15 of the Most Valuable Modern Sports Rookie Cards

Though you shouldn’t consider this financial advice, there’s little question that the collectibles industry can provide a healthy return on investment. Coins, toys, comics, movie props, and sports cards continue to set sales records, many of which carry several zeroes. in 2021, for example, an ultra-rare LeBron James 2003 rookie card with a jersey swatch sold for $5.2 million, equaling the value of a 1952 Mickey Mantle card. (James himself earned just $4 million in salary in his rookie year.)

While classic sports cards typically hold their value in the millions, more contemporary cards can also go for steep prices. Just bear in mind values for the same card can vary widely depending on its condition, autograph quality, and grade from a third-party authentication company. While prices given here were realized at auction, their worth can fluctuate considerably from year to year owing to market conditions. In other words, just because you have a card like one of these doesn’t mean you’ll be able to take an extended vacation—but it might be worth a closer look.

Anthony Davis 2012-2013 National Treasures Autograph // $1,045,000

Los Angeles Laker Davis saw his rookie card (when he was with the New Orleans Hornets, now Pelicans) sell for $1,045,000 in 2021. Told of the price, Davis joked that he "might have to get into that [collecting] space."

LeBron James 2003 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor // $900,000

The star of 2021’s Space Jam: A New Legacy is also known for his basketball prowess. His 2003 rookie card for the Cleveland Cavaliers graded 10 by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) snagged $900,000 at auction in 2023. (It’s estimated there are at least 62 different James rookie cards, not including variants, in circulation.)

Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Rookie Ticket // $855,000

Brady’s New England Patriots run is among the greatest in sports history, which makes his rookie card a must-have for high-end collectors. A card autographed by Brady and graded 8.5 by Beckett sold for $2,253,000 in 2021, making it at the time the most ever paid for a football card--before Brady broke the record again with a $3.1 million card sale later that year. Brady fever subsequently cooled a bit, however, as another card graded 9 sold for $855,000 in 2023.

Luka Dončić 2018 Panini Prizm Gold // $780,000

Dallas Mavericks standout Dončić had just 10 cards issued in this Prizm Gold edition, making it highly coveted. One graded a perfect 10 by PSA sold for $780,000.

Giannis Antetokounmpo 2013-2014 Panini Prizm Gold // $510,000

Milwaukee Bucks rookie Antetokounmpo earned two NBA Most Valuable Player honors, making him an MVP in the collectibles world, as well. A 9.5 card earned $510,000 in 2021. Another one sold for $180,000 in 2023.

Stephen Curry 2009-2010 Topps Gold Chrome Refractor // $480,000

A standout on the Golden State Warriors, Curry’s rookie card from Topps earned a perfect 10 grade—and $480,000 as a result. One with a lesser grade of 8 netted $170,000 in 2023. The more common Chrome version sold for $8121 on eBay recently.

Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor // $212,000

Dubbed “the holiest of grails” by Sports Collectors Daily, Mike Trout’s draftee status with the Los Angeles Angels got the highly reflective treatment from Bowman in 2009. A PSA 10 autographed card fetched $212,000 on eBay in 2021. Only 50 of the Gold Refractor versions were produced.

Fernando Tatis Jr. 2019 Topps Chrome Update Superfractor // $170,400

Cards don't necessarily need to age for a decade or more to fetch big money. This signed rookie card of San Diego Padres shortstop Tatis, just one of one, garnered $170,400.

Zion Williamson 2019-2020 Panini National Treasures // $169,200

For true sports card rarity—and an elevated price point—cards with authentic player jersey swatches are tough to beat. This Zion Williamson New Orleans Pelicans autographed rookie card graded 9 by Beckett nabbed $169,200 at auction. Only 99 were made.

LaMelo Ball 2020-2021 Panini National Treasures Rookie Logoman // $116,400

Ball, who was named the 2020-2021 NBA Rookie of the Year for his time with the Charlotte Hornets, got a special card featuring a swatch of the NBA logo that was limited to just five cards. It netted $116,400 at auction. with a grade of 9 and a serial number of "01." A card graded 8 went for a more affordable $18,000 in 2022.

Patrick Mahomes II 2017 Panini National Treasures Green // $110,000

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II autographed this rare rookie card, which also comes with a jersey swatch. Graded PSA 9, it sold for $110,000 in 2022. The same card graded 9 sold for $59,100 back in July 2020, making its investment potential considerable—after all, only 15 were produced. The Platinum version, which had a run of just one card, sold for $4.3 million.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 2019 Topps Chrome Sapphire Red Refractor // $45,000

Toronto Blue Jays standout Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got a rookie card in 2019 courtesy of Topps, and it’s already tearing through the marketplace. An extremely limited Sapphire Red Refractor version graded PSA 10 fetched $26,000 in 2021. Another perfect 10 scored $45,000 in 2022.

Lamar Jackson 2018 Panini National Treasures // $12,000

Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson got the rookie card treatment with this Panini card that was extremely limited—just 99 were produced. It features a piece of his jersey, his autograph, a near-perfect PSA 9 grade, and a $12,000 price tag.

Connor McDavid 2015 Upper Deck SP Authentic // $11,900

Edmonton Oilers hockey standout Connor McDavid autographed this rookie card, which PSA judged to be a perfect 10. It sold for $11,900. Unlike most cards fetching super-premium prices, this one had a print run of 999.

Aaron Judge 2013 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor // $7,800

New York Yankee Aaron Judge had a big year in 2022—at least, his cards did. An autographed rookie card limited to 25 copies sold for $7800, while a Chrome Superfractor 1-of-1 card netted $324,000.

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A version of this article ran in 2021; it has been updated for 2024.