Kobe Bryant basketball cards have been one of the most popular alternative investment purchases over the last few years, particularly since his passing.
Kobe Bean Bryant was born to play basketball. He was born in Philadelphia, the youngest of three children, the only son of Pamela Cox Bryant and former NBA player Joe Bryant.
During host time in the league, he was well respected and regarded as one of the best basketball in the NBA. During his career, Kobe won five NBA championships, took home the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2008, and has too many scoring titles to count.
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Not only are Kobe cards a tremendous long-term investment, but when compared to similar cards, they outperform in the short term by a country mile.
If you are a first-time sports card buyer as an alternative investment, you can’t do much better than a Kobe Bryant basketball card.
Best 50 Kobe Cards
Let’s look at the top 10 Kobe cards in terms of long-term return on investment over the next 20 years. Please email any questions regarding alternative investments in sports cards to [email protected]
1. 1996 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome (Refractor, Chrome, Base) RC #138
The 1996 Kobe Bryant Topps rookie card is an ROI cash cow racking enormous profits for its investors.
Not only is this card one of the best Kobe cards to invest in, but it is one of the best in the entire alternative investment realm.
Full Disclosure: LYCOSTAX is currently invested in five 1996 Kobe Bryant Chrome rookie cards all at PSA 10 grades.
The card comes in three versions, with the highest being the refractor, followed by the chrome, and then the base. The ROI should be similar regardless of the version (the chrome should be slightly higher than the other two).
PSA Population Report (Refractor)
63 at PSA 10 GEM MINT
286 at PSA 9 MINT
48 at PSA 8 NEAR MINT – MINT
Only 63 at a PSA 10 grade explains the 6 figure price tag shown below.
Past Graded Sales (Refractor)
8/28/2022 – PSA 10 – $156,000 (Heritage Auctions)
8/17/2022 – PSA 9 – $26,100 (EBAY)
7/11/2022 – PSA 8 – $10,300 (EBAY)
2. 1996 Kobe Bryant Topps Finest RC #74
1996-97 Topps Finest features arguably one of the most renowned rookie classes in recent memory, highlighted by the late Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, and Allen Iverson.
Topps released the treasured set in two series, each comprised of 24 packs of six cards. The first set contained cards #1 to #146 and presented the Apprentices, Gladiators, Maestros, and Sterling subsets. In contrast, the second set was composed of cards #147 to #291, introducing the Foundations, Heirs, Mainstays, and Sterling subsets.
The most coveted Kobe Bryant rookie card from 1996 Topps Finest is dubbed Apprentices, highlighting Kobe soaring through the air for an emphatic one-handed jam.
What’s distinctive about 1996 Topps Finest is the transparent film or coating affixed to the top of each card, designed to protect the card’s surface. Hobbyists can collect multiple variations of Kobe Bryant’s #74 1996 Topps Finest rookie card, including his base card, a base card with coating, a refractor, and a refractor with coating.
PSA Population Report
Base:
978 PSA 10 Gem Mint
1,979 PSA 9 Mint
577 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Base with Coating:
1,726 PSA 10 Gem Mint
4,907 PSA 9 Mint
2,055 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Refractor:
8 PSA 10 Gem Mint
157 PSA 9 Mint
91 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
Base:
PSA 10 – $502.00 – 9/24/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $132.51 – 9/27/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $89.99 – 9/20/2022 (eBay)
Base with Coating:
PSA 10 – $898.00 – 9/23/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 -$190.510 – 9/27/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $79.00 – 9/25/2022 (eBay)
Refractor:
BGS Black Label 10 – $1,752,000 – March 2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 10 – $50,000 – 8/17/2020 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $3,250 – 5/24/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $2,026.05 – 1/31/2022 (eBay)
Refractor with Coating:
PSA 10 – $100,860 – 5/24/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 9 – $5,500 – 1/28/2021 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $4,050 – 7/21/2021 (eBay)
3. 2012 Kobe Bryant Panini Select Silver Prizm #54
Another gorgeous Kobe card is clocking in at number four on our list. It’s hard to beat the 2012 Kobe Select Silver Prizm when combing the overall looks of the card design, price, and return on investment.
Kobe Bryant’s Silver Prizm card can be located in the inaugural Panini Select Basketball product, released on April 4, 2013. Panini issued the highly sought-after set in two mini boxes containing seven packs of six cards.
2012 Panini Select introduces a 325-card base set, including 100 rookie autographed cards and 75 rookie jersey autographed cards to chase. Hobbyists can expect four autographed cards, six inserts, and four Prizm cards in each hobby box, with Kobe’s Silver Prizm card one of the most desirable cards in the set.
Kobe reps the Los Angeles Lakers gold and purple and dons a purple arm sleeve as he dribbles up the court in his 2012 Silver Prizm card, one of the most valuable cards from the maiden release of Panini’s Select product.
PSA Population Report:
30 PSA 10 Gem Mint
73 PSA 9 Mint
9 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales:
PSA 10 – $2,225 – 12/21/2021 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $370 – 9/12/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $888 – 2/2/2021 (eBay)
PSA Graded Value Estimates
PSA 10 – $2000+
PSA 9 – $500+/-
PSA 8 – $275 +/-
4. 2008 Kobe Bryant w/ Lebron James Topps Chrome (Base/White or Orange Refractor) #24
This is one of the best looking cards in the game and has thew added side bonus of being an outstanding long-term money maker.
Full Disclosure: BETLIONS is currently invested in two of the 2008 Kobe Bryant w/ Lebron James Topps Chrome Orange Refractor /499 #24 cards at a PSA 10 and PSA 9 grade.
2008-09 Topps Chrome was released on December 16, 2008, featuring a 220-card base set, including 40 NBA rookies, allocated in 24 packs of four cards.
Kobe Bryant’s card from 2008-09 Topps Chrome is significant in that the set was one of the last basketball sets released by Topps before Panini acquired the exclusive rights to the production and distribution of NBA basketball cards.
2008-09 Topps Chrome issued several refractor parallels of Kobe’s card, including Orange, X-Fractor, Gold, Red, SuperFractor, and Printing Plates.
Kobe’s 2008-09 Topps Chrome basketball card also garners value due to the fact that the card depicts LeBron James guarding the 18-time NBA All-Star.
PSA Population Report
Base:
414 PSA 10 Gem Mint
871 PSA 9 Mint
113 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Orange Refractor /499:
51 PSA 10 Gem Mint
53 PSA 9 Mint
8 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
Base:
PSA 10 – $954 – 6/1/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $302.94 – 9/26/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $247.50 – 1/25/2022 (eBay)
Orange Refractor /499:
PSA 10 – $11,477 – 12/1/2021 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $2,750 – 9/9/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $1,913.80 – 9/26/2022 (eBay)
5. 1997 Kobe Bryant Skybox Metal Universe #81
The card is tremendously popular and will be a hot item when it is up for auction.
