The Most Valuable Sports Collectibles Ever Sold
The Most Valuable Sports Collectibles Ever Sold
Sports memorabilia holds a unique place in the hearts of fans and collectors. Items tied to historic moments, legendary players, and iconic events often fetch staggering prices at auctions. Here, we explore some of the most valuable sports collectibles ever sold.
Honus Wagner T206 Baseball Card
The Honus Wagner T206 card is often referred to as the Holy Grail of baseball cards. Produced by the American Tobacco Company between 1909 and 1911, only about 60 of these cards are known to exist. The scarcity of the card is due in part to Wagner’s demand for its production to cease, supposedly because he did not want children buying tobacco to obtain it. In August 2021, a T206 Wagner card set a new record by selling for $6.6 million at auction.
Babe Ruth’s 1920 Jersey
Babe Ruth is arguably the most famous baseball player of all time. His jersey from 1920, the year he joined the New York Yankees, marks an important point in baseball history. This iconic piece of sports memorabilia was sold for $4.42 million in 2012, making it one of the highest-priced pieces of sports apparel ever auctioned.
Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps Baseball Card
Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps card is another legendary collectible. Graded as a near-mint, the card’s value stems from its rarity and the status of Mantle as a sports icon. In January 2021, one of these cards sold for $5.2 million, becoming one of the most expensive sports cards ever.
Diego Maradona’s Hand of God Jersey
Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal in the 1986 World Cup is one of soccer’s most memorable moments. Maradona wore this jersey when he scored both the controversial Hand of God goal and the Goal of the Century. In May 2022, this jersey was sold at auction for $9.3 million, setting a record for any piece of sports memorabilia.
James Naismith’s 1891 Rules of Basketball
James Naismith wrote the original basketball rules in 1891. This historical document is fundamental to the sport’s creation. In December 2010, the original typescript of these rules sold for $4.3 million. The buyer, David Booth, ensured these rules found a permanent home at the University of Kansas, a nod to Naismith’s tenure there.
Mark McGwire’s 70th Home Run Ball
Mark McGwire broke the single-season home run record in 1998, hitting his 70th home run during the final game of the season. This home run ball was auctioned for $3 million in January 1999. It symbolized a moment of excitement and achievement in baseball history.
Paul Henderson’s 1972 Summit Series Jersey
In hockey, Paul Henderson’s game-winning goal during the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union is legendary. The jersey Henderson wore for that historic event fetched $1.275 million at auction in June 2010. This sale set a record for hockey memorabilia at the time, cementing Henderson’s momentous impact on the sport.
Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-Point Game Ball
Wilt Chamberlain shocked the sports world on March 2, 1962, scoring 100 points in a single NBA game. The ball from this game is a treasured artifact. When it resurfaced and hit the auction block, it sold for $551,844 in December 2019. This iconic ball represents one of the most incredible feats in basketball history.
Michael Jordan’s Flu Game Sneakers
During the 1997 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan famously played and led the Chicago Bulls to victory despite battling illness—a game known as the Flu Game. His game-worn sneakers from this match sold for $104,765 in 2013. These shoes are a testament to Jordan’s unparalleled determination and skill.
Wayne Gretzky’s Rookie Card
Wayne Gretzky, known as The Great One, has a coveted rookie card from the 1979 O-Pee-Chee set. In December 2020, a Gem Mint condition card sold for $1.29 million. This card broke auction records, underscoring Gretzky’s legendary status in the hockey world.
Jim Thorpe’s 1912 Olympic Medals
Jim Thorpe is considered one of the greatest athletes in history, excelling in multiple sports. Thorpe won gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, though they were controversially stripped and then returned. These restored medals were a valuable collectible and sold for over $1 million in May 2022.
Pele’s 1970 World Cup Jersey
Pele is a global soccer icon, and his jersey from the 1970 World Cup has immense historical significance. This tournament marked Pele’s third World Cup win, a record that still stands. His jersey from the final match was sold for around $340,000 in March 2002, reflecting Pele’s enduring legacy in sports.
Lou Gehrig’s Farewell Speech Memorabilia
Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939, is one of baseball’s most poignant moments. Memorabilia associated with this event, such as signed baseballs and uniforms from that day, hold great value. A ball signed by Gehrig on that day sold for over $300,000 in 2011, capturing the emotion and significance of Gehrig’s career and legacy.
First Masters Green Jacket
The Masters Green Jacket is awarded to the winner of The Masters golf tournament. Horton Smith, winner of the first Masters in 1934 and again in 1936, was among the earliest to receive one. Smith’s Green Jacket sold for $682,229 in 2013. This piece of memorabilia symbolizes excellence in golf.
Babe Ruth’s World Series Ring
Babe Ruth’s World Series rings are highly sought after. His 1927 World Series ring, worn during one of baseball’s greatest seasons, stands out. In June 2017, it sold for over $2 million. This ring represents Ruth’s unparalleled impact on the sport.
Olympic Torch from the First Modern Olympics
The torch from the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, 1896, is a rare and valuable artifact. Symbolizing the revival of the Olympics, this torch was sold for $1.48 million in April 2021. It connects the past and present of the Olympic movement.
Jackie Robinson’s Rookie Jersey
Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947, wearing a jersey that now carries enormous historical significance. His rookie season jersey sold for $2.05 million in November 2017. This jersey represents a landmark moment in sports and civil rights history.