A Breakdown of the Most Valuable NBA Cards of the 1980s: Headlined by the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie

A Breakdown of the Most Valuable NBA Cards of the 1980s: Headlined by the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie

A Breakdown of the Most Valuable NBA Cards of the 1980s: ...

By Jocelyn Alano July 10, 2024 16:12

This is where the 1980s came in, and it was a time when the NBA made its breakout along with trading cards. When basketball legends such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson started to establish themselves as sports icons in the trading card world their rookie cards even eclipsed some of the top collectibles from rival Major League Baseball. Combine this with the fact we've seen a dearth of major releases in recent years, and it only further plays into why some classic gems will always be that; they don't make them like these anymore .

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The 5 Most Expensive NBA Cards From the 1980s

1. 1980 Topps Larry Bird / Julius Erving/ Magic Johnson
Estimated Value (PSA 10): $522K
The classic card depicted the iconic trio of Larry Bird, Julius "Dr. J" Erving, and Magic Johnson in one image that symbolized what basketball greatness was all about 30 years ago from now.

2. 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan #57
Estimated Value (PSA 10): $262,250.
As the pinnacle of basketball card royalty, a 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card cements one neatly in the "Air Jordan" era - establishing it as a classic and highly sought-after piece within countless collections.

3. 1980-81 Topps Larry Bird/Julius Erving/Magic Johnson Scoring Leader

This iconic card features Larry Bird, Julius Erving, and Magic Johnson, three of the most celebrated basketball players of all time and avalue of $840,000 . Regarded as the true rookie card for Bird and Johnson, this card is highly coveted among collectors. In 2021, a PSA 10 graded card sold for an impressive $840,000, showcasing its immense value and scarcity

4. Michael Jordan 1984-85 Star Rookie PSA 10
Last sold $925,000
This card is a great example of what MJ could do at his absolute best and gives collectors a window into the magic that was this man as one of the truly all-time greatest playmakers in NBA history.

5. 1986 Fleer Karl Malone RC #68
Estimate Values for a PSA 10: $5,075
This card punctuates the historic early career of Hall-of-Fame power forward Karl Malone, who solidified his legacy as an NBA great with a 19-year run in Salt Lake City.

Online Marketplaces

Examples of where to find such vintage treasures include platforms like eBay and specialized sports card auction websites. Be wary of who you buy from and always double-check authenticity, condition, etc.
Sports Cards, Shows & Conventions
Sports card shows and conventions allow collectors to experience a face-to-face encounter with thousands of different cards, including NBA basketball rookie overflow from the 1980s.

Dealers, Graders & Other Certification Companies

In addition to certified start card dealers, seek out grading services was certifyed the authenticity and condition of your graded baseball cards will help you rest easy as you invest in this valuable collectible.

What makes 1980s NBA cards so appealing is that they epitomize the golden age of basketball and commemorate pioneers who paved the way for today's sport. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just an NBA fanatic, getting your hands on these old-school gems should be quite the adventure through basketball history.

In the End

All in all, the 1980s NBA cards remain some of the most treasured relics by collectors who will always remember that era and the values it reflected. These vintage gems are grail status and pique the fascination of collectors around the world (see: 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card + Larry Bird, Magic Johnson ROOKIE cards).
Therefore, whether you have a long history of collecting sports cards to seen them for a time now, we think 1980s NBA cards are must-sees that will help remind everyone about these iconic basketball legends.

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