It was a seldom seen redemption card from 2007-08 Bowman Sterling Basketball that featured the best Larry Bird & Magic Johnson autographed card.  Sure, we’ve seen plenty of their dual autos from Upper Deck and Topps, all using the new technology and featuring game-used items.  This card was something even better and only 10 copies were available.

This redemption card was for an authentic 1981 Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie card, signed in gold ink and hand #’d /10 copies.

By the looks of this auction, Topps had a strict deadline for these and sent back any expired redemptions with a company seal (Ouch, that’s pretty bad).  Anyone that actually pulled one from packs and sent into Topps in time, got one these pictured below.

The card came graded by BGS w/ the Topps logo, although I’m not sure why they used a gold label for a “7″ grade.  Despite that, the card is one truly amazing collectable and judging by this auction (has a reserve), they are rare and extremely expensive.

If these are too rich for your blood, check out some of these other Bird/Magic autographs available.  One of them might fit well in your collection and you can celebrate one of the best basketball rivalries ever.

1993-94 Skybox Hoops Certified Dual Auto (The Original & Classic Card from the 90′s!)

2006-07 Topps Luxury Box Dual Auto Jersey /79

2008-09 UD Exquisite Dual Auto /25

2010 UD Ultimate Collection Dual Auto /25

and one of the most incredible looking cards Upper Deck has ever released (thus making it VERY expensive)…

2007-08 UD Chronology Dual Auto /10

Just as these have started to completely dry up and see some crazy prices, a Las Vegas base seller listed one of each Panini Hall Of Fame Dream Team Autos for sale via auction format.  Some of them are getting out of hand early, but others are still sitting low.

If you have any thoughts of buying your favorite Dream Team player or want to make the set, this is your chance.  That holiday money should help your wallet feel a little better after it’s all said and done.

Chris Mullin

Clyde Drexler

Scottie Pippen

Magic Johnson

John Stockton

It should be noted that we have still not seen a single copy of these players.  I’m starting to think they never were produced, but Panini hasn’t disclosed any info.

Christian Laettner
David Robinson
Charles Barkley
Patrick Ewing
Karl Malone

Over the years, the hobby has reacted to some strange things on cardboard.  Dead Bugs.  Game used foul pole netting. Game Used Dirt.  On-Card Autos (They touched the card!!!).  Historical DNA pieces.

Perhaps the biggest stigma in the hobby is that specific serial numbers in a print run sell for more money.  Many believe that the first and last always command a premium.  Others think that’s pure crap and only the depicted player’s jersey number commands a premium.

I’m happy to announce that the jersey number theory is clrealy alive and well.

We brought you some market info on the Panini Hall Of Fame Dream Team Autos, which have been the hottest basketball singles of the year.  They regularly command $200-$400+ depending on the player, but these two auctions are just plain insane.

Scottie Pippen Dream Team Autograph #’d 8/49

Clyde Drexler Dream Team Autpograph #’d 10/49

If you were looking for more of these sweet autographs for your collection, these are the only ones listed at the moment.  With the low print runs, good luck finding them next year.  I’m sure many of these will be locked away in personal collections.

Chris Mullin

Clyde Drexler

John Stockton

Larry Bird

There once was a time when the NBA had a young successor to Michael Jordan and everyone loved him.  He had his team, his city, and the league in his pocket, with the ability to do no wrong.

Then, we had “the decision” and everything changed in one fell swoop. Lebron James went from the NBA’s favorite superstar to exiled, hated, and fan divided overnight.

Usually, when a player joins a star studded team in a bigger market, they are looked in a positive light.  Their cards see an uptick on the market and people stash them away for a big return on investment.  In this case, collectors were severely divided and the market showed this almost immediately.  Cards that were usually the hottest sellers, instantly took a hit.

The card pictured above usually should have sold for at least $700, and possibly would have gone even higher.  Instead, it sells for a low price of $300.  It’s quite amazing how much of a difference a new market and the public’s perception can have on a player. Even cards his top rookie card, 2003-04 UD Exquisite has dropped to the $6k range, which is unheard of for such a monumental rookie.

It’s unclear if he will ever return to the same hobby stardom again, but it’s safe to say that no player is a safe investment.  Even all the people crowning Kevin Durant as the next “do-no-wrong” player should remember the Lebron James market collapse.