Introduction
Elegantly navigating through the courts during the 90s, Allen Iverson became a name synonymous with awe-inspiring moves and an undeniable prowess in basketball. For those reminiscing about the good old days of watching Iverson play, his basketball cards from that era aren’t just collectibles but treasured tokens of splendid memories. The world of Allen Iverson basketball cards from the 90s opens a fascinating dialogue between the past and the present, intricately weaving tales of sport, investment, and avid collecting.
Allen Iverson’s Impact in the 90s Basketball Realm
Iverson wasn’t merely a player; he was a phenomenon that swept the basketball world off its feet. His influence permeated beyond the court, marking a noticeable impact on the basketball card market, particularly during the zenith of his career. Iverson’s signature moves, such as the killer crossover, weren’t merely spectacles but were emblematic of his unmatched playing style that subsequently played a pivotal role in determining the value and demand of his trading cards among collectors and fans.
Scarcity and Value of Allen Iverson Cards
With a remarkable career comes scarcity, especially in the realm of trading cards where every dribble and slam dunk of Iverson’s career translated into heightened value for his cards. Various factors, including career milestones, card condition, and rarity, play a pivotal role in the evaluation of card prices. Examining notable auction sales and records provides a sneak peek into the captivating world where Iverson’s cards become hot commodities, often fetching astounding prices at auctions.
The Intricacies of Basketball Card Collecting
Card collecting isn’t merely an acquisition of items but an immersive experience that intertwines passion with investment. The grading system of cards significantly impacts their market price, so understanding the nuances of grading becomes indispensable for collectors. Moreover, adept knowledge of storage and preservation techniques ensures that the cards retain their condition and value over the decades. Read more about grading your sports cards
Investment Perspectives on Iverson Cards
While nostalgia plays a pivotal role in collecting, from an investment perspective, predicting future value and rarity and understanding the risks and rewards involved in investing in basketball cards, especially pertaining to a legend like Iverson, is crucial.
Without any further ado, let’s jump into the list!
Note: Always remember that investing in trading cards involves risks, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Always conduct thorough research or consult with a professional before making investment decisions.
➡️ Watch the full video of this list on YouTube
15. 1999 NBA Hoops – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: Pure Players
Card Number: #PP7
Serial Number: 196/500
Grade: BGS 9.5 (Gem Mint Condition)
Auction House: PWCC Auctions
Sold Date: January 2023
Price: $750
Check the prices of 1999 Hoops Pure Players cards on eBay
Noteworthy: The “Pure Players” inserts were randomly included in 1999 Skybox NBA Hoops hobby boxes and limited to 500 pieces. Despite Jordan not featuring in this set, Iverson’s BGS 9.5 pulled a decent price of $750, presenting potentially affordable investment options. The absence of Michael Jordan might slightly dampen values, which could be a relevant factor for collectors and investors to consider.
14. 1999 Skybox Premium – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: More Good Stuff
Card Number: #9
Serial Number: 79/99
Grade: PSA 7 (Near Mint Condition)
Auction House: Goldin Auctions
Sold Date: July 2023
Price: $790
Check the prices of 1999 More Good Stuff cards on eBay
Noteworthy: These inserts were randomly found in ’99 Skybox Premium hobby boxes, creating a parallel to the “Good Stuff” inserts, which were approximately one per box. Not only rare but also possessing intriguing designs, these cards have seen a notable value increase since 2018 when an Iverson PSA 10 was sold for $588. A PSA 7 now fetches $790, spotlighting the investment potential despite the limited card count.
13. 1998 Skybox Thunder – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: Noyz Boyz Diecut
Card Number: #8
Grade: BGS 9 (Mint Condition)
Auction House: PWCC Auctions
Sold Date: July 2022
Price: $840
Check the prices of 1998 Noyz Boyz cards on eBay
Noteworthy: “Noyz Boyz”, encapsulating notable players like Iverson, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant, were inserted 1 in 300 packs, making them quite rare. The design, involving detailed die-cut techniques on the letters and figures, poses a grading challenge, thus elevating the allure of high-grade versions. Despite their pull difficulty and captivating design and name, these cards could still experience value growth, offering an attractive prospect for investors and collectors.
12. 1999 Fleer Tradition – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: Game Breakers
Card Number: #8
Serial Number: 65/100
Grading: PSA 7 (Near Mint Condition)
Auction House: PWCC Auctions
Sold Date: May 2023
Price: $1,230
Check the prices of 1999 Game Breakers cards on eBay
Noteworthy: Despite the Fleer Tradition brand producing numerous notable cards, “Game Breakers” stands out with its die-cut and being limited to 100, making them a rarity from this line. Additionally, it’s crucial for collectors to ensure the card positioning within its case, as discrepancies have been noted, particularly with PSA cases. Choose cards graded SGC for an upright and straight-looking card.
