New York Knicks Cards: Top 5 Most Expensive Willis Reed Basketball Card Sales

New York Knicks Cards: Top 5 Most Expensive Willis Reed B...

By Jocelyn Alano July 19, 2024 15:19

When basketball fans hear the name Willis Reed, they immediately think of greatness. The heart and soul of the legendary 1970s New York Knicks team, whose grit, determination, and leadership defined his legacy as one of the greatest NBA players of all time. Although the loss of this basketball icon is recent, avid fans may score a perfect way to pay tribute to his lasting legacy through collectible cards.

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1. 1969 Topps Willis Reed Rookie Card #60 - $12,722

The 1969-70 Topps Willis Reed Rookie Card (#60) is the holy grail for any serious Reed collector. This card features a young Reed in his Knicks uniform, capturing the essence of his early career. The vintage look and classic layout put the focus squarely on Reed's powerful image. As the first official trading card for this legendary player, this rookie card holds immense value and will only become more of a collector's item as Reed's legacy lives on. In July 2016, a rare PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of this card sold for an astounding $12,722.

2. 1973-74 Topps Willis Reed #105 - $3,130

This Topps 1973-74 Topps Willis Reed #105 card celebrates the second time Willis Reed won both the NBA MVP and Finals MVP awards, leading the Knicks to another championship. The commanding presence Reed exuded on the court is palpable in this exceptional action shot, where you can almost feel his determination to take control of the ball. In September 2022, a PSA Gem Mint 10 copy of this iconic card sold for $3,130.

3. 1970 Topps Willis Reed #150 - $1,200+

The 1970 Topps Willis Reed #150 card is significant because it hails from the year Reed won both the NBA MVP and Finals MVP awards. The "Tall Boy" design of the card, which was taller than traditional sports cards but the same width, adds to the nostalgic appeal of this piece. PSA Mint copies of this card can fetch over $1,200 on the secondary market.

4. 1968 Topps Test Willis Reed #7 - $6,000+

Before Topps started regular production of basketball cards, they printed a small set of test cards in 1968. The 1968 Topps Test Willis Reed #7 is incredibly rare, as the population of these sample cards is tiny since they were never officially released. The last recorded sale of this card was in December 2022, where it fetched over $6,000.

5. 1996 Topps Stars Finest Atomic Refractor Willis Reed #137 - $1,750

In 1996, Topps produced a limited edition "Atomic" refractor version of their Stars Finest set, which honored the biggest and best names in NBA history. The 1996 Topps Stars Finest Atomic Refractor Willis Reed #137 card features a dynamic action shot of Reed, with the added sheen of the refractor finish. A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of this card sold for $1,750 in August 2019.

In the End

The enduring legacy of Willis Reed is reflected in the high prices his trading cards command on the secondary market. From his iconic rookie card to the more modern limited edition releases, Reed's cards have become prized possessions for basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike. As the sport mourns the loss of this true legend, the opportunity to own a piece of his basketball heritage has never been more valuable.