The recent Goldin Auctions April Elite sale made headlines with remarkable sales of memorabilia linked to NBA phenoms Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama. The event coincided with Anthony Edwards shining in a playoff game for the Minnesota Timberwolves, likely fueling the fervor for his collectibles.
A standout piece from the auction was an early NBA jersey worn by Anthony Edwards in only his fourth game, which sold for an impressive $118,978. This sale marked a record for any public auction of an Anthony Edwards jersey. The jersey, authenticated by MeiGray/NBA and photomatched, holds sentimental value as it was worn during a game where Edwards tallied his first career block and contributed 12 points to his burgeoning legacy. Edwards’ trajectory towards stardom was reinforced during the 2024 playoffs when he joined the illustrious Kobe Bryant as one of the youngest players to score over 40 points in consecutive postseason matchups.
Another highlight was an Anthony Edwards 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card, graded BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a pristine Beckett 10 for autographs, which commanded a hefty sum of $85,550 at the auction.
Victor Wembanyama, another rising star in the basketball realm, also garnered considerable attention, especially for his rookie cards. A 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, numbered 1 of 5 and graded PSA 10, fetched an impressive $113,460. Additionally, a rare Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7/10 featuring Wembanyama nabbed a solid $49,410.
While the spotlight mainly shone on contemporary basketball talents, the auction also featured iconic figures from the past. A 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card fetched $92,720, while a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, commanded $92,190.
Not limited to basketball, former Duke standout Cherokee Parks’ NCAA Championship ring and other acquired rings were up for bidding, with the 1994 Championship ring reaching an impressive $44,320.
Furthermore, the auction extended its reach to capture nostalgic moments with photographs of early career highlights of legends like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which sold for $15,982 and $14,640, respectively.
Diversifying the array of offerings, a jersey from Fernando Tatis Jr.’s early MLB days, marking his inaugural road game, hit a price of $10,098. The variety of memorabilia showcased at the auction underlines the enduring allure of sports collectibles, bridging generations and sports disciplines.