11. 1999 Skybox Premium – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: Club Vertical
Card Number: #10
Serial Number: 68/100
Grade: PSA 6 (Excellent to Mint Condition)
Auction House: PWCC Auctions
Sold Date: May 2023
Price: $1,260
Check the prices of 1999 Club Vertical cards on eBay
Noteworthy: Skybox Premium strikes again with another fascinating insert, limited to 100. Although this particular Iverson card fetched a hefty price even with a PSA 6 grading, it sheds light on the potential return on investment from this era and card brand.
10. 1997 Skybox E-X2001 – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: Jambalaya Diecut
Card Number: #1
Grade: PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint Condition)
Auction House: PWCC Auctions
Sold Date: August 2023
Price: $1,650
Check the prices of 1997 Jambalaya cards on eBay
Noteworthy: The ‘Jambalaya’ inserts are acknowledged for their design and scarcity, inserted at a rate of 1 in 720 packs. Prices have seen fluctuations; a BGS 9.5 was sold for $1,975 in March 2020, while a PSA 8 fetched $1,735 in July 2021. The slightly decreased value for Iverson in this context juxtaposed against surges for Jordan and Kobe inserts creates an interesting dialog for potential investors and collectors.
9. 1997 Metal Universe Championship – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: Championship Galaxy
Card Number: #2
Grade: PSA 10 (Gem Mint Condition)
Auction House: PWCC Auctions
Sold Date: December 2022
Price: $1,740
Check the prices of 1997 Galaxy cards on eBay
Noteworthy: Found at a rate of 1 in 192 packs in 1997’s Metal Universe Championship basketball preview hobby boxes, the “Championship Galaxy” inserts are known for their vibrant galactic designs and the inclusion of luminary players like Jordan and Kobe. A PSA 10 Iverson from this set represents a potentially understated gem, given the set’s general popularity and design appeal.
8. 1998 UD Choice – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: StarQuest Insert (Gold Parallel)
Card Number: SQ20
Grade: BGS 8 (Near Mint to Mint)
Auction House: PWCC Auctions
Sold Date: October 2022
Price: $2,070
Check the prices of 1998 Starquest cards on eBay
Noteworthy: The UD Choice’s StarQuest Inserts presented in multiple sports categories gave collectors a vivid selection to chase. Iverson’s Gold Parallel, particularly striking due to its serial numbering (25/100) and 4-star rarity, demands collector attention for its scarcity and market availability, reflecting a compelling story of supply and demand. There are Blue, Green and Red parallels as well, which are much more common than the Gold.
7. 1998 Skybox EX Century – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: Essential Credentials Parallel
Card Number: #75
Grade: PSA 10 (Gem Mint)
Auction House: PWCC Auctions
Sold Date: April 2023
Price: $6,000
➡️ Watch the Instagram Reel on this card
Check the prices of 1998 Essential Credential cards on eBay
Noteworthy: A card of noteworthy significance due to its dual appeal of rarity and condition, with this Essential Credentials Parallel holding an elite status among parallels in the collecting world. The serial numbering to 86 and a PSA 10 population of only two amplifies its investment and collectible appeal, striking a delicate balance between nostalgic value and modern collecting appeal.
6. 1997 Metal Universe – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: Platinum Portrait Insert
Card Number: #8
Grading: PSA 10 (Gem Mint)
Auction House: PWCC Auctions
Sold Date: April 2023
Price: $6,250
Check the prices of 1997 Platinum Portrait cards on eBay
Noteworthy: With an insertion ratio of 1 in 288 packs, the Platinum Portrait inserts from 1997 Metal Universe stand as rare treasures from the era. Iverson’s representation in PSA 10, being one of merely five, generates an aura of exclusivity and presents a substantial position in the landscape of basketball card collecting and investment.
5. 1997 Fleer Ultra – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: Stars Gold Insert Parallel
Card Number: #2
Grading: BGS 9.5 (Gem Mint)
Auction House: Goldin Auctions
Sold Date: March 2023
Price: $6,284
Check the prices of 1997 Ultra Stars cards on eBay
Noteworthy: Distributed in series one packs at a probability of one in 288, this collection of 20 cards showcases some of the NBA’s premier athletes. A notable 10% of the production run features a distinctive gold foil, contrasting with the more prevalent silver foil variant.
As a luminary parallel, the Fleer Ultra’s Stars Gold variances have established a stronghold in collector preference over their silver counterparts. Its elevated status, especially in higher grades, speaks not only to its tangible quality but also to the rarity and inherent market stability found within these particular issues.
4. 1998 Fleer Tradition – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: Playmakers Theater Insert
Card Number: #10 PT
Grading: PSA 8 (Near Mint to Mint)
Auction House: Goldin Auctions
Sold Date: March 2023
Price: $7,499
Check the prices of 1998 Playmakers Theatre cards on eBay
Noteworthy: The aesthetic charm and scarcity (41/100) of this card draw a direct parallel with the market dynamics experienced by its contemporaries (Jordan and Kobe) in 2023. Its potential trajectory for appreciation and growth might witness substantial elevation, taking cues from the surging values and demand within the Playmakers Theater subset.
