Most Valuable Basketball Cards of the 1990s Top Pick
While some of basketball’s greatest moments happened in this decade, the most valuable basketball cards of the 1990s don’t necessarily capture them. Why? In general, the most valuable collector items are usually rookie cards. Therefore, you’ll need to find players that made their DEBUT in the 90s to find the decade’s most valuable cards. So although the 90s were dominated by Michael Jordan, he’s outranked by the guy who went on to lay siege to the NEXT decade.
And that brings us to none other than Kobe Bryant. While Bryant won 5 Championships in the 2000s, his rookie season was 1996. So just like MJ who saw most of his success the decade AFTER he debuted, Bryant became a household name by winning 5 NBA titles in the 2000s. And also like MJ, his most valuable cards are from his rookie year. So let’s flash back to 1996 and find out which top the list of basketball cards worth money.
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Most Valuable Basketball Cards 1990s: Kobe Bryant
1996 Topps Chrome Refractor
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A card that has skyrocketed since that tragic day in early 2020. If you want this one in grade 10 condition, be prepared to SPEND BIG. Like over $100,000 big. Don’t have that kind of cash in your bankroll? Few do. No worries, go for one of the base cards (non-refractor). You’ll still be spending thousands but you probably won’t have to refinance the house to get one!
Related Content: Kobe Bryant Rookie Card Investment Guide
1996 Finest Gold Refractor
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Here’s a card that’s shot up the charts lately. For instance, in late 2020 a grade 10 cleared $70,000 on eBay. Wow. The card has a gold edge and shows Kobe doing some sort of over the back slam dunk. During the Slam Dunk Contest? Looking to reign in your investment? Seek out a lower grade version as prices fall off pretty quick with 9s being less than $20,000 and 8.5s less than $10,000.
Most Valuable Basketball Cards 1990s: Michael Jordan
After Kobe, we move onto the one and only Michael Jordan. Just like Kobe. Jordan gets a whole section of his own because the list would only be full of MJ and Bryant cards if we didn’t set the two aside. At any rate, here are Jordan’s biggest cards of the decade.
1997 Upper Deck Game Jersey Michael Jordan
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An UNGRADED one of these broke $50,000 recently. Unbelievable. Guess that shows the true power of MJ. Aside from value, the card offers plenty looks-wise. Game-worn jersey? Check. Autograph? Check. A true gem.
1997 SPx Michael Jordan Die-Cut Autograph
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There were 100 of these manufactured so there should be a few swimming around out there but they’re obviously far from common. Finding one in mint condition is an even harder task. However, if you do happen to a perfect 10 out there you’ll be spending somewhere around $50,000 to bring it home. Or to take it immediately to your safety deposit box. We recommend the latter course of action.
1997 Skybox E-X2001 Michael Jordan
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We couldn’t complete this list without mentioning one of the most valuable inserts from the decade. None other than the 1997 Skybox MJ Jambalaya. And if the word Jambalaya doesn’t already get you in a festive mood, maybe the art on this card will. MJ in the middle of one of his classic slams (tongue out of course) in front of an orange and green prismatic backdrop. As far as what it’ll take to own one? North of $50,000 just for an SCG 9 grade. When it comes to the 1990s it’s easily one of the top basketball cards worthy money. LOTS of money.
1996 Flair Showcase
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Not as valuable as the others on our list but we’d thought we’d bring attention to this little diamond in the rough. A spectacular card that features an in game photo shot of Mike looking to make a pass with light blue letters marking his name. In addition to the main photo, you’ll also notice the background image of Jordan in his iconic hands on the knees staring down the competition pose.
At any rate, the most attractive feature of this card is not the style. It’s the value. Even as a PSA 9 like we see above, the card is still worth more than $10,000. Just think of what a PSA 10 would fetch? Probably not enough to buy a new Lambo but certainly enough to get you in a new set of wheels if you’re in need of an upgraded ride. And with a legend like Jordan, the price should only continue to rise as the years pass.
Most Valuable Basketball Cards 1990s: The Other Guys
So for the sake of variety, let’s see who else is out there!
