Freeman’s/Hindman is currently hosting an electrifying sports memorabilia auction that is causing a stir in the collector’s world. Standing out as the auction’s centerpiece is a complete set of 1984-85 Star Company basketball cards, still sealed in their original team bags – a time capsule embodying the allure of the early days of the NBA card market. Among these treasures lies the crown jewel: a Michael Jordan rookie card that continues to captivate fans and collectors alike, poised to command between $50,000 and $70,000 due to its rarity and the enduring fascination surrounding the basketball legend.
The Star Company played a daring hand when they secured the NBA’s trading card rights in the early 1980s, stepping into the void left by Topps. Their decision to distribute cards primarily through mail orders and select outlets inadvertently amplified the scarcity of these cards, making preserved sets like this one a rare find in today’s market. Many collectors of that era opened their packs to enjoy their contents, making intact sets increasingly scarce and ultimately more valuable.
While the spotlight shines brightly on basketball memorabilia, the auction also boasts remarkable artifacts from the world of baseball. Noteworthy among these gems are three baseballs adorned with the unmistakable signature of Babe Ruth, with one signature standing out vividly on a miniature baseball. These pieces serve as potent reminders of Ruth’s enduring legacy, beckoning collectors with a penchant for historical sports relics.
The auction’s charm doesn’t end there, as it showcases a selection of Jordan cards from his rookie season, including the revered 1984 Gold Medalist No. 195 and the 1985 Rookie of the Year No. 288, alongside a PSA 8 graded 1986-87 Fleer rookie card, further enticing enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Adding to the allure are various vintage cards and sports memorabilia, each with its unique story and significance. Standouts include a baseball signed by luminaries like Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Cochrane during the 1955 Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend, a baseball signed by Jimmie Foxx, and a Ty Cobb-signed ball from 1959.
Vintage card aficionados will find a treasure trove in lots such as a rare 1968 O-Pee-Chee Nolan Ryan rookie card graded PSA 8, and a near complete set of 1952 Topps baseball cards featuring over 60 high-number cards. The collection also features multiple Mickey Mantle cards from the 1950s and 60s, further enhancing its appeal to collectors of sports icons from yesteryears.
Noteworthy additions to the lineup include a Super Bowl XXIV Champions ring from the San Francisco 49ers, a 1926 baseball signed by legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees, and a series of 1920s-30s St. Louis Cardinals contract agreements inked by none other than Branch Rickey.
Until June 13, aficionados and collectors can immerse themselves in the world of vintage sports memorabilia on Freeman’s/Hindman’s website, where a diverse array of historically significant collectibles awaits discovery. Whether you’re a basketball buff, a baseball enthusiast, or simply a fan of the rich tapestry of American sports history, this auction promises something special for every collector to cherish and covet.