Goldin Auctions’ April Elite sale recently witnessed a frenzy of bidding activity, especially surrounding memorabilia linked to rising NBA talents Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama. The electrifying atmosphere was heightened by a notable playoff performance by Anthony Edwards, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a thrilling victory, which likely fueled the increased interest in his memorabilia.
One of the standout pieces at the auction was an early NBA jersey worn by Anthony Edwards during his fourth career game, which drew a staggering bid of $118,978. This sale marked a record price for any public auction of an Anthony Edwards jersey. The jersey holds significant historical value as it was worn during the game in which Edwards notched his first career block and contributed 12 points. Edwards’ trajectory as a basketball sensation was further solidified during the 2024 playoffs where he etched his name alongside legends like Kobe Bryant by scoring over 40 points in consecutive postseason games.
Another highlight of the auction was an Edwards 2020-21 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card, graded BGS GEM MINT 9.5 with a perfect Beckett 10 for autographs, which fetched an impressive $85,550.
Victor Wembanyama, the promising young talent, also commanded significant attention, particularly for his rookie cards. A 2023-24 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer First Off The Line rookie card, numbered 1 of 5 and graded PSA 10, was one of the sought-after items, selling for an eye-catching $113,460. Additionally, a rare Gold Shimmer rookie card numbered 7/10 featuring Wembanyama garnered a winning bid of $49,410.
The auction wasn’t solely focused on modern NBA stars, as evidenced by the sale of a 1996-97 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card, which reached an impressive $92,720. Another notable transaction was the 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Prizm Kylian Mbappe rookie card, graded BGS MINT 9, which closed at $92,190.
Stepping outside the realm of basketball, former Duke standout Cherokee Parks’ NCAA Championship ring and other memorabilia also garnered significant interest, with his 1994 Championship ring securing an impressive $44,320.
The auction also featured captivating photographs capturing pivotal moments early in the careers of iconic sports figures such as Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which fetched $15,982 and $14,640 respectively.
A piece of baseball history was also part of the auction, with a jersey from Fernando Tatis’s early MLB career, showcasing his first road game, selling for $10,098. The diverse range of memorabilia sold underscores the enduring appeal of sports collectibles across different generations and sports, as enthusiasts continue to vie for these cherished pieces of history.
