch to this high-caliber collectible.
2002 Topps Chrome Chinese Black Refractor Yao Ming Rookie Rc
a. Sold Price: $14,700.00
b. CL Value: $2,230.67
c. Where It Sold: PWCC
Description: This 2002 Topps Chrome card is a special Chinese Black Refractor edition featuring Yao Ming, capturing the early days of his career with the Houston Rockets. Graded Mint 9 by PSA, this card’s allure is heightened by its unique refractor finish that gives it a distinctive shine. It’s a standout piece for collectors, representing a fusion of culture and sport through Yao Ming’s international appeal.
Related Article: 11 Most Valuable Allen Iverson Basketball Cards
2003 Exquisite Collection Number Pieces Yao Ming Auto Patch
a. Sold Price: $13,432.00
b. CL Value: $26,318.41
c. Where It Sold: PWCC
Description: The 2003 Exquisite Collection Number Pieces card prominently features Yao Ming in a classic shooting pose, accentuated by the Houston Rockets’ colors. It’s an autographed limited edition, numbered 02/11, highlighting its rarity. The striking design showcases a large “11” jersey number patch, signed by Yao Ming, making it a centerpiece in any basketball card collection.
2003 Exquisite Collection Emblems of Endorsement Yao Ming Patch Auto Rookie Card
a. Sold Price: $10,515.00
b. CL Value: $1,619.21
c. Where It Sold: PWCC
Description: The 2003-04 Exquisite Collection ‘Emblems of Endorsement’ card boasts an action shot of Yao Ming, combined with an autograph and a two-color jersey patch. Graded Mint 9 by Beckett, it features superb centering and sharp edges. This limited edition card, numbered 1/5, is a highly coveted collectible, showcasing the exclusive ‘EE’ emblem which enhances its appeal to fans and collectors alike.
2005-06 UD Exquisite Collection Rainbow Yao Ming Rookie Card
a. Sold Price: $10,200.00
b. CL Value: $1,744.74
c. Where It Sold: Goldin
Description: The 2005-06 Exquisite Collection Rainbow card displays Yao Ming in a dynamic pose, dressed in the Houston Rockets’ vibrant red. With a Beckett grade of NM-MT 8, it features excellent centering and edges, with slightly lower grades for corners and surface. The ornate, patterned background adds a luxurious feel to this striking piece of memorabilia.
Related Article: 10 Most Valuable Nate Thurmond Basketball Cards
Conclusion
In the realm of basketball collectibles, Yao Ming’s cards stand as monuments to an illustrious career that bridged cultures and redefined the center position. From the shimmering surfaces of Chrome refractors to the intricate designs of Exquisite patches, each card encapsulates a piece of sports history. The most valuable Yao Ming cards are not merely printed cardstock; they are woven with the threads of his on-court exploits, international influence, and the palpable respect of collectors worldwide. As tangible tokens of his legacy, they remain sought after, reflecting the towering figure’s indelible impact on the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Yao Ming card valuable?
The value of a Yao Ming card is often driven by its rarity, condition, and special features such as autographs, jersey patches, and limited print runs.
How do I verify the authenticity of my Yao Ming card?
Authenticity can be verified through professional grading services like PSA, Beckett, or SGC, which assess and encapsulate cards to ensure legitimacy and condition.
Which Yao Ming card is the rarest?
Yao Ming’s 2002-03 Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs are among the rarest, especially those with low serial numbers or unique patch designs.
Are Yao Ming’s rookie cards his most valuable?
Yes, rookie cards, especially those with limited prints and high grades, are typically the most valuable and sought after by collectors.
Can the condition of a card significantly affect its value?
Absolutely. A card’s condition is critical, with mint or gem mint conditions fetching premium values.