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Find the most valuable Shaq cards on eBay!
Shaquille O’Neal is not only one of the best centers in basketball history but one of the best players history of the sport, period. Ever since his days at LSU, O’Neal has been a stand-out talent and obvious superstar. While he was drafted by the Orlando Magic, it was Shaq’s time with the Los Angeles Lakers that would cement his legacy as one of the true greats. As a Laker, Shaq teamed up with the legendary Kobe Bryant to win three NBA Championships. And even though Kobe played a huge role in those titles, it was Shaq who won the NBA Finals MVP award all three of those years.
In addition to the 3 titles, Shaq’s overall body of work has landed him in both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the FIBA Hall of Fame. The big man is also up there on many all-time records with the current spot of eighth in all-time points, sixth in field goals, fifteenth in rebounds, eighth in blocks, and third in all-time field goal percentage. All of these factors go into the dollar figures bestowed on the most valuable Shaq cards of all time.
While the following Shaq cards are certainly valuable…
They pale in comparison to some of the very most valuable basketball cards of the 1990s!
Top 3 Most Valuable Shaq Cards
1992 Topps Gold (Buy on eBay)
The 92 Topps Gold is one of the most valuable Shaq cards that money can buy. Right now these are valued at right around $5,000 as a PSA 10 but look for that value to continue to climb over time. This original card features Shaq posting up down low in his Magic jersey calling for the ball. Meanwhile, there is also a Topps Archive card that is worth about half of the original that shows Shaq dunking the ball down on his opponents.
1992 Stadium Club Beam Team (Buy on eBay)
Another card that celebrates Shaq’s rookie year with the Magic. As for looks, the outline of the card has a lot of 90s lazer design stuff surrounding an image of Shaq going up to either block his opponent’s shot or tip one in for an easy two. The ball cannot be seen in this image, so the viewer basically only sees Shaq rising high above his counterparts. Something he did a lot of in his storied career.
But way more important than its looks is the card’s value. This one is a BIG MONEY Shaq card with values currently sitting somewhere in the $10,000 to $15,000 for a grade 10.
1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems (Buy on eBay)
While the 1997 Metal Universe isn’t a rookie card, it still battles the 1992 Beam Team for the most valuable Shaq card out there. It’s also the coolest looking card on the list as it shows Shaq dunking over his opponent in front of a sleek red backdrop. This one turned some heads when it sold for more than $17,000 on eBay 2021. Wonder what that price will be ten years from now? With a true legend like Shaq, we’d have to think MUCH higher.
What about the Shaquille O’Neal Future Force card?
While this card is certainly rare, it’s nowhere near one of the most valuable Shaq cards. If you’re looking for a cool talking piece seek out that 1992-92 Upper Deck oddball of a card and pick up a couple on the cheap. Who knows, maybe they’ll become more appreciated in the future.
Related Topic: Shaq Rookie Card Buyer’s Guide
Most Valuable Shaq Cards Investment Strategy
Go Long
Unlike many of the active players we cover, a retired legend doesn’t always have the most short-term appeal as his play obviously isn’t going to move the market. We wouldn’t recommend buying a Shaq card in anticipation of the market suddenly spiking in the short term but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep an eye on it.
However, Hall of Famers tend to get age very nicely. Especially when you’re a larger-than-life icon like Shaq. Go into your investment with a long-term mindset and you’ll be sitting pretty years down the road as the market continues to climb. Just don’t panic sell if there’s a brief pullback!