This week’s edition of The Curator includes headliners from two of the NBA’s biggest stars. We’ll also be highlighting Pele, non-sports cards, Sunday night’s Lions-Packers showdown, and of course a few lower grades of Collectable assets. As always, let’s kick off with the headliners:
Super Mario 64 ‘96 N64 WATA 9.6 A++
A technological advancement over previous Mario games, Super Mario 64 introduced 3D gameplay to the franchise while sticking with its traditional roots. This sealed copy is graded a 9.6 A++ by WATA.
Wayne Gretzky ‘79 O-Pee-Chee SGC 9
The Great One’s O-Pee-Chee rookie card is arguably the holy grail of hockey cardboard. The asset is graded an SGC Mint 9 – one of just 14 at the grade level with a single example higher.
Tom Brady ‘00 Contenders Championship Ticket RC BGS 9 Error
The #6 card on PWCC’s “Iconic 100” list, this version of Brady’s premier rookie card is missing the autograph and serial numbering.It is one of only two graded examples of the iconic card, with the offered BGS 9 the higher of the two.
Roberto Clemente ‘65-’68 Game Used Bat - PSA/DNA GU 9
A special keepsake from one of the most revered batsmen in baseball history, this Louisville Slugger hails from a stretch of Clemente’s career in which he won a pair of batting titles and his only MVP award.
Superman ‘40 Superman #1 PSA 6.5
Two years after his comic debut, the 1940 R145 Superman set was released and The Man of Steel got his first card. Graded a PSA 6.5, it is one of two at the EX-MT+ level with just seven higher.
Stephen Curry ‘22 “Elite” James Fiorentino Painting
Celebrated artist James Fiorentino exquisitely rendered this watercolor masterpiece of four-time NBA Champion Stephen Curry stepping back into one of countless three-pointers. Signed in bold blue ink by the sharpshooter, the painting measures 22×30”.
Swamp Thing ‘71 House of Secrets #92 CGC 9.8
The first appearance of the Swamp Thing is one of the most desirable comics of the 1970s, with just 1% of all CGC graded examples reaching the 9.8 level. Ranked #6 on Overstreet’s “Tops 25 Bronze Age Comics” list in 2022.
Patrick Mahomes II ‘19 Kaboom Green BGS 9.5 #’d 1/1
An explosive insert, Absolute’s Kaboom! set has become one of the “most iconic case hits that Panini has ever created.” The green parallel is serial numbered 1/1, making it one of the finest non-rookie cards of the QB ever printed.
Michael Jordan ‘97 Ultra Stars Gold BGS 9.5
The 1997-98 NBA season brought Michael Jordan many things: his fifth MVP award, 10th scoring title, an iconic shot over Byron Russell, a sixth championship ring, and card #1 in Ultra’s Stars insert set. Graded a BGS 9.5.
Kobe Bryant ‘97 Ultra Stars Gold BGS 9.5
A dazzling specimen from a set that “was and continues to be special,” according to PWCC, this second-year Kobe Bryant Ultra Stars Gold parallel is graded a BGS 9.5 and renders a striking image of the young legend soaring to the hoop.
Kobe Bryant ‘00 Ultimate Collection Signatures Super BGS 9.5 1/1
The Black Mamba’s first 1/1 autograph in an Upper Deck product is a beauty, showcasing the young Bryant scoring over a hapless Timberwolves defender. Graded a BGS 9.5 with a 10/10 blue ink autograph.
Bo Jackson ‘86 Kansas City Royals Rookie Jersey - Photomatched
An exciting offering that is sure to bring a sense of nostalgia to collectors of a certain era, this powder blue Kansas City Royals jersey was donned by Bo Jackson during his 1986 rookie campaign. Photomatched by Sports investors Authentication.