Top 8 Most Expensive Sports Memorabilia and Collectibles Ever Sold

8 Most Expensive Sports Memorabilia and Collectibles Sold

1. The 1952 Mickey Mantle Baseball Card – $12.6 Million

The most valuable sports memorabilia to be sold is the 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card, which got a mind-blowing $12.6 million in 2022. This card, regarded as the Holy Grail of sports cards, is in a class of its own.

Mickey Mantle was not just a Hall of Famer – he was an icon, and this card immortalizes his legacy in the most luxurious way possible. This is the crown jewel of the most valuable sports collectibles for collectors, and the price reflects the incredible demand and scarcity. If you had this in your collection, you’d be set for life – no doubt about it.

2. Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Game 6 Jersey – $10.1 Million

When Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey hit $10.1 million, the sale cemented Jordan’s spot as the sports icon of all time. Remember that that wasn’t just any jersey. It was the jersey from Game 6, the final game of his career with the Chicago Bulls, and the one that clinched his sixth NBA championship. If this wasn’t already considered one of the most valuable sports memorabilia, it sure is now.

This jersey isn’t just worth the history behind it; it’s worth the moment. Jordan wasn’t just playing a game but wrapping up his reign as the NBA’s GOAT. While collectors drool over most valuable Michael Jordan baseball cards, this jersey is on a whole different level. That’s why it’s worth millions – people with the cash know it’s a piece of history that’ll never fade.

3. Clark’s One-of-One Autographed Rookie Card – $10.1 Million

One card to rule them all: Caitlin Clark’s One-of-One Autographed Rookie Card sold for a record-breaking $10.1 million. This card perfectly exemplifies the high-stakes market for the most expensive sports collectibles. As a one-of-a-kind item, there’s no other card like it in the world. With Caitlin Clark’s signature, the card’s rarity, and the star power behind it pushed the price into the millions.

This is the ultimate find in the world of sports cards and sports memorabilia. The combination of the card’s scarcity, Clark’s accolades, and the fact that it’s the only one in existence make it a diamond in the rough for the sports memorabilia market. Simply put, it’s the kind of investment collectors are willing to go all-in on.

4. Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” Jersey – $8.9 Million

Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” jersey wasn’t just a piece of fabric; it was a piece of soccer history that sold for $8.9 million in 2022. This was the jersey worn during the controversial 1986 World Cup match against England, where Maradona scored a goal with his hand and got away with it. For some, it’s the jersey of a cheater. For others, it’s one of the most memorable moments in sports. Either way, it’s worth a small fortune.

The price tag for this jersey says it all. Maradona’s legacy isn’t just about the good stuff; it’s about everything, including the controversial. That made this jersey worth millions and one of the most popular sports memorabilia​ for soccer fans to collect.

5. Muhammad Ali’s Thrilla in Manila Shorts – $6 Million

Muhammad Ali’s shorts from the legendary 1975 Thrilla in Manila match against Joe Frazier sold for an incredible $6 million. These shorts are the epitome of the most expensive sports memorabilia, not just because of their historical significance but because they represent the greatest boxing rivalry ever. Boxing memorabilia usually involves items tied to significant moments, and this fight was the peak of Ali’s legendary career.

Ali’s impact on the sport and the world at large is unmatched, and these shorts serve as a tangible reminder of his greatness. Muhammad Ali’s $6M Thrilla in Manila sale proves that the most legendary sports collectibles can come from a cultural icon who reshaped the world of sports forever.

6. Babe Ruth’s 1928-1930 Jersey – $5.64 Million

Babe Ruth’s 1928-1930 jersey sold for $5.64 million in 2019, making it one of history’s most valuable sports memorabilia items. Ruth is the original sports superstar, so anything associated with his name is worth significant money. This jersey is a direct link to when baseball was in its golden age and Ruth was the face of the game.

The sale price reflects not just the rarity of the item but also the cultural icon Ruth was—long before memorabilia became the multi-million-dollar business it is today.

7. Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 Ball – $4.39 Million

Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 ball, the game where he joined an exclusive club of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season, Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 ball was sold for $4.39 million. This kind of sports memorabilia gets collectors frothing at the mouth.

For most valuable sports collectibles, Ohtani’s 50/50 ball is about more than just stats; it’s about the rarity of a player doing things that have never been done before. That makes it a million-dollar piece—his place in baseball history will only grow.

8. Tom Brady Sweaty Super Bowl Wristband – $400,000

We all know Tom Brady is the ‘GOAT’ of football, and when his $400,000 Tom Brady Sweaty Super Bowl Wristband – sweat and all – sold for $400,000, it shocked the sports world. Frankly, it still shocks me.

This sale proves that, in the world of most expensive sports collectibles, even the most minor pieces of history – like a sweaty wristband in this case – can fetch huge sums. Brady’s status as the greatest quarterback ever made this wristband more than just a piece of rubber; it became a sought-after sports collectible worth far more than the average person’s salary.

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