An extensive, single owner collection of Kobe Bryant rookie cards will be sold in a live auction format by Hindman Auctions of Chicago later this month.
Nearly 150 cards, presented in 81 lots as an ode to Bryant’s 81-point performance in a 2006 game, will be offered in a sale entitled 8.24: The Definitive Collection of Kobe Bryant Rookie Cards.
They’ve all been consigned by a collector who set out to obtain as many different Bryant rookie cards as he could.
A 1996-97 Skybox E-X2000 Credentials Kobe Bryant Rookie Basketball Card No. 30 (BGS 9 MINT), numbered 53 of 499 (lot 58), is expected to be one of the auction’s highlights. It carries a $15,000-$20,000 pre-sale estimate.
Other highlights include a trio of 1996-97 Flair Showcase Legacy Collection cards (Row 0, Row 1 and Row 2). The Row 0 is graded BGS 9.5 and is one of 20 at that level with one higher. The Row 1 is also graded 9.5 and is one of just 10 at that level with one higher.
Other lots include a Topps Chrome Refractor (PSA 9), a 1996-97 Finest Refractor with coating (PSA 9), a 1996-97 Score Board autograph (BGS 9.5/10 autograph grade) and a 1996-97 Bowman’s Best Picks Atomic Refractor BGS 9.5.
“We are thrilled to be able to present a collection that captures such an integral part of the career of one of the most influential sports figures of the 21st century,” shared Hindman’s Specialist for Sports Memorabilia, James Smith. “Basketball card collections of this caliber are few and far between, and we are eager to see how bidders respond to cards from a basketball icon.”
The auction will take online place August 24 beginning at 10 AM Central time in Hindman’s Digital Bid Room. Additional information about the auction can be found on the website here
About Rich Mueller
Rich is the editor and founder of Sports Collectors Daily. A broadcaster and writer for over 35 years and a collector for even longer than that, he’s usually typing something somewhere. Type him back at [email protected]