1996 Topps Chrome Refractor Allen Iverson
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Unlike Kobe’s card from the same set, this one doesn’t show some sort of athletic move towards the net. Rather, just a photo that shows one of the things Iverson did best: bark down the court at teammates and foes alike. That and score points by the bunches. Grade 10s are floating somewhere around the $25,000 value range.
1997 Topps Chrome Refractor Tim Duncan
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Another top rookie of the 1990s who went on to win 5 NBA titles in the following decades. Which are 5 great reasons that this card is valued at around $15,000 when in grade 10 condition!
1992 Stadium Club Shaq Bean Team
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When it comes to Shaq rookie cards, this one sits atop the list. O’Neal is shown rising above the competition for a rebound or put back. As far as value goes, the card is approaching $10,000 if it’s in the right condition. A far cry from the Kobe cards we just listed but something to consider if you’re not looking to break the bank.
Most Valuable Cards 1990s Metal Universe 1997
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This is an incredibly rare set of cards that we give a category of its own due to the extraordinary amount of money people pay for them. For instance, the Michael Jordan Precious Metal Gems Red sold for north of $150,000 in 2020. In addition to that, there are plenty of other cards with MONSTER values.
If we’d have included this set it would completely dominate our little list here. Therefore, it serves as a nice little side note. Maybe we’ll take a deep dive at some point and dedicate an entire review to this highly sought-after set of cards. If you’re looking for basketball cards worth money from the 1990s a deep dive into this collection is certainly warranted.
Our Top 3 Picks For Big Gains In 2023
Most Valuable Basketball Cards 1990s vs Modern Day
It goes without say (or at least it should) that cards from the 90s were way easier to come by than some of the most valuable cards from modern times. For instance, some of the most valuable rookie cards are from within the last few decades. The reason? Many of them are of cards that share a common feature: there’s only ONE in existence. When it comes to that kind of rarity the massed produced decade of the 90s has a hard trouble competing. Be that as it may, a classic card holds way more nostalgia than the newer styles. Regardless of how many of them were made!
Basketball Cards Worth Money: Modern Era
Lebron James
When it comes to modern day cards, nobody brings in the value like Lebron. For instance, the card shown here isn’t even a rookie card yet still sold for more than $15,000 in recent months. The reason? Scarcity. The card is a rare SSP that also touts a PSA 10 grade as it’s condition. Enough said.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
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In addition to James, another player who attracts big dollar signs is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Just like the card above, this 2016 Gold Prizm is far from Giannis’ rookie season but still managed to rake in nearly $14,000 at a recent eBay auction. And also like the card above it’s incredibly rare and sports a PSA 10 grade. When compared to some of the rookie cards above, you can see just how much modern day scarcity can impact how much a money a basketball card is worth.
Luka Doncic
When it comes to modern day stars, none may have a higher trajectory than Luka Doncic. If he stays healthy that is. The triple-double machine is once again showing that he’s arguably the league’s best player and is looking like he’ll remain so for a long time to come. Which makes it come as no surprise that his basketball cards are worth tons of money. How much? Take the SSP KABOOM rookie card above. While it’s not even his most valuable card it’s well into the 5 digit price range in good condition. Just wait until it’s had some time to age like the cards on our Most Valuable Basketball Cards 1990s list. WATCH OUT!
Don’t forget about the most valuable basketball cards of the 2000s!
