The Ultimate Scoreboard: Top 7 Most Expensive Sports Cards Ever Sold
In the world of sports collectibles, some cards transcend nostalgia—they make headlines. Let’s count down the 7 highest-selling sports cards of all time, blending vintage allure with modern investment intrigue.
1. 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman (Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant) – $12.932 million
This jaw-dropping sale just shattered the record. The dual-signed jersey-patch card fetched $12.932 million at auction, making it the most expensive sports card ever sold.
2. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (SGC 9.5) – $12.6 million
Mantle’s iconic card—graded SGC 9.5—held the title until recently. A legendary relic of baseball’s golden era, it sold for $12.6 million in 2022.
3. 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner (SGC 2) – $7.25 million
Called the “Holy Grail” of cards, its rarity is unmatched. One example, graded SGC 2, brought in $7.25 million in a 2022 private sale.
4. 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth (SGC 3) – $7.2 million
This early depiction of the Sultan of Swat, from his minor-league days, commanded $7.2 million in a 2023 sale.
5. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph (BGS 9) – $5.2 million
The modern era’s gateway card: LeBron’s rookie patch auto fetched $5.2 million, tying the previous Mantle record in 2021.
6. 2018-19 Panini National Treasures Luka Dončić Logoman (1/1) – $4.6 million
A one-of-a-kind Logoman patch auto of Luka sold for $4.6 million (private sale) in 2021—proof that modern stars are reshaping the hobby.
7. 2017 Panini National Treasures Patrick Mahomes Platinum Shield (1/1, BGS 8.5) – $4.3 million
Mahomes’s rare shield–auto rookie card landed $4.3 million in 2021, setting the NFL record and illustrating football’s rising collectible power.
Why They Matter
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Scarcity meets legend. Cards like Wagner's or Mantle’s win because of rarity plus iconic players.
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Modern marvels. Luka, LeBron, and Mahomes illustrate how superstar status and innovation in card design drive value.
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Cultural cachet. These cards command attention—tying sports, art, and investment in one compelling frame.
Final whistle: From century-old legends to fresh gold-plated signatures, these seven cards form an elite All-Star lineup of value, legacy, and pure collector hype. Whether you’re a newbie or a high-stakes investor, they define the heights this vibrant hobby can reach.