Freeman’s/Hindman is currently hosting a captivating sports memorabilia auction that is not to be missed. At the heart of this auction is a complete set of 1984-85 Star Company basketball cards, a rare find that includes the highly coveted Michael Jordan rookie card. What makes these cards even more special is that they come in their original team bags, preserving the nostalgia of how they were sold decades ago. With 288 cards in tow, this set is expected to fetch a hefty sum of between $50,000 and $70,000, owing to the rarity of such a complete collection and the undying appeal of Michael Jordan in the world of sports collectibles.
The significance of the Star Company’s venture into NBA trading cards in the early 1980s cannot be overstated. When Topps decided not to renew its contract, Star seized the opportunity and produced cards that were primarily distributed through mail orders and handpicked hobby shops and sporting events. This limited accessibility has made the remaining sets, especially those still in their original packaging, incredibly rare and valuable.
While basketball steals the spotlight with the Michael Jordan rookie card, baseball enthusiasts will also find treasures in this auction. Among them are three autographed baseballs signed by none other than the legendary Babe Ruth, one of them being a mini baseball showcasing Ruth’s bold and clear signature right on the sweet spot. These items serve as a poignant reminder of Ruth’s enduring legacy and are a must-have for collectors of historical sports memorabilia.
The auction doesn’t stop there. It also boasts other remarkable Jordan cards from his rookie season, including the 1984 Gold Medalist No. 195 and the 1985 Rookie of the Year No. 288, along with a PSA 8 graded 1986-87 Fleer rookie card of Jordan. Vintage card aficionados will delight in rare finds such as a 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. With multiple Mickey Mantle cards from the 1950s and 60s also up for grabs, this auction is a treasure trove for collectors of iconic sports figures.
The auction’s allure extends beyond cards to include a varied selection of sports-related collectibles. Standout items include a San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XXIV Champions ring, a 1926 New York Yankees multi-signed baseball bearing the autographs of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a cluster of 1920s-30s St. Louis Cardinals contract agreements signed by the esteemed Branch Rickey.
Running through June 13 on the Freeman’s/Hindman website, this auction not only showcases the rich tapestry of history woven into these collectibles but also provides sports enthusiasts and collectors alike with a chance to claim a slice of that history for themselves. Whether your passion lies in basketball, baseball, or the overarching narrative of American sports, this auction promises a little something for every collector on the hunt for a piece of sports history.