Most Valuable Basketball Cards 1990s: Investment Strategies
Short (1 year or less)
Sure, you may be able to make a small percentage gain over the short term but we tend to think bigger picture when it comes to iconic players. If you decide to go short watch the market closely and pick your spot. 7/10
Medium (1 to 5 years)
As we just said, iconic cards, and thus iconic investments, deserve some time to mature. The sports card market has been on fire and if that trend continues many of these cards will see major increases over the next 5 years. Safe to say that would make some incredibly happy investors. 9/10
Long (5 years plus)
We don’t think long-term often but with cards like these, it seems like the best bet. The faces on the front of these highly coveted collector items will ring out through the ages. Even if the market experiences a pullback you’ll likely see it rebound in a BIG way at some point in the long-term future. Sometimes the biggest gains take patience! 10/10
Check Out Our Other “Most Valuable” Lists
Most Valuable Football Cards of the 1980s
Most Valuable Baseball Cards of the 80s and 90s
List of Most Valuable Lebron James Cards
i have around 12,000 cards from the 60s, 70s, 80s 90s and 2000’s. some into the 2010s. Theres every big player you can name. rookies, rares, serial numbered, autos, inserts, doubles, true errors, refractors, complete sets. baseball, wnba, nba and aba, basketball, hockey, football, star wars, boxing, soccer, college you name it. Bowman tiffany cards with thier base parrallels, o- pee- chee, topps , topps, finest, nba hoops, skybox, fleer, upperdeck, mvp, , all-star ,collectors choice, metal universe, fleer metal, ultra, , draft picks, parkhurst, leaf limited don russ, omega, prism, flair showcase, panini, pro set, S/P authentic, holografx, pinnacle, premier hockey and more. i have them stored in card boxes, penny sleeves, binders and toploaders. all organized per sport. half of the boxes have never been gone through. most of these cards are in a 8-10 condition. ive got an 8, 2-9, and 2- 10s from the 5 cards ive sent in. im looking to move it all asap. if you are a new or old collector then you could definitley enjoy these to keep or to resell. or both.
So I’ve been a collector for years, can anyone tell me about the 1992 Mark and See minis from skybox Barcelona Games ?
Where was the mark and see book originally sold? How many were sold? And are they more valuable in the book or out of book?
And if all cards are in there book would the book be graded also?
And what’s the value on cars and book?
Also with all Dream Team players yet not the cards from the set, but from a book. Are they more or less valued?
And who has those cards or books?
My step-dad has over 200+ NBA cards 90-96 Upper Deck if anyones interested in buying them?
How much
I have Sean Kemp rookie card Gary Payton #1draft pick card Shaq ext magic bird . baseball ball,ken Griffey Jr rookie card.more of Jr , Frank the herrt Thomas Ricky Henderson mark McGwire josh counsaco Sammy Sosa all rookie cards .mint condition.to many too list Best offer .suroires buyer’s .
I have around 100 1980’s and 1990’s basketball cards.. From Micheal Jordan to Larry Bird to Dennis Rodman…
When I was a kid in the 80s and 90s I spent every cent I earned (even the money I would secretly skim out of my dad’s wallet every pay day) on sports cards. Primarily basketball and baseball, but some football as well. Over about a dozen years I spent thousands on these cards, constantly checking their price in my Beckett.
All these boxes of cards sat untouched for 20-30 years. About a year ago I lost my job and needed money and suddenly remembered I had all these vintage mint condition cards. “I can just sell a few of the mint MJ cards and have plenty of cash to get by.” WRONG!!! After some research I discovered the thousands I spent on cards might as well been used as toilet paper. Thirty years later and these cards aren’t even worth the stock they’re printed on. If they were from any other decade I’d be sitting pretty. But of course since everyone was doing it, supply tried to keep up with demand by mass printing everything. The word “rare” lost all meaning therefore, so did their value. I have 21 Jordan cards and dozens more Shaq, Malone, Robinson, Pippen, etc. All the iconic players from the 90’s; all mint.
Instead of using my time to getting mere pennies for all these “vintage sports cards”, I’ve decided to just pass them along to my two boys. They’re 8 and 10 and have started their own collection a couple years ago. Maybe someday after World War III or the Zombie Apocalypse they might be worth something. Until then, all I have are a bunch of heavy boxes.
