Freeman’s/Hindman is currently the place to be for all sports enthusiasts and memorabilia collectors, as they dive into the realm of historic sports artifacts up for auction. The spotlight of this auction is a complete set of 1984-85 Star Company basketball cards, housed in their original team bags, making them a rare find in the sports collectibles market. Among these gems lies the highly coveted Michael Jordan rookie card, expected to fetch between $50,000 and $70,000 due to its scarcity and Jordan’s everlasting popularity.
The 1980s saw a turning point in NBA trading cards when the Star Company secured the rights after Topps opted out. Their distribution strategy, mainly through mail orders and select outlets, resulted in limited accessibility, making the cards even more precious today. Many collectors from that era took to opening the packs and placing cards in albums, which makes finding a complete set in its original packaging a true treasure.
But this auction doesn’t stop at basketball; it also delves into the world of baseball with three autographed baseballs signed by none other than the legendary Babe Ruth. One particular mini baseball showcases Ruth’s signature boldly etched on the sweet spot, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Sultan of Swat in the realm of sports history.
For fans of Michael Jordan, the auction offers more than just the rookie card, with additional cards from his early seasons and a PSA 8 graded 1986-87 Fleer rookie card. The lineup extends to include vintage baseball items, such as a signed baseball from the 1955 Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend, adorned with the signatures of legends like Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Cochrane.
Vintage card lovers are in for a treat with rare finds like the 1968 O-Pee-Chee Nolan Ryan rookie card graded PSA 8 and a near complete set of 1952 Topps baseball cards, featuring over 60 high numbers. The collection further boasts multiple Mickey Mantle cards from the 1950s and 60s, adding a touch of Midas to the auction for those seeking iconic sports figures.
The auction’s mix of offerings doesn’t end there, with a San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XXIV Champions ring, a 1926 New York Yankees multi-signed baseball autographed by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a set of 1920s-30s St. Louis Cardinals contract agreements signed by the venerable Branch Rickey.
Running through June 13 on Freeman’s/Hindman’s website, this auction opens the door to the rich tapestry of sports history, inviting enthusiasts and collectors to own a piece of this storied past. Whether your passion lies in basketball, baseball, or the broader spectrum of American sports, this auction caters to a wide array of interests, promising a treasure trove of memorabilia for every collector out there.