Released in November 1997 in 24 packs of eight cards, the 1997-98 Skybox Metal Universe is one of the most prevalent basketball sets from the 1990s.
The design of Bryant’s 1997-98 Skybox Metal Universe is unique, to say the least, illustrating the five-time NBA Champion in an intergalactic scene, dishing out a one-handed no-look pass to a Lakers teammate.
A PSA 10 Kobe Bryant base card from 1997-98 Skybox Metal Universe routinely fetches four figures and is one of his most distinctive and cost-effective cards on the list.
PSA Population Report
63 total at PSA 10 GEM MINT
286 at PSA 9 MINT
48 at PSA 8 NEAR MINT – MINT
Past Graded Sales
9/11/2022 – PSA 9 – $123 (EBAY)
8/24/2022 – PSA 9 – $121(EBAY)
1/14/2022 – PSA 10 – $1,900 (EBAY)
6. 1997 Kobe Bryant Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems #81
A 1997 Skybox Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems #81, numbered 60 out of 100 is shown below.
The signature was authenticated and the card was graded in mint condition, making it “incredibly rare” with an expected final price of over $1 million.
While Kobe Bryant’s base card from 1997-98 Skybox Metal Universe is eye-catching and memorable, the value cannot compare to Kobe’s highly coveted Precious Metal Gems (PMG) insert card.
The print run for the Precious Metal Gems insert is capped at 100 copies, 10 of which are green foil, while 90 feature a red foil. While 100 copies may seem like a lot today, the print run of 100 was uncommon in the 90s.
The limited print run of the PMG inserts is just one aspect that has led to its staggering value, while the other variable is how susceptible they are to wear and tear.
The total PSA population of Kobe’s red foil PMG is 19, while the green foil only has a population of two. While hobbyists are on their toes for a Kobe Bryant Precious Metal Gems to surface, it’ll cost a pretty penny, as the card can reach astronomical values.
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PSA Population Report:
Precious Metal Gems (Red) /90:
3 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
1 PSA 7 Near Mint
1 PSA 6 Excellent-Mint
Precious Metal Gems (Green) /10:
1 PSA 7 Near Mint
1 Authentic
Past Graded Sales
Precious Metal Gems (Red) /90:
Authentic Altered – $55,200 – 10/27/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
Authentic – $87,330 – 8/31/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 5 (MC) – $32,213 – 2/9/2020 (eBay)
Precious Metal Gems (Green) /10:
BGS 8.5 Near Mint-Mint – $2 million – February 2022 (PWCC Marketplace)
7. 1996 Kobe Bryant Topps Finest Gold Refractor RC #269
One of the most stunning of all the Kobe basketball cards. Would fit right in at the Jersey shore with all that gold dripping from head to toe.
Backpacking off Kobe’s #74 rookie card from 1996 Topps Finest is his #269 Gold Refractor card from the set. Kobe’s #74 rookie card was released in the first series, while Kobe’s #269 rookie card was featured in series two.
Bryant’s 1996 Topps Finest Gold Refractor rookie card is an Heir subset, depicting Kobe performing an acrobatic one-handed reverse layup.
Like Kobe’s #74 Topps Finest rookie card, his #269 card is also introduced as a base card and a refractor, both of which can be obtained with or without the clear coating.
PSA Population Report
Base:
40 PSA 10 Gem Mint
91 PSA 9 Mint
54 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Base with Coating:
39 PSA 10 Gem Mint
242 PSA 9 Mint
185 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Refractor:
26 PSA 10 Gem Mint
51 PSA 9 Mint
11 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Refractor with Coating:
19 PSA 10 Gem Mint
59 PSA 9 Mint
37 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
Base:
PSA 10 – $3,950 – 4/27/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $2,100 – 12/9/2021 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $610 – 8/3/2022 (eBay)
Base with Coating:
PSA 10 – $6,765 – 8/11/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 9 – $1,600 – 9/14/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $769 – 7/31/2022 (eBay)
Refractor:
PSA 10 – $70,110 – 5/24/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 9 – $25,108.08 – 4/20/2021 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $15,100 – 3/4/2021 (eBay)
Refractor with Coating:
PSA 10 – $55,350 – 8/11/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 9 – $12,600 – 7/26/2021 Robert Edward Auctions)
PSA 8 – $4,920 – 5/24/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
8. 1997 Topps Chrome Refractor Kobe Bryant HOF #171
In all honesty this card should have been much higher on this list and is one of the better Kobe basketball card investments.
The image depicted in the 1997 Refractor Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome card is a true masterpiece and truly embodies the real Kobe.
1997-98 Topps Chrome marked Topps’ second release of the Chrome product, presenting 24 packs of four cards in each hobby box. Topps issued a 220-card base set, along with three inserts, dubbed Destiny, Season’s Best, and Topps 40, though the Refractor cards are vital to the set.
While Kobe’s Refractor features him in his sophomore campaign, it’s more valuable than the most coveted rookies in the set, including Tim Duncan and Tracy McGrady.
Kobe’s 1997-98 Topps Chrome Refractor card represents the Los Angeles Lakers legend donning number eight, elevating more than a foot above the rim, and throwing down a massive one-handed dunk.
Past Graded Sales
7/25/2022 – $852 – PSA 9 – (eBay)
11/22/2021 – $1,285 – PSA 8 – (eBay)
12/22/2020 – $22,090 – PSA 10 – (eBay)
PSA Population Report
19 PSA 10 Gem Mint
97 PSA 9 Mint
51 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
9. 1998 Skybox Thunder Noyz Boyz Kobe Bryant #3
1998-99 Skybox Thunder carries a 125-card base set that features six insert subsets, including Bringin’ it (1:8 packs), Boss (1:16 packs), Lift Off (1:56 packs), Flight School (1:96 packs), Autographics (1:112 packs), and Noyz Boyz (1:300 packs).
Kobe Bryant’s most coveted card from the set is none other than his Noyz Boyz insert, the rarest insert from 1998-99 Skybox Thunder.
Kobe’s die-cut Noyz Boyz insert card displays bold metallic black and orange lettering, with “NOYZ BOYZ” in all caps, as he grips the basketball and drives through the lane with his mouth wide open.
Kobe’s Skybox Thunder Noyz Boyz insert is one of his most distinguishing cards and regularly fetches four figures, regardless of grade.
PSA Population Report
19 PSA 10 Gem Mint
34 PSA 9 Mint
18 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $8,887.87 – 10/21/2020 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $3,240 – 7/24/2022 (Heritage Auctions)
PSA 8 – $2,706 – 10/6/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
10. 1998 Skybox Molten Metal Supernatural Fusion Kobe Bryant #33F
The next Kobe Bryant card is yet another card from 1998 Skybox, this time from the highly memorable 1998 Skybox Molten Metal set. Kobe’s card from the set is a Titanium Fusion parallel, known as a Supernatural insert, serial-numbered to only 40 copies.
