Freeman’s/Hindman is currently buzzing with the excitement of a sports memorabilia auction that is garnering attention from collectors far and wide. The auction’s pièce de résistance is a complete set of 1984-85 Star Company basketball cards, housed in their original team bags, adding to their allure and value. Notably, this set boasts the highly coveted Michael Jordan rookie card, a gem that is sure to pique the interest of passionate sports collectors. With an estimated value between $50,000 and $70,000, this iconic collection stands as a testament to Jordan’s enduring popularity and the rarity of these pristine cards.
The significance of the Star Company lies in its bold move to secure NBA trading card rights in the early 1980s after Topps opted out of renewing their contract. By distributing their cards primarily through mail orders and select outlets, the company inadvertently created a scarcity factor, rendering these cards more valuable over time. The decision of many collectors to keep their cards unopened, maintaining them in their original packaging, has further elevated the rarity of these sets, making them highly sought after in the sports collectibles market.
While the auction predominantly showcases basketball memorabilia, it also pays homage to baseball history with a trio of autographed baseballs signed by none other than the legendary Babe Ruth. Of particular note is a mini baseball ball bearing Ruth’s bold signature on its sweet spot, underscoring the enduring legacy of the Sultan of Swat and providing an enticing prospect for historical sports artifact aficionados.
Complementing these stellar offerings are a variety of other prized cards, including more from Michael Jordan’s rookie year, such as the 1984 Gold Medalist No. 195 and the 1985 Rookie of the Year No. 288, along with a PSA 8 graded 1986-87 Fleer rookie card. The auction also features a plethora of vintage cards and sports collectibles, including a signed baseball from the 1955 Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend bearing the signatures of 19 baseball legends like Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Cochrane, a single-signed Jimmie Foxx ball, and a 1959 Ty Cobb signed ball.
Vintage card enthusiasts will be delighted by the inclusion of a rare 1968 O-Pee-Chee Nolan Ryan rookie card graded PSA 8, as well as a near complete set of 1952 Topps baseball cards featuring over 60 high number cards. The presence of multiple Mickey Mantle cards from the 1950s and 60s further enriches the auction’s offerings and appeals to collectors seeking iconic sports figures from the past.
Further captivating items up for grabs include a San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XXIV Champions ring, a 1926 New York Yankees multi-signed baseball autographed by legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a collection of 1920s-30s St. Louis Cardinals contract agreements signed by Branch Rickey.
Running until June 13 on Freeman’s/Hindman’s website, this auction not only showcases the rich history encapsulated within these collectibles but also provides sports enthusiasts and collectors with a unique opportunity to own a piece of that illustrious history. Whether one’s heart lies with basketball, baseball, or the broader tapestry of American sports, this auction promises a treasure trove of sought-after memorabilia waiting to find new homes in the collections of avid fans and collectors alike.
