Freeman’s/Hindman is currently hosting a thrilling sports memorabilia auction that has collectors and enthusiasts buzzing, thanks to its star attraction—the complete set of 1984-85 Star Company basketball cards. What sets these cards apart is not just their vintage appeal but also the fact that they are preserved in their original team bags, retaining the nostalgic essence of when they were first sold. Among these gems lies the coveted Michael Jordan rookie card, a holy grail for many sports memorabilia aficionados. The complete set, comprising 288 cards, is estimated to fetch a handsome sum of between $50,000 and $70,000, a testament to both their scarcity and the enduring allure of Michael Jordan in the world of sports collectibles.
The story of these iconic cards traces back to the early 1980s when Star Company made a bold move by securing the NBA’s trading card rights after Topps opted out. With limited distribution channels such as mail orders, select hobby shops, and sporting events, Star cards were not as widespread as those from bigger manufacturers, adding an aura of exclusivity and rarity. The fact that many collectors opened their packs to display the cards in albums further amplifies the rarity of sets still in their original packaging.
While basketball steals the spotlight, baseball enthusiasts have their own treasures to covet in this auction. Notably, there are three autographed baseballs signed by none other than the legendary Babe Ruth, with one of them being on a mini baseball showcasing Ruth’s signature prominently on the sweet spot. These baseballs serve as tangible connections to Ruth’s enduring legacy and are sure to entice collectors passionate about preserving baseball history.
Adding to the allure of the auction are various other noteworthy Jordan cards from his rookie season, including the 1984 Gold Medalist No. 195 and the 1985 Rookie of the Year No. 288, as well as a PSA 8 graded 1986-87 Fleer rookie card.
The auction lineup doesn’t stop there. Vintage card enthusiasts will be delighted by a range of collectibles on offer, such as a signed baseball from the 1955 Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend bearing signatures from iconic players like Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Cochrane, a single-signed Jimmie Foxx ball, and a 1959 Ty Cobb signed and inscribed ball.
Among the standout lots are a rare 1968 O-Pee-Chee Nolan Ryan rookie card graded PSA 8 and a near complete set of 1952 Topps baseball cards containing over 60 high numbers. Multiple Mickey Mantle cards from the 1950s and 60s further pique the interest of collectors looking to own a piece of baseball history.
For those with a taste for football or looking beyond cards, the auction also boasts a San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XXIV Champions ring, a 1926 New York Yankees multi-signed baseball featuring autographs from legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a collection of 1920s-30s St. Louis Cardinals contract agreements signed by the iconic Branch Rickey.
Running through June 13 on Freeman’s/Hindman’s website, this auction is not just a display of fascinating collectibles but a gateway for sports enthusiasts and collectors to own a slice of sporting history. From basketball to baseball to the broader spectrum of American sports, this auction promises something special for every collector out there to cherish and enjoy.
