Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, left an indelible mark on the sport before his untimely death in 2020. His legacy continues to live on through various memorabilia, including trading cards. Kobe Bryant rookie cards, in particular, have become extremely valuable over the years. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most expensive Kobe Bryant rookie cards.
Bare in mind that all the cards on the list will be the best condition version of each, e.g 10 PSA rated. These same cards can be found for cheaper but in worse condition.
The 1996-97 SP Kobe Bryant rookie card is another affordable option for collectors, with a value of around $300. This card features a simple design with a black-and-white image of Kobe on the front. It is also relatively rare, with only 2,000 copies produced.
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9. 1996-97 Collector’s Choice Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #267
The 1996-97 Collector’s Choice Kobe Bryant rookie card is one of the most affordable cards on this list. However, it is still a valuable card, with a value of around $300. This card features a simple design with a color image of Kobe on the front. It is also relatively rare, with only 10,000 copies produced.
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8. 1996-97 Upper Deck SPx #8
The 1996-97 Upper Deck SPx is a sleek Kobe Bryant rookie card that collectors love. This card features a silver design with a holographic image of Kobe on the front. This card has a die-cut design, which means that it has a unique shape that is different from most other trading cards. It is also relatively rare, with only 2,500 copies produced. The value of this card is around $800.
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7. 1996-97 Topps Draft Redemption #DP13
The 1996-97 Topps Draft Redemption is a unique Kobe Bryant rookie card that was only available through a redemption program. This means that collectors had to send in a special form to receive this card, making it rare and hard to find. The card features a simple design with a color image of Kobe on the front. The value of this card is around $6,000.
6. 1996-97 Flair Showcase Legacy Row 0 #31
The 1996-97 Flair Showcase Legacy Row 0 is a unique Kobe Bryant rookie card. This card features a distorted image of Bryant on the background. The card is also rare, with only 150 copies produced. The value of this card is around $5,000.
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5. 1996-97 Bowman’s Best Refractor #R23
The 1996-97 Bowman’s Best Refractor is another rare Kobe Bryant rookie card that collectors seek out. This card features a refractor design with a holographic image of Kobe on the front. Only 400 copies of this card were produced. The value of this card is around $6,000.
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4. 1996-97 Topps Chrome Base #138
The 1996-97 Topps Chrome Base is one of the most popular Kobe Bryant rookie cards. This card features a clean design with a crisp image of Kobe on the front. It is also relatively rare, with only 5,000 copies produced. The value of this card is around $8,000.
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3. 1996-97 Skybox E-X2000 Credentials #30
The 1996-97 Skybox E-X2000 Credentials is another highly sought-after Kobe Bryant rookie card. This card features a futuristic design with a holographic image of Kobe on the front. The card is also rare, with only 499 copies produced. The value of this card is around $30,000.
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2. 1996-97 Topps Finest Gold Refractor #269
The 1996-97 Topps Finest Gold Refractor is another rare Kobe Bryant rookie card that collectors covet. This card is a gold refractor, which means it has a gold-colored background that gives it a distinctive look. Only 74 copies of this card were produced, making it extremely rare. The value of this card is approximately $70,000 (as of 2023).
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1. 1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractor #138
The 1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractor is the most valuable Kobe Bryant rookie card on the market. This card features a refractor design, which gives it a unique, reflective look. The card is also very rare, with only 500 copies ever produced. This combination of rarity and unique design has made this card the most expensive Kobe Bryant rookie card, with a value of approximately $150,000 (as of 2023).
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Conclusion
Kobe Bryant was an icon in the world of basketball, and his legacy continues to live on through various memorabilia, including trading cards. Kobe Bryant rookie cards are highly sought after by collectors, with some cards selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Collectors should always be aware of the authenticity of the cards they purchase and consult with a professional before investing in valuable trading cards.
