Top 5 Kobe Bryant Card Sales of All Time

Kobe Bryant's legacy as one of the NBA's most iconic figures is immortalized not only through his on-court achievements but also in the realm of sports memorabilia. His trading cards, especially rare and high-grade examples, have fetched staggering sums at auctions, reflecting both their scarcity and the enduring admiration for the "Black Mamba." Below are the top five Kobe Bryant card sales of all time, accompanied by insights into what makes each card so valuable to collectors.

1. 1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems (PMG) Green BGS 8.5

Sold for: $2,000,000 (2/22/22)

PMG Green cards are widely considered the holy grail of 1990s basketball inserts. Only 10 copies exist, and most are in poor condition due to the notoriously fragile foil. This particular Kobe, graded a BGS 8.5, is among the best-preserved examples in the world. The PMG set was revolutionary—combining bold color, limited print runs, and player imagery that felt ahead of its time. Owning one is like having a Jordan rookie in the 1990s insert world. For Kobe collectors, this card isn't just rare—it represents his early rise during an era that shaped modern card collecting

2. 1996 Topps Chrome Refractor BGS Black Label 10

Sold for: $1,752,000 (3/8/21)

Only two Kobe Refractor rookies in existence have achieved a BGS Black Label 10—signifying a perfect grade in all subcategories: centering, corners, edges, and surface. This is the cleanest copy of one of Kobe’s most important rookie cards. The Topps Chrome Refractor is already a staple in modern basketball collecting, but the black label elevates this one into unicorn territory. It’s the type of card that sits at the intersection of modern grading culture and nostalgic demand.

3. 1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems (PMG) Green BGS 7.5

Sold for: $1,750,000 (2/25/22)

Another example of the ultra-iconic PMG Green Kobe cards selling for record prices. While not as high of a grade as the example above, this copy is nothing to scoff at given a total print run of 10. This private sale was executed in the days following the record-breaking Kobe Bryant sale. We have not seen another example of this card sell to date.

4. 2006 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection All-NBA Access Triple Logoman PSA Authentic

Sold for: $1,680,000 (8/6/22)

This card unites the three most iconic players of the last 40 years—Kobe, Jordan, and LeBron—on one card, each with a game-worn Logoman patch. It’s the kind of card that transcends a single player fanbase. Collectors see it as a Mount Rushmore piece—there’s only one, and it’s packed with significance, game-used material, and hobby mythology.

5. 2003 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ultimate Logos Signature PSA 9 / Auto 9

Sold for: $1,584,643 (8/17/24)

This one-of-one masterpiece features a full Logoman patch and on-card autograph and hand numbering —delivering three of the hobby’s most desired elements. The early 2000s were a golden era for patch autos, and the Ultimate Logos series was second only to Exquisite in prestige. Collectors view this card as a perfect storm of rarity, visual appeal, and Kobe’s prime playing years. The PSA 9 grade adds even more cachet—many of these thicker stock cards suffer from chipping or soft corners.