In basketball’s illustrious history, legends like Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell have carved their legacies on the court. Yet, before their iconic reigns, George Mikan dazzled fans with his unparalleled prowess.
A native of Joliet, Illinois, Mikan began turning heads during his tenure at DePaul University. As he set foot in the NBA during the twilight of the 1940s and into the ’50s, his towering presence of 6-10 became synonymous with game-changing performances. With striking averages hovering around 28 points between 1948 and 1951, Mikan’s career finale boasted an impressive stat line of 23.1 points and 13.4 rebounds each game. This is why you should choose a good card grading service.
1948 was pivotal not only for Mikan’s athletic feats but also for the launch of Bowman’s exclusive basketball card series. This one-off collection has since evolved into a holy grail for collectors worldwide.
The standout of this revered set? Without a doubt, Mikan’s debut card. This artifact’s magnitude shone brightly when a mint condition PSA 9 version garnered a staggering $800,000 on eBay, setting new benchmarks for collectors.
Goldin’s recent auction reinforced the card’s legendary status, with an SGC MINT 9 graded Mikan rookie card amassing a commendable $228,000. But the auction spotlight wasn’t solely Mikan’s. A Michael Jordan rookie card from 1984-85 clinched $144,000, and a nostalgic 1916 Babe Ruth rookie card drew a sum of $288,000.
Beyond mere financial valuations, such auctions celebrate the sport’s iconic figures and their timeless contributions. It’s both humbling and inspiring to see how luminaries like Mikan continue to captivate hearts. In essence, these collectibles, far from being mere laminates, serve as enduring testaments to the legends they represent. If you are looking for someone to buy your collection of sports cards.