What’s striking about this particular Kobe Bryant card is the process in which Skybox assembled the card. Skybox used lasers to construct tiny holes in the card, which accurately depicts an image of Kobe on the right-hand side of the card, as well as on the card’s reverse.
PSA Population Report
63 total at PSA 10 GEM MINT
286 at PSA 9 MINT
48 at PSA 8 NEAR MINT – MINT
Past Graded Sales
8/28/2022 – PSA 10 – $156,000 (Heritage Auctions)
8/17/2022 – PSA 9 – $26,100 (EBAY)
7/11/2022 – PSA 8 – $10,300 (EBAY)
11. 1998 Kobe Bryant Fleer Electrifying #1
One of the more popular of all Kobe cards and clocks in at a “won’t break the bank” price tag at high grades.
Issued by Fleer in 1998, 1998-99 Fleer Tradition offers a 10-card Electrifying insert card subset featuring 10 NBA players who habitually showcase electric performances, including Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Allen Iverson.
The Electrifying insert is one of the set’s most challenging to acquire, which can be found in 1 out of 72 packs. Kobe’s Fleer Electrifying card is arguably one of his most visually appealing cards, portraying lifelike lightning bolts on the card front.
PSA Population Report
45 PSA 10 Gem Mint
113 PSA 9 Mint
72 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $3,400 – 12/31/2021 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $799.00 – 1/18/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $412.75 – 12/11/2021 (eBay)
12. 1999 Kobe Bryant Upper Deck Game Jerseys Patch #GJP11 (#GJP27)
Game Jerseys Patch cards are extremely challenging to obtain in 1999-00 Upper Deck, as they are inserted in one of every 7,000 packs. The most coveted card of the 30-card Game Jersey Patch is, hands down, Kobe Bryant’s, showcasing a purple game-used jersey patch.
The horizontal orientation of Kobe’s Game Jersey Patch captures the Los Angeles Lakers Hall of Famer dribbling up the court in game-action, repping a white arm sleeve and a black lower leg compression sleeve.
There are very few 1999-00 Upper Deck Game Jersey Patch cards featuring Kobe Bryant, with only 35 PSA-graded copies, three of which merited a PSA 10. As such, Kobe’s Game Jersey Patch cards are highly sought-after and demand four figures when they go up for sale.
PSA Population Report
3 PSA 10 Gem Mint
18 PSA 9 Mint
9 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $3,750 – 5/24/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $1,340.88 – 12/27/2021 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $4,708 – 2/10/2021 (eBay)
13. 2012 to 2018 Kobe Bryant Panini Flawless Auto or RPA Cards
2012-13 Panini Flawless may be the most coveted basketball releases of all time. Initially released by Panini for $1,250, which appeared like a fortune at the time, collectors now must spend upwards of $50,000 to get their hands on one of the most premium basketball sets ever.
As such, the Kobe Bryant cards in the set are highly sought-after, particularly his Greats Dual Patch Autographs card. Kobe’s on-card autographed Greats Dual Patch Autographs card is serial-numbered to only 25 copies, making it even tougher to obtain.
Only two of Kobe Bryant’s Greats Dual Patch Autographs cards from the infamous 2012-13 Panini Flawless have ever been graded by PSA.
Showcasing Kobe Bryant in a black and white image, a game-worn jersey in a burst of gold and purple, and the low serial-number cement Kobe’s Greats Dual Patch Autographs from 2012-13 Panini Flawless as one of his most noteworthy cards.
PSA Population Report
1 PSA 10 Gem Mint
1 PSA 9 Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $1,307 – 9/5/2017 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $22,140 – 8/11/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
14. 2012 Kobe Bryant National Treasures Notable Nicknames #6
2012-13 Panini National Treasures is an ultra-premium basketball set, especially because Panini limited the print run of every card in the set to 199 copies or less. Panini issued the set in one pack of 10 cards, nine of which are either autographed, a memorabilia card, or a printing plate.
Kobe Bryant’s highly yearned card arises from the Notable Nicknames Autographs checklist, featuring 25 superstar NBA players, both past and present.
Bryant’s 2012 Panini National Treasures Kobe Bryant Notable Nicknames MVP Autographs card is serial-numbered to 35 copies and is a true piece of Kobe Bryant’s enduring legacy.
PSA Population Report
0 PSA 10 Gem Mint
1 PSA 9 Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 (non-MVP variation) – $7,200 – 3/21/2019 (eBay)
PSA 9 (non-MVP variation) – 18,450 – 5/24/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
15. 1996 Kobe Bryant Fleer 23KT Gold Purple Signature
And we thought the 1996 Kobe Topps Finest Gold Refractor card was dripping with gold; the 1996 Fleer Kobe 23kt beats it by a mile and a half.
A super popular card with Kobe fanboys, but we prefer our card with a traditional flavor. Please give us a 1996 base Topps Kobe rookie card any day over this one.
Kobe Bryant’s 1996 Fleer 23KT Gold rookie card features an on-card purple signature of the Lakers icon, pictured releasing a one-handed jump shot.
Kobe’s 23KT Gold Purple Signature rookie card is one of his most condition-sensitive cards, with only eight of 149 cards meriting a PSA 10 (roughly 5%).
Although Kobe’s 23KT Gold Purple Signature rookie card is challenging to find in high grade, it’s one of the most cost-effective Kobe Bryant rookie cards on the list, with PSA 10 graded copies available for under $1,000.
PSA Population Report
8 PSA 10 Gem Mint
64 PSA 9 Mint
68 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $416.00 – 8/9/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $113.50 – 6/22/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $39.00 – 6/8/2022 (eBay)
16. 2000 to 2003 Kobe Bryant Ultimate Collection Ultimate Signatures Auto #KB
If you have the coin to back up the investment, we suggest making a bid regarding a Kobe Ultimate Collection Sig Series (2000 to 2003).
The 2000-01 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection is one of the most coveted basketball releases by the Upper Deck Company. Each hobby box features a slick Kobe Bryant, holding a Spalding basketball over his left shoulder.
Comprising four packs containing four cards, hobbyists are hunting for the Bronze /200, Silver /75, Gold /25, and Super Ultimate Signatures inserts.
Kobe Bryant’s Ultimate Signatures insert cards are the most cherished from the 2000-01 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection that carries a hefty price tag, with each a Bronze, Silver, and Gold insert fetching five figures over the past two years.
It’s rare to see any of these cards up for auction, including all three years. If you are lucky enough to have the cash flow buy, buy, BUY.
PSA Population Report
Bronze:
11 PSA 10 Gem Mint
12 PSA 9 Mint
2 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Silver:
9 PSA 10 Gem Mint
1 PSA 9 Mint
Gold:
0 PSA 10 Gem Mint
1 PSA 9 Mint
Past Graded Sales
Bronze:
PSA 10 – $15,990 – 10/27/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
Silver:
PSA 10 – $29,520 – 4/6/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
Gold:
PSA 10 – $56,699 – 3/22/2021 (eBay)
17. 1996 Kobe Bryant SkyBox E-X2000 #30
The most significant pulls of 1996-97 SkyBox E-X2000 are undoubtedly Kobe Bryant’s rookie cards. There are numerous Kobe Bryant rookie cards to obtain from the set, though his #30 card is by far the most desired. For now, we’ll strictly discuss Kobe’s #30 base card, one of 80 cards in the base set checklist.