I have well over 1000 of late eighties early nineties Jordan’s, griffey’s ,bonds ,mcwires cansecos, shaqs, tons of penny hardaways, sammy sosa rookies, chipper jones rookie, Mike mussina rookie, nolan Ryan’s, grant hills, kirby pucket 1990 donruss error card, that’s just a tiny sample. also a bunch of valuable wrestling cards, Looking to sell the whole thing as a lot, Shoot me a message if you have any questions or would like to make an offer I’m willing to wheel and deal, mlb, nba, nfl,, wcw. insane amounts of value
I have probably 2,000 football, basketball, baseball and hockey cards in good condition from the early 90s I don’t know what to do with them I have looked a lot up but I just don’t know where to sell them at
I’ve got thousands up for grabs… Been holding onto them for long enough and would love for them to get to someone who can keep them as safe as I have over the last 30 years. Please shoot me an email and I can provide photos. Thanks!
I have a binder of basketball cards I’ve been collecting since a kid. Just dont have the time to research the value of each one of them.
I have over 200 mint condition 90s basketball cards. I would love to see asap
I have a few cards from the 90s and late 80s in mint condition. Trying to see what they are worth
Hey i have over 500 basketball cards from the 90s i mean from michael jordan kobe larry bird pippen shaq grant hill karl malone john stockton jeff hornacek horace grant ìsiah thomas justvto name a few a never seen this many cards of some many players some cards say toppsand some are fleer i wish i can show a video of this collection i dont have know idea what to do with it but i really think it holds a lot of value someone help me
I have over a 1,000 basketball, baseball, and some football all in good condition from 1988-1996 looking to get rid of whole lot.please return email.
One thing people need to keep in mind is that the prices of the cards that are in the thousands of dollars are for GRADED CARDS that are GEM MINT 10’s! The chances of cards kept in someone’s attic unprotected or in a just a top loader or a binder inside plastic sheets being graded a gem mint 10 are probably .000001%, so a card graded gem mint card worth $10,000. The same card ungraded in what they think is mint condition only worth $15-$30.
Articles like this make people think they are sitting on a gold mine when in reality they are sitting on something closer to a few hundred dollars, of course depending on player and year, but they call the 90’s the junk wax era for nothing. Overproduction of cards destroy the value, but a gem mint 10 are extremely rare in a decade when they only worried about quantity and didn’t care about quality.
How much ?
I have a card in good condition it’s in a case too so to take it out u need to open a plastic case to get the card. I’ve had it since 1989 so it’s very old but looks new
I got a huge box of late 80s early to mid 90s cards, surprisingly no kobe. Alot of jorfan and Shaq cards
ould like to sell the whole lot but only to someone that’s serious and gonna offer a fair price probably would take 5grand for everything because I’ve priced sum. Out and about or not even a 1/ 4 of it is worth more than wat I’m asking wouldn’t even consider selling but my small business needs whatever I can bring. In. To keep the lights. On until things pick back up
I have so many collenctions of nba cards pls email me back if u are interested
I have a collection of basketball cards what’s maybe 500 cards they were small it have to be about 30 years old the cards please give me a email back
Hello, are you looking to sell the lot as a whole?
have literally ~$2,000 worth of cards purchased from 1991
fleer
upper deck
topps
and i just can’t remember that other brand
have TONS of cards all saved in 3 books of those plastic sheets utterly right out of pack to sheath and never taken out of sheath after
used to check those price guides from back then; had at least 20 cards valued at ~$2.50- 5$ at the time
pretty sure there’s nothing spectacular in there
yours for 40 bucks
can send pictures
do u still have
I have a lot basketball cards from when i was in elementary school in the early 90s of NBA stars throughout the league and wanted to know how do i go about getting the value. When i look them up on websites i see that they listed anywhere from a 100-1,000 dollars.
If they are in poor condition there is an easy (and unfortunate) answer – not much. However, if they appear to be in mint or near mint condition you might have some valuable cards on your hands. The easiest way to begin is by looking the cards up on eBay. Click the “sold” filter and see what the same card in similar condition has sold for over the past few months. Good luck!
I have over have 300 basketball cards from 70’s 80’s 90’s and 2000’s.
ill buy em all
Hey ryan I have a pretty nice collection of more than 700 cards from de 88-99, let me know if youre intrested.
My step-dad has over 200+ NBA cards 90-96 Upper Deck if anyones interested in buying them?
do u still have