3. 1997 Skybox Premium – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: Star Rubies Parallel
Card Number: #45
Grading: PSA 9 (Mint)
Auction House: Goldin Auctions
Sold Date: January 2023
Price: $16,234.73
Check the prices of 1997 Star Rubies cards on eBay
Noteworthy: Despite evident issues like discoloration possibly linked to oxidization, this card (25/50) remains a heavyweight in collector circles. The Star Rubies Parallel, with its limited availability and distinct aesthetic, underlines the enduring allure and market stability of visually distinct and quantitatively scarce collectibles within the basketball card milieu.
2. 1997 Metal Universe – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: Precious Metal Gems Red
Card Number: #43
Grading: BGS 8 (Near Mint to Mint)
Auction House: PWCC Auctions
Sold Date: September 2022
Price: $25,200
Check the prices of 1997 Precious Metal Gems cards on eBay
Noteworthy: This card, numbered 59/100, has become a hot topic in collector’s circles, sparking lots of chat about its visual beauty and grading. Simply, it’s a vibrant symbol of the ongoing conversation about the balance between how a card looks and its official graded condition, especially when we’re talking about high-value PMG Red assets.
Watch the YouTube #Short of Iverson’s Red PMG
These cards are turning heads in the card-collecting world due to their standout looks, scarcity, and featuring some of the top players ever. Fun fact: only 90 of the Red PMGs are out there because Fleer made the first 10 cards of each player in a different, green foil. They’re among the first-ever chase cards in the hobby, and also some of the first-ever to have serial numbers, making them super collectible and valuable.
1. 1997 Metal Universe Championship – Allen Iverson
Insert/Parallel: Precious Metal Gems Parallel
Card Number: #61
Grading: BGS 8.5 (Near Mint-Mint Plus)
Auction House: PWCC
Sold Date: October 2022
Price: $27,500
Check the prices of 1998 Precious Metal Gems cards on eBay
Noteworthy: With a serial number of 12/50, the debates surrounding condition versus grading highlight the nuanced and multifaceted nature of card collecting and investing. This card, with its alluring visual presence and graded intricacies, acts as a focal point, shedding light on the perpetual balancing act between tangible card quality, grading considerations, and market dynamics.
FAQ: Allen Iverson Basketball Cards from the 90s
What Allen Iverson cards are worth money?
Several Allen Iverson cards from the 90s hold significant value in the market. Some notable ones include:
- 1997 Metal Universe Championship – Precious Metal Gems Parallel
- 1997 Metal Universe – Precious Metal Gems Red Parallel
- 1997 Skybox Premium – Star Rubies Parallel
- 1998 Fleer Tradition – Playmakers Theater Insert
- 1997 Fleer Ultra – Stars Gold Insert Parallel
Values can vary based on the card’s condition, rarity, and the grading provided by trusted agencies like PSA or BGS.
What is the best Iverson card?
The 1997 Metal Universe Championship – Allen Iverson card with the Precious Metal Gems Parallel is often considered one of the best and most valuable Iverson cards, especially considering its sale price of $27,500 in a BGS 8.5 (Near Mint-Mint Plus) condition. Its combination of rarity (with a serial number of 12/50), vibrant design, and the era’s popularity contributes significantly to its standing in the market.
Are Allen Iverson basketball cards worth money?
Yes, many Allen Iverson basketball cards can be quite valuable, especially those from the 90s that are in excellent condition, have a low print run, or belong to a popular set or subset. Cards that are graded highly by recognized grading companies like PSA or BGS tend to fetch higher prices in the market. Iverson, being a notable player with a significant impact on the sport, has maintained a desirable status among collectors.
What are some rare Allen Iverson cards?
Some of the rare and highly sought-after Allen Iverson cards include:
- 1997 Metal Universe Championship – Precious Metal Gems Parallel: Serial numbered to 50 and recognized for its vibrant metallic design.
- 1997 Metal Universe – Precious Metal Gems Red: This card is also serial-numbered and known for its distinct red metallic shine.
- 1997 Skybox Premium – Star Rubies Parallel: With only 50 copies in existence, it is another crucial find for collectors.
- 1998 UD Choice – Star Quest Insert (Gold Parallel): Especially scarce and desirable, with its distinct gold tonality and serial numbering.
Note: While some cards are rare and valuable, condition and grading play a pivotal role in determining their exact market value. Always research recent sales and auction results to understand the current market standing of a particular card.
From a young age, Matt dove deep into sports card valuation, turning to esteemed price guides like Beckett and Tuff Stuff. Eventually he extended to Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. With a vision to sustain and nurture the hobby he loved, Matt established the ‘Graded Card Investor’ YouTube channel and website. He aims to foster a healthy community and offer invaluable insights to those entering the world of sports cards and TCGs. His depth of understanding, from the card market’s 2020 pinnacle to its 1990s valleys, is consistently fortified by meticulous research.