The outer border of Kobe’s #30 base card is dark green, while a blue sky with scattered clouds is positioned behind Kobe while he aggressively drives through the lane.
Kobe’s #30 base card is extremely condition-sensitive, as only 24 out of 5,338 (0.004%) have warranted a PSA 10, and it is cemented as one of his most sought-after rookie cards.
PSA Population Report
24 PSA 10 Gem Mint
798 PSA 9 Mint
2,095 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $21,100 – 3/30/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $1,125 – 5/27/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $275 – 9/18/2022 (eBay)
18. 2019 Kobe Bryant Panini Prizm #8
Released on December 4, 2019, 2019-20 Panini Prizm is a 300-card base set, offering 12 packs of 12 cards in each hobby box.
Kobe Bryant’s #8 base card from 2019-20 Panini Prizm is one of his most obtainable cards on the list in high grade, with 3,412 PSA 10 graded cards. Collectors can acquire a copy of Bryant’s 2019-20 Panini Prizm for under $100 for a PSA 10.
PSA Population Report
3,412 PSA 10 Gem Mint
2,698 PSA 9 Mint
149 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $39.00 – 9/25/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $15.00 – 9/24/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $12.50 – 2/16/2022 (eBay)
19. 1998 Kobe Bryant NBA Hoops Bams /250 #2
Bryant’s 1998-99 Hoops Bams card is somehow one of his least talked about cards from his heyday, despite Kobe throwing down a thunderous two-handed slam dunk.
What’s more, Kobe’s 1998-99 Hoops Bams card harbors an extremely low print run for its time, serial-numbered to just 250 copies. There are just 17 graded copies of Kobe Bryant’s Hoops Bams card, three of which were deserving of a PSA 10.
The highest graded copy of Bryant’s 1998-99 Hoops Bams card was a PSA 8, which fetched $999.99. As such, collectors can only imagine how much a higher-graded copy of one of Kobe’s most underrated cards would convey.
PSA Population Report
3 PSA 10 Gem Mint
4 PSA 9 Mint
6 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 8 – $59.00 – 9/14/2020 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $999.99 – 9/1/2019 (eBay)
20. 1998 Fleer Playmakers Theatre /100 Kobe Bryant #3
The 1998-99 Fleer Tradition set was allocated on January 1, 1998, in 36 packs of 10 cards. The only Kobe Bryant card from 1998-99 Fleer Tradition more desired than his Electrifying insert is his Playmakers Theatre insert.
Kobe’s Playmakers Theatre insert is also the most challenging card to pull from 1998-99 Fleer Tradition, with each card from the 15-card checklist serial-numbered to only 100 copies.
Bryant’s Playmakers Theatre insert features one of the lowest populations on the list, with only six PSA-graded copies in existence.
PSA Population Report
0 PSA 10 Gem Mint
1 PSA 9 Mint
1 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 8 – $7,206 – 3/22/2020 (eBay)
PSA 7 – $2,100 – 2/20/2019 (eBay)
21. 1997 Ultra Stars Kobe Bryant #3
Kobe Bryant’s 1997 Fleer Ultra Stars base card is the most heavily graded card from the set with 90. Kobe’s Gold parallel is the second most graded insert card with 20, just behind Michael Jordan’s 29 graded copies.
A PSA 10-graded Kobe Bryant 1997 Fleer Ultra Stars base card fetched four figures, while a PSA 10-graded Gold parallel has yet to surface.
Arguably two of the greatest NBA players of all time, it’s no wonder their cards are the most valuable from the set.
PSA Population Report
Base:
14 PSA 10 Gem Mint
30 PSA 9 Mint
30 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Gold:
5 PSA 10 Gem Mint
4 PSA 9 Mint
8 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
Base:
PSA 10 – $4,140 – 10/13/2021 (Memory Lane Auctions)
PSA 9 – $1,113 – 3/12/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $511.00 – 8/17/2022 (eBay)
Gold:
PSA 9 – $18,450 – 10/6/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 7 – $9,855 – 8/31/2021 (eBay)
22. 2017 Panini Eminence Black Mamba Moments Auto Kobe Bryant #17
As one of the greatest and most influential players in the history of the NBA, Panini issued an entire set dedicated to the Black Mamba with the 2017-18 Panini Kobe Eminence set.
Panini released the highly coveted set on January 12, 2018, nearly two years after Kobe put up a historic 60-points in his final NBA game on April 13, 2016.
One of Panini’s most valuable checklists from the set is the Black Mamba Moments Diamond Autographs, featuring 26 cards, all serial-numbered to 10.
When first released, collectors could acquire a nine-card hobby box and a signed coffee table book by Kobe himself for $13,500. Now, a nine-card hobby box is worth more than $100,000.
PSA Population Report
Past Graded Sales
23. 1997 Kobe Bryant E-X2001 Jambalaya #12
While the Credentials inserts from 1997-98 SkyBox E-X2001 are in a league of their own, Kobe Bryant’s Jambalaya die-cut insert cards are exceptionally challenging to obtain, as the Jambalaya inserts are embedded in 1 out of every 720 packs.
While Kobe’s Jambalaya insert card isn’t serial numbered, there are only 52 graded copies of the Black Mamba’s card, of which 15 merited a PSA 10.
The most valuable copy of Kobe’s Jambalaya insert card fetched $57,600 back in May 2021 by Goldin Auctions.
PSA Population Report
15 PSA 10 Gem Mint
20 PSA 9 Mint
7 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $57,600 – 5/24/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 9 – $16,800 – 5/13/2022 (Heritage Auctions)
PSA 8 – $3,383 – 2/19/2020 (eBay)
24. 1997 Ultra Star Power Supreme Kobe Bryant #SPS3
Next up, we have Kobe Bryant’s Supreme insert card from 1997-98 Fleer Ultra Star Power. While Kobe’s card comes in different variations, including his base card and Plus insert, the Supreme insert is the most coveted.
Bryant’s Supreme card from 1997-98 Ultra Star Power is a die-cut insert featuring Kobe with a vicious drive through the paint on the front. The card’s reverse depicts Kobe as a golden silhouette for good measure.
The only Supreme insert card that has been more heavily graded is Michael Jordan’s, though both players’ Supreme insert cards from 1997-98 Fleer Ultra Star Power are equally valuable.
