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

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

These exquisite basketball hot boxes have been something of intrigue to me, as I think they are an interesting concept.  Not only does it bring in the harcore player collector into the “must-have” mindset, but it creates another chase element of the high-end product.  Granted, we no longer have Upper Deck Exquisite basketball, but they still seem to sell for some really good money.

I showed the Durant auction last week, which is still listed for $10K with Best Offer.  Now, two of them actually sold and they are just as awesome.  I am trying to find a full checklist if players and will show any more sales as I come across them.

Larry Bird Player Box #’d 2/5 (Cards inside #’d /33)

Lebron James Player Box #’d 10/23 (Cards inside are #’d /23)

(Seems like a steal for 4 different Lebron Autographs)

I reported earlier on the new Panini Hall Of Fame Dream Team Autographs and their potential craziness on the eBay market.  Well, it’s even crazier than anyone though and still climbing.  Some auctions were being bought immediately in the $150-250 range for players, but now the prices have almost doubled on a few since the product hit.

Check out some of the recent sales…

Scottie Pippen #’d /49 & Auction #2 – $180/$200 increase in a week!

Magic Johnson #’d /44 – $200 increase in a week!

Chris Mullin #’d /49 – $50 increase in a week! One more listed.

Clyde Drexler #’d /49 – Only one to sell so far. One more listed.

Larry Bird #’d /49 - $200 increase in a week!

It’s also worth noting that we have yet to see any of the following players hit the market.  Either they are too tough to pull, or people aren’t breaking a lot of the product.

Christian Laettner
David Robinson
Charles Barkley
Patrick Ewing
Karl Malone

I feel sorry for any deep pocketed collector trying to make this Dream Team Set.