Kobe Bryant Rookie Trading Card Sells for Record Price, Fulfilling Collectors’ Dreams
Kobe Bryant Rookie Card Fetches $3.15 Million in Record-Breaking Sale
In a remarkable display of market enthusiasm, a 1997 Kobe Bryant Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Green trading card has been sold for an astounding $3.15 million. This purchase, made by Alt—a company specializing in the buying, selling, and storage of collectible cards—marks the highest price ever paid for a Bryant card, surpassing the previous record of $2.4 million set just last month.
While standard rookie cards of Bryant are relatively abundant, valued between $100 to $300, the Green version is exceptionally rare. Only ten of these cards were produced, with only three receiving a grade from the reputable Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Cards with a red background are more common, typically retailing around $300,000.
"The Green card was on every collector’s wall, in every price guide, at the top of every wish list," stated Alt CEO Leore Avidar on the company’s Instagram page. "Acquiring it for our fund is personal, but it’s also a reflection of where this market has gone."
The card features a striking image of Bryant in midair—not shooting, but passing—a detail that adds to its allure. This latest acquisition enhances Alt’s already impressive collection, which has set price records for cards featuring stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
High-value Bryant cards continue to captivate collectors. Recently, collectibles expert Allen, known in the industry as Shyne150, revealed he invested $4 million in two unique signed Panini Flawless Logoman cards featuring Bryant, illustrating the heightened demand and investment in sports memorabilia.
As the market evolves, the monumental sale of the Green card not only reflects Kobe Bryant’s lasting legacy but also underscores the increasing value of high-end sporting collectibles.