PSA Population Report
11 PSA 10 Gem Mint
12 PSA 9 Mint
15 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $18,450 – 3/20/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 8 – $1,600 – 1/31/2022 (eBay)
PSA 7 – $1,912.31 – 2/17/2021 (eBay)
25. 2017 Kobe Bryant Panini Hoops Premium /199 #299
Full Disclosure: BETLIONS is currently invested in one 1998 Kobe Bryant Intimidation Nation card at a PSA 10 grade.
2017 Panini Hoops pays homage to Kobe Bryant’s remarkable 20-year NBA career, offering a 10-card Career Tribute set. This particular 2017 Panini Hoops Premium Box Set card is serial-numbered to 199 copies and portrays Reggie Miller and a young Kobe Bryant squaring off.
Kobe’s #299 card from the set endures an extremely low population, with nine total cards graded, three of which warranted a PSA 10.
None of the three PSA 10’s have gone up for auction; as such, the most valuable Premium Box Set card fetched $79.99, graded a PSA 9.
PSA Population Report
3 PSA 10 Gem Mint
5 PSA 9 Mint
1 PSA 8.5 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 9 – $79.99 – 11/25/2020 (eBay)
PSA 8.5 – $44.69 – 3/12/2021 (eBay)
26. 1996 Kobe Bryant Flair Showcase Legacy Collection /150 RC #31
Collecting 1996-97 Flair Showcase is a daunting task, with three distinct base sets, titled Row 0, Row 1, and Row 2. There are 270 base cards in the set, with differing odds of pulling specific cards.
The 1996-97 Flair Showcase set is known for being the first basketball card product to feature serial-numbered cards.
One of the set’s most valuable cards is Kobe Bryant’s #31 rookie card, which is part of the Legacy Collection, of which each card is serial-numbered to only 150 copies.
Considering this is the first basketball set that features serial-numbered cards and features Kobe Bryant’s rookie card, this is a true grail in the sports collecting landscape.
PSA Population Report
Row 0:
7 PSA 10 Gem Mint
16 PSA 9 Mint
15 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Row 1:
9 PSA 10 Gem Mint
30 PSA 9 Mint
21 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Row 2:
3 PSA 10 Gem Mint
24 PSA 9 Mint
23 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
Row 0:
PSA 10 – $233,700 – 5/24/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 9 – $40,590 – 6/7/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 7 – $44,280 – 4/6/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
Row 1:
PSA 10 – $96,000 – 11/20/2021 (Heritage Auctions)
PSA 9 – $11,172.09 – 4/1/2022 (Mile High Card Company)
PSA 8 – $10,300 – 1/25/2022 (eBay)
Row 2:
PSA 9 – $435.00 – 5/17/2021 (eBay)
27. 2019 Kobe Bryant Panini Contenders Tribute Auto (#all/numerous)
2019-20 Panini Contenders is known for two things: Rookie Ticket Autographed cards and the 17-card Kobe Bryant autographs checklist.
Panini issued the set on January 3, 2020, configured in 12 packs of 10 cards. Collectors can expect two autographed cards per hobby box.
When combining all 17 Kobe Bryant autographed cards, only 13 cards have warranted a PSA 10. The most valuable Kobe Bryant autographs card from 2019-20 Panini Contenders on record is the #1 card from the checklist, which fetched $19,200 in August 2021.
PSA Population Report (All Varieties)
13 PSA 10 Gem Mint
46 PSA 9 Mint
22 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales (All Varieties)
PSA 10 (#1) – $19,200 – 8/31/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 9 (#4) – $5,500 – 1/11/2021 (eBay)
PSA 8 (#6) – $3,500 – 5/3/2022 (eBay)
28. 1996 E-X2000 Credentials Kobe Bryant RC /499 #30
Card number 17 on the list delved into Kobe Bryant’s base card from 1996 E-X2000, and now we’re going to pivot to his Credentials variation, one of the most valuable Kobe cards in existence.
Kobe Bryant’s #30 Credentials rookie card is similar in design to his base, though it features a white border instead of green.
While Bryant’s base card (0.004% earning a PSA 10) is significantly more condition-sensitive than his Credentials insert (0.04%), his Credentials card is extremely valuable due to being serial-numbered to just 499 copies.
Bryant’s PSA-10 graded 1996 E-X2000 Credentials is one of the most sought-after basketball cards in existence, recently conveying $617,460 in October 2021.
PSA Population Report
4 PSA 10 Gem Mint
22 PSA 9 Mint
17 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $617,460 – 10/27/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 9 – $54,000 – 8/28/2022 (Heritage Auctions)
PSA 8 – $78,000 – 2/24/2021 (Heritage Auctions)
29. 2006 Kobe Bryant Fleer 20th Anniversary #58
2006 Fleer was issued in 36 packs of 10 cards, highlighted by the 86-87 20th Anniversary checklist, commemorating Michael Jordan’s rookie cards.
Besides the 20th anniversary autographed Michael Jordan rookie cards inserted in the set, Kobe Bryant’s cards are the next most coveted.
Kobe’s 2006 Fleer card depicts a red, blue, and white border, picturing the Lakers legend with his eyes and mouth wide-open, dribbling up the court on a fast break.
Bryant’s 2006 Fleer cards with a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade habitually fetch four figures, while PSA 9’s convey several hundred.
DOPE LOOKING CARD.
Buy it and thanks us later.
Enough said.
PSA Population Report
38 PSA 10 Gem Mint
64 PSA 9 Mint
7 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $1,626 – 8/17/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $400.00 – 10/21/2021 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $246.00 – 3/20/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
30. 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Kobe Bryant /50 #86
1997-98 Metal Universe Championship features a 100-card base set that carries one parallel, the coveted Precious Metal Gems. Each Precious Metal Gems parallel is limited to 50 copies, leading to its rarity and incredible value.
Kobe Bryant’s Precious Metal Gems card from 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship has an extremely low population, with just seven cards graded. The highest grade ever achieved is a PSA 9, though none of which have gone up for auction.
Should a PSA 9 go up for auction on the secondary market or a PSA 10 emerges, the prospective price point for Kobe’s card from the 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship set will be second to none.
PSA Population Report
0 PSA 10 Gem Mint
2 PSA 9 Mint
3 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 8 – $715.00 – 2/22/2021 (eBay)
PSA 7 – $3,378 – 5/16/2017 (eBay)
31. 1997 Skybox Premium Golden Touch Kobe Bryant #GT3
1997-98 Skybox Premium was released in two series, both comprised of 24 packs of eight cards. The most coveted insert cards of series one are the Silky Smooth inserts, and the most sought-after cards from series two are the Golden Touch insert cards.
The Silky Smooth insert features a 10-card checklist, and the Golden Touch insert features a 15-card checklist. Both inserts can be found in one of every 360 packs, with Kobe Bryant’s Golden Touch insert the finest card of the set.
Kobe’s Golden Touch insert die-cut, bearing a metallic golden hue of number 8, driving through the lane for a finger roll on the front. The back of the cards features Kobe with a more relaxed persona, palming the basketball on the reverse.
