Goldin Auctions’ April Elite sale made headlines with record-breaking sales of memorabilia linked to NBA players Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama. The event coincided with a pivotal playoff game where Anthony Edwards showcased his talents and led the Minnesota Timberwolves to victory, likely sparking a surge in interest in his collectibles.
One of the standout items was an early NBA jersey worn by Anthony Edwards in only his fourth career game, which fetched an impressive $118,978. This sale not only set a new record for any publicly sold Edwards jersey but also included MeiGray/NBA authentication and photomatching, underlining its authenticity. The jersey holds special significance as it was worn during a game where Edwards achieved his first career block and tallied 12 points. Furthermore, Edwards solidified his rising star status during the 2024 playoffs by becoming one of the youngest players to score over 40 points in consecutive postseason games, further increasing the jersey’s appeal.
In addition, an Edwards 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card, graded BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a Beckett 10 for autographs, drew significant attention at the auction and sold for $85,550.
Victor Wembanyama’s memorabilia, especially his rookie cards, also commanded substantial interest. A 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, numbered 1 of 5 and graded PSA 10, was sold for an impressive $113,460. Another rare find was a Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7/10, which closed at $49,410.
Beyond the modern basketball stars, there were iconic collectibles from legends like Kobe Bryant and up-and-coming stars like Kylian Mbappe. The 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card sold for $92,720, while the 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, was purchased for $92,190.
Cherokee Parks, a former Duke star, also had his moment at the auction with his NCAA Championship ring fetching $44,320, showcasing the enduring appeal of college basketball memorabilia. Photographs capturing pivotal moments in the early careers of basketball icons Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were also on offer and sold for $15,982 and $14,640, respectively.
The auction featured a jersey from Fernando Tatis’s early MLB days, marking his first career road game, which was sold for $10,098. This diverse array of memorabilia from various sports and eras underscores the enduring fascination and robust interest in sports collectibles, uniting fans across generations.