There are 10 PSA 10 Gem Mint copies in existence, with the most recent card acquiring $5,600, marking Kobe’s 1997-98 Skybox Premium Golden Touch inserts among his most neglected cards, despite fetching four figures.
PSA Population Report
10 PSA 10 Gem Mint
18 PSA 9 Mint
18 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $5,600 – 7/23/2020 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $2,026 – 3/29/2022 (eBay)
PSA 7 – $978.00 – 6/21/2021 (eBay)
32. 2003 Kobe Bryant Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Signatures #KB-A
2004-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection hobby boxes include four packs of cards, offering three hits per box, including one game-used jersey patch, one game-used jersey card, and one autographed card. On top of that, each base card of the set is serial-numbered to 750 or less, leading to the demand for Kobe Bryant cards from the set.
This specific card arises in the Ultimate Collection Signatures checklist, offering a remarkable action shot of Kobe Bryant in a horizontal landscape.
Although the most recent PSA 10 sold for a hair under $3,000, the sale occurred more than two years ago, and now there is a PSA 9 up for sale for nearly $20,000.
With just seven PSA 10’s in PSA’s population report, the value of Bryant’s 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Signatures card offers an excellent return on investment.
PSA Population Report
7 PSA 10 Gem Mint
16 PSA 9 Mint
13 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $2,950 – 6/16/2020 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $4,320 – 2/28/2022 (Heritage Auctions)
PSA 8 – $810.00 – 9/26/2022 (eBay)
33. 1997 Kobe Bryant Skybox Premium Star Rubies /50 #23
The 1997-98 Skybox Premium Star Rubies set is a 248-card parallel set of the 1997-98 Skybox Premium set and is highly exclusive. There are only 50 cards of each player ever produced, making it one of the most limited Kobe Bryant cards on the list.
Kobe’s 1997-98 Skybox Premium card represents a purple background and a silver inscription, while his Star Rubies parallel card is holographic and features a bright ruby red inscription.
Accorded to PSA’s population report, just 11 cards have been graded, with just one card meriting a PSA 10. Two cards have received PSA 9’s, one of which sold for nearly $90,000 in May 2021.
Should the lone PSA 10 ever go up for auction, it would be up there as one of the most valuable Kobe Bryant cards of all time.
PSA Population Report
1 PSA 10 Gem Mint
2 PSA 9 Mint
5 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 9 – $87,330 – 5/24/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 6 – $6,800 – 5/16/2017 (eBay)
34. 1997 Kobe Bryant Skybox Z-Force Big Men on Court #2
1997-98 Skybox Z-Force is a two-series set, the latter containing the Big Men on Court inserts. The Big Men on Court checklist features 15 NBA players, all of whom were difference makers on the basketball court, from Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan to Allen Iverson and Tim Duncan.
The Big Men on Court inserts from 1997-98 Skybox Z-Force are made of a unique plastic card stock. The inserts are very challenging to obtain, with collectors able to locate one in every 288 packs.
Like many cards on the list, the only card from the set with a higher population than Kobe is Michael Jordan.
PSA Population Report
21 PSA 10 Gem Mint
20 PSA 9 Mint
6 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $5,500 – 12/20/2020 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $1,899.98 – 2/1/2022 (eBay)
PSA 6 – $1,320 – 10/6/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
35. 1998 Kobe Bryant Upper Deck Game Jerseys #GJ19 or 21
1998-1999 Upper Deck basketball was released in two series, each comprised of 24 packs of 10 cards. Bryant’s next card emerged from the 49-card Game Jerseys checklist of 1998-99 Upper Deck.
Bryant’s #GJ19 insert card features a small photograph of him in the top right-hand corner, an action shot of Kobe shooting a jump shot, in addition to a radiant gold game-worn jersey patch on the left.
There are 16 PSA 10’s in existence, the most recent fetching nearly $30,000 for this astonishing swatch of Kobe Bean Bryant.
PSA Population Report
16 PSA 10 Gem Mint
40 PSA 9 Mint
12 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $29,520 – 4/6/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 9 – $9,840 – 8/31/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 8 – $4,000 – 12/9/2021 (eBay)
36. 1998 Kobe Bryant SkyBox Intimidation Nation #2
In our opinion, the 1998 Kobe SkyBox intimidation Nation card is a terrific sleeper investment, as you won’t see this card on many of the so-called experts’ Kobe card picks.
Full Disclosure: BETLIONS is currently invested in one 1998 Kobe Bryant Intimidation Nation card at a PSA 10 grade.
The next Kobe Bryant card we’ll tackle is his Intimidation Nation insert from 1998-99 Skybox Premium, which can be found in series one hobby boxes. 1998-99 Skybox Premium is configured in 24 packs of eight cards, with the Star Rubies and Intimidation nation inserts the most coveted of the set.
The front of Bryant’s Intimidation Nation card features him with a stone-cold expression that takes up much of the card front and a vibrant yellow-orange fiery background.
Bryant’s Intimidation nation insert has a PSA population of 55, nine of which merited a PSA 10. The most valuable PSA 10 copy sold for $500, though it’s important to note that it sold back in 2018 and that PSA 9’s have recently conveyed four figures over the past few months.
PSA Population Report
9 PSA 10 Gem Mint
20 PSA 9 Mint
17 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $500.00 – 1/16/2018 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $1,800 – 9/27/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $191.00 – 5/5/2019 (eBay)
37. 2007 Kobe Bryant UD Black Ticket Auto /50 #TA-KB
Kobe Bryant’s Black Ticket Autograph card arises from the highly desired 2007-08 Upper Deck Black, comprised of two packs, each bearing one card. As such, both cards in 2007-08 Upper Deck Black are hits.
Bryant’s Black Ticket Autograph card is serial-numbered to only 50 copies. There is also a Kobe Bryant Black Ticket Autograph Gold parallel card, limited to just 15 copies.
The Black Ticket Autograph serial-numbered to 50 harbors an on-card silver autograph, while the Gold parallel features an autograph inscribed in gold.
Both of Kobe Bryant’s Black Ticket Autograph cards are particularly hot commodities, considering the exceptionally scarce set and low production numbers.
PSA Population Report
1 PSA 5 Excellent
5 PSA Authentic
Past Graded Sales
PSA Authentic – $1,984 – 9/20/2022 (eBay)
PSA Authentic – $1,651 – 2/1/2022 (eBay)
PSA Authentic – $2,400 – 11/4/2021 (eBay)
38. 2000 Kobe Bryant UD Hardcourt Authentics Auto Inscribed #8
Upper Deck inserted 15 packs of five cards in each hobby box for those looking for Kobe Bryant’s Authentics Autographs card from 2000-01 Upper Deck Hardcourt.
Bryant’s insert card is arguably the most coveted insert from the set, considering there are 38 Authentics Autographs cards graded by PSA, 28 of which are Kobe Bryant’s insert. Just two of those have warranted a PSA 10, none of which has yet to go up for auction.
Bryant’s Authentics Autographs card features a wide shot photograph of Kobe and a close-up with a true-to-life hardcourt basketball court in the background.
Taking into account that Bryant’s Authentics Autographs insert cards are limited to 100 copies, and knowing a PSA 9 fetched nearly $2,000, the sky is the limit for Bryant’s 2000-01 Upper Deck Hardcourt insert card.
PSA Population Report
2 PSA 10 Gem Mint
7 PSA 9 Mint
14 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 9 – $1,909.24 – 8/18/2020 (eBay)
PSA 8.5 – $2,760 – 4/6/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 8 – $1,650 – 11/22/2021 (eBay)
39. 2005 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor #40
2005-06 Topps Chrome was issued in February 2006, featuring rookies, veterans, and the former NBA D-League. Each hobby box consisted of 24 packs of four cards, as collectors scoured to locate Kobe Bryant’s iconic Refractor card.
Topps issued several Kobe Bryant Refractor cards, each with varying serial numbers. Bryant’s Refractor cards include Black, Blue Xfractor, Gold, and Superfractor.
Considering all of Bryant’s 2005 Topps Chrome Refractors, the most valuable card was a Gold Refractor, which conveyed more than $6,000 in September 2022.
PSA Population Report
Refractor:
36 PSA 10 Gem Mint
91 PSA 9 Mint
15 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Black:
12 PSA 10 Gem Mint
41 PSA 9 Mint
12 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Blue Xfractor:
2 PSA 10 Gem Mint
18 PSA 9 Mint
2 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Gold:
6 PSA 10 Gem Mint
16 PSA 9 Mint
2 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Superfractor:
Past Graded Sales
Refractor:
PSA 10 – $810.00 – 9/9/2022 (eBay)
Black:
PSA 10 – $2,943 – 3/15/2022 (eBay)
Blue Xfractor:
PSA 9 – $5,237 – 4/21/2021 (eBay)
Gold:
PSA 10 – $6,100.03 – 9/2/2022 (eBay)
Superfractor: No Sales History
40. Any Kobe Bryant KABOOM! Basketball Card
You can never go wrong investing a players KABOOM! card as they are crazy popular.
Panini’s KABOOM! insert cards are among the most well-known and desired cards in the sports card hobby. That fact remains valid with Kobe Bryant’s cards, as his 2013-14 Panini Innovation KABOOM! insert is among his most recognizable and valuable inserts ever produced.
Bryant’s 2013-14 Innovation KABOOM! insert is incredibly eye-appealing, featuring a cartoonish Bryant soaring through the sky en route to throwing down a roaring one-handed dunk.
Pulling a Kobe Bryant KABOOM! insert from 2013-14 Panini Innovation is extremely challenging, though greatly rewarding, as a PSA 10 recently received more than $20,000.
PSA Population Report
19 PSA 10 Gem Mint
25 PSA 9 Mint
7 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $20,910 – 10/27/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 9.- $5,008 – 8/24/2021 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $632.00 – 7/20/2020 (eBay)
41. 1996 Kobe Bryant Topps Youthquake RC #G15
A nice looking Kobe rookie card that won’t cost a small fortune even at top grades.
Kobe Bryant’s highly coveted Youthquake insert arises from 1996-97 Topps Chrome, one of the most coveted hobby boxes from the 90s due to the demand for Bryant’s rookie cards.
The YouthQuake checklist features 15 of the most promising NBA rookies from the class of 1996, highlighted by Kobe Bryant, the 15th card of the checklist. YouthQuake insert card from 1996-97 Topps Chrome can be found in one of every 12 packs.
Bryant’s YouthQuake insert is one of his most cost-effective yet investable rookie cards, with PSA 10’s conveying low four figures.
PSA Population Report
77 PSA 10 Gem Mint
441 PSA 9 Mint
268 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $3,119 – 1/18/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $420.00 – 5/23/2022 (Robert Edward Auctions)
PSA 8 – $227.50 – 9/20/2022 (eBay)
42. 2010 Kobe Bryant National Treasures RPA #18
For lack of a better word, 2010-11 Panini Playoff National Treasures is truly a treasured set, offering six autograph or memorabilia cards, a base card serial-numbered to 99 or less, and either a rookie, insert, or parallel card in every hobby box.
There are several Kobe Bryant inserts to seek from the coveted set, from the All-Decade to the Colossal Materials and the Material Prime.
Across all insert variations, four cards have received a PSA 10, with the All-Decade insert conveying the highest value, selling for $7,100 back in May 2022.
PSA Population Report
All-Decade (All Variations)
4 PSA 10 Gem Mint
4 PSA 9 Mint
Colossal Materials (All Variations)
1 PSA 10 Gem Mint
1 PSA 9 Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 (All-Decade) – $7,100 – 5/9/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 (Colossal Materials) – $576.00 – 5/13/2022 (Heritage Auctions)
43. 2008 Skybox Metal Universe Precious Gems Kobe Bryant #4
Issued on February 16, 2009 in 12 packs of 10 cards, 2008-09 Upper Deck Skybox bears a 230-card checklist spread among base cards, rookie cards, and Close-Up parallels.
Collectors can anticipate three memorabilia cards in each box, including one dual swatch and one autographed card. Though, the product’s appeal lies with the Precious Metal Gems inserts.
Bryant’s PMG cards from the set can be discovered in green and red variants, serial-numbered to 50 and 10, respectively.
The highest graded green PMG from 2008-09 Upper Deck Skybox merited a PSA 6, while three red PMGS cards received a PSA 10. To date, none of the red PMGs have gone up for auction, while a PSA 6 green PMG recently sold for more than $75,000.
PSA Population Report
Green:
1 PSA 6 Excellent-Mint
1 PSA 5 Excellent
Red:
3 PSA 10 Gem Mint
1 PSA 9 Mint
1 PSA 6 Excellent-Mint
Past Graded Sales
Green:
PSA 6 – $75,600 – 3/22/2021 (eBay)
PSA 5 – $5,750 – 2/17/2020 (eBay)
Red: No Graded Sales History
44. 2009 Rookies Stars Kobe Bryant Jersey Auto #4
2009-10 Panini Rookies & Stars is memorable for Kobe Bryant’s Statistical Standouts Materials Signatures insert card, bearing a vibrant blue on-card autograph.
Bryant’s Statistical Standouts insert is limited to just 25 copies, featuring a square purple swatch from a game-worn jersey. The top of the card mentions Bryant averaged 26.8 points per game, which he accomplished in his 2008-09 NBA season.
2008-09 is also the season Kobe Bryant led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA title, his third of four NBA Championships and first of two NBA Finals MVP Awards.
PSA Population Report
2 PSA 10 Gem Mint (All Variations)
1 PSA 9 Mint (All Variations)
1 PSA 6 Excellent-Mint (All Variations)
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $2,300. – 7/4/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $3,075 – 8/11/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
45. 1998 Kobe Bryant Upper Deck Ionix #31
1998-99 Upper Deck Ionix is packed with inserts, configured in 20 packs of four cards. The first 60 cards of the bast set showcase NBA veterans, while the last 20 cards introduce NBA rookies.
Kobe Bryant’s 1998-99 Ionix card features a young Kobe with his back turned to the hoop, with his eyes looking over his shoulder, contemplating his subsequent move.
While the 23 Michael Jordan cards are the product’s highlight, Kobe Bryant’s 1998-99 Upper Deck Ionix cards are readily accessible to any hobbyist, as PSA 10’s typically cost around $50.
Should you wish to take things a step further, 1998-99 Upper Deck Ionix features Ionix Reciprocal cards, essentially a parallel of the base set, with each card limited to 750 copies.
PSA Population Report
110 PSA 10 Gem Mint
205 PSA 9 Mint
63 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $58.00 – 9/20/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $12.50 – 9/27/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $16.50 – 11/24/2021 (eBay)
46. 1996 Topps Draft Redemption Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #DP13
1996-97 Topps Basketball was issued in two series, as well as in a factory set. The set also features 1996 NBA Draft Pick Redemption cards, awarded to collectors based on the players’ draft pick position.
As Kobe Bryant was drafted as the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft out of Lower Merion High School, he’s the number 13 card in the Draft Pick Redemption checklist.
Bryant’s Draft Pick Redemption card is one of his loudest rookie cards, depicting a holographic Kobe zooming through the air for an emphatic finger roll.
Bryant’s 1996-97 Topps Draft Pick Redemption rookie card is one of his most underrated rookie cards. Yet, a PSA 10 recently fetched $6,300 through Robert Edward Auctions.
PSA Population Report
68 PSA 10 Gem Mint
265 PSA 9 Mint
394 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $6,300 – 4/25/2022 (Robert Edward Auctions)
PSA 9 – $895.00 – 8/3/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $625.00 – 3/2/2022 (eBay)
47. 2018 Panini Select Kobe Bryant In Flight Signatures #IF-KBR
Panini issued 2018-19 Panini Select on March 6, 2019, in 12 packs of five cards, featuring the Concourse, Premier Level, and Courtside subsets. The set also offers various autographed inserts, none more coveted than the In Flight Signatures checklist.
The In Flight Signatures insert checklist bears various Prizm parallels, including Neon Green /99, Tie-Dye /25, Gold /10, and Black /1.
Each 2018-19 Panini Select hobby box offers three autographs or memorabilia cards and 12 parallels as collectors remain alert for Kobe Bryant’s In Flight Signatures card, containing an on-card signature.
PSA Population Report (Gold, Neon Green, Tie Dye)
4 PSA 10 Gem Mint
8 PSA 9 Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 (Gold) – $12,300 – 6/29/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
PSA 10 (Tie-Dye) – $10.150 – 12/10/2021 (eBay
PSA 10 (Neon Green) – $8,100 – 5/17/2021 (eBay)
48. 1996 Kobe Bryant SP RC #134
1996-97 SP Basketball features a 146-card base set and introduces one of the most cost-effective Kobe Bryant rookie cards out there. The first 126 cards of the set are dedicated to NBA veterans, while the final 20 cards introduce the most promising NBA rookies of the 1996 rookie class.
Kobe Bryant is depicted resting his head on an official NBA game ball in his 1996-97 SP rookie card on the front, while a livelier Bryant is taking on an entire defense on the reverse.
Hobbyists can purchase 1996-97 SP Basketball hobby boxes for as low as $30, a small price to pay to potentially acquire Steve Nash, Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, and Kobe Bryant rookie cards.
PSA Population Report
1,016 PSA 10 Gem Mint
4,319 PSA 9 Mint
3,954 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $350.00 – 9/28/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $61.00 – 9/25/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $27.00 – 9/26/2022 (eBay)
49. 1996 Kobe Bryant Upper Deck Exclusives RC Insert #R10
1996-97 Upper Deck was issued in two series, with series two offering the Rookie Exclusives checklist, paying homage to the 1996-97 NBA rookie class.
Upper Deck features two distinct Rookie Exclusives cards, one numbered R10 and the other being the much rarer R10 Sample card. Bryant’s R10 rookie card has a PSA population of 2,198, while the R10 Sample card only has a PSA population of 61.
Bryant’s R10 Rookie Exclusives Sample rookie card bears a realistic basketball textured background on the front and several Q & A’s with Kobe on the reverse.
The most recent 1996-97 Upper Deck Exclusives Kobe Bryant R10 rookie card graded a PSA 10 sold for north of $600, while a PSA 10 graded R10 Sample rookie card obtained four figures.
PSA Population Report
9 PSA 10 Gem Mint
37 PSA 9 Mint
10 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10 – $1,125.60 – 7/24/2022 (Heritage Auctions)
PSA 9 – $624.25 – 3/21/2021 (eBay)
50. 1998 Kobe Bryant Ultra Gold Medallion #61G
Last but not least is Fleer’s 1998 Ultra Gold Medallion Kobe card.
The card features Kobe exploding through the air, attempting a backward slam dunk NBA Jam style. His name and team name are in rainbow color with cursive print.
The Gold Medallion insert checklist features 20 NBA rookies, with insert cards found in one of every 35 packs.
Bryant’s 1998 Ultra Gold Medallion card is highly condition-sensitive, with just 16 of 488 cards (around 3%) warranting a PSA 10.
PSA Population Report
16 PSA 10 Gem Mint
222 PSA 9 Mint
185 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
PSA 10. – $2,125.23 – 3/29/2022 (eBay)
PSA 9 – $306.01 – 6/23/2022 (eBay)
PSA 8 – $180.00 – 9/5/2022 (eBay)
FAQ
How much is Kobe Bryant basketball card worth?
The 1997-98 Skybox E-X2001 Essential Credentials Future #8 Kobe Bryant basketball card is worth $52,100 at a BGS 8.5 grade. This card sold via eBay auctions on 8/22/22. The 2016 Panini Impeccable Stats Kobe Bryant card is worth $28,566.
What is a 1999 Kobe Bryant card worth (Topps)?
A 1999 Kobe Bryant Topps Finest Dunk Masters Refractor card is worth $2,224 at a BGS 9.5 grade. This stunning card sold via eBay auctions on 6/22/2022 and had 31 bids.
What is the best Kobe Bryant card?
In terms of pure ROI, the 1996 Topps Chrome or 1996 Topps Chrome Refractor Kobe Bryant rookie cards at a PSA 10, PSA 9, or SGC 10 are the best Kobe card to buy as an alternative investment.
What is the most valuable Kobe Bryant basketball/rookie card?
The 1997-98 Metal Universe Kobe Bryant basketball card sold for a mind-blowing 2 million US dollars in the Spring of 2022. This card received an 8.5 grade from Beckett Grading Services. The buyer is not known but one lucky dog.
