Kobe Bryant rookie cards have been one of the most popular alternative investment purchases over the last few years, particularly since his passing. Kobe Bean Bryant was born to play basketball. He was born in Philadelphia, the youngest of three children, the only son of Pamela Cox Bryant and former NBA player Joe Bryant.
During host time in the league, he was well respected and regarded as one of the best basketball in the NBA. During his career, Kobe won five NBA championships, took home the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2008, and has too many scoring titles to count.
Trending:
50 Best Michael Jordan Basketball Cards
BELOW: Watch Lobe drop 81 points vs the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006.
Not only are Kobe cards a tremendous long-term investment, but when compared to similar cards, they outperform in the short term by a country mile.
If you are a first-time sports card buyer as an alternative investment, you can’t do much better than a Kobe Bryant basketball card. Let’s look at the top 10 Kobe Byrant rookie cards in terms of long-term return on investment over the next 20 years.
15. 1996 Fleer Skybox E-X2000 Star Date 2000 #3
A great starter Kobe rookie card at an affordable price. The non-graded 1996 Kobe Bryant Fleer Skybox E-X2000 Star Date rookie card recently sold on eBay for $660 and had a total of 71 bids. A super popular card combined with a solid long-term return on investment.
14. 1996 Kobe Bryant Flair Showcase Legacy Collection /150 RC #31
Collecting 1996-97 Flair Showcase is a daunting task, with three distinct base sets, titled A Row, B Row, and C Row. There are 270 base cards in the set, with differing odds of pulling specific cards. The 1996-97 Flair Showcase set is known for being the first basketball card product to feature serial-numbered cards.
One of the set’s most valuable cards is Kobe Bryant’s #31 rookie card, which is part of the Legacy Collection, of which each card is serial-numbered to only 150 copies.
Considering this is the first basketball set that features serial-numbered cards and features Kobe Bryant’s rookie card, this is a true grail in the sports collecting landscape.
PSA Population Report
A Row:
- 7 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 16 PSA 9 Mint
- 15 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
B Row:
- 9 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 30 PSA 9 Mint
- 21 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
C Row:
- 3 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 24 PSA 9 Mint
- 23 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
A Row:
- PSA 10 – $233,700 – 5/24/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
- PSA 9 – $40,590 – 6/7/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
- PSA 7 – $44,280 – 4/6/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
B Row:
- PSA 10 – $96,000 – 11/20/2021 (Heritage Auctions)
- PSA 9 – $11,172.09 – 4/1/2022 (Mile High Card Company)
- PSA 8 – $10,300 – 1/25/2022 (eBay)
C Row:
- PSA 9 – $435.00 – 5/17/2021 (eBay)
13. 1996 E-X2000 Credentials Kobe Bryant RC /499 #30
Card number 17 on the list delved into Kobe Bryant’s base card from 1996 E-X2000, and now we’re going to pivot to his Credentials variation, one of the most valuable Kobe cards in existence. Kobe Bryant’s #30 Credentials rookie card is similar in design to his base, though it features a white border instead of green.
While Bryant’s base card (0.004% earning a PSA 10) is significantly more condition-sensitive than his Credentials insert (0.04%), his Credentials card is precious due to being serial-numbered to just 499 copies.
Bryant’s PSA-10 graded 1996 E-X2000 Credentials is one of the most sought-after basketball cards, recently conveying $617,460 in October 2021.
PSA Population Report
- 4 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 22 PSA 9 Mint
- 17 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
- PSA 10 – $617,460 – 10/27/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
- PSA 9 – $54,000 – 8/28/2022 (Heritage Auctions)
- PSA 8 – $78,000 – 2/24/2021 (Heritage Auctions)
12. 1996 Kobe Bryant Topps Youthquake RC #G15
A nice-looking Kobe rookie card that won’t cost a small fortune, even at top grades. Kobe Bryant’s highly coveted Youthquake insert arises from 1996-97 Topps Chrome, one of the most coveted hobby boxes from the 90s due to the demand for Bryant’s rookie cards.
Evidently, the YouthQuake checklist features 15 of the most promising NBA rookies from the class of 1996, highlighted by Kobe Bryant, the 15th card of the checklist. YouthQuake insert card from 1996-97 Topps Chrome can be found in one of every 12 packs.
Bryant’s YouthQuake insert is one of his most cost-effective yet investable rookie cards, with PSA 10’s conveying low four figures.
PSA Population Report
- 77 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 441 PSA 9 Mint
- 268 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
- PSA 10 – $3,119 – PA 1/18/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 9 – $420.00 – 5/23/2022 (Robert Edward Auctions)
- PSA 8 – $227.50 – 9/20/2022 (eBay)
11. 1996 Topps Draft Redemption Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #DP13
1996-97 Topps Basketball was issued in two series, as well as in a factory set. Given that the set also features 1996 NBA Draft Pick Redemption cards, awarded to collectors based on the players’ draft pick position. As Kobe Bryant was drafted as the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft out of Lower Merion High School, he’s the number 13 card in the Draft Pick Redemption checklist.
Bryant’s Draft Pick Redemption card is one of his loudest rookie cards, depicting a holographic Kobe zooming through the air for an emphatic finger roll.
Yet another critical point to note is Bryant’s 1996-97 Topps Draft Pick Redemption rookie card is among his most underrated. Yet, a PSA 10 recently fetched $6,300 through Robert Edward Auctions.
PSA Population Report
- 68 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 265 PSA 9 Mint
- 394 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
- PSA 10 – $6,300 – 4/25/2022 (Robert Edward Auctions)
- PSA 9 – $895.00 – 8/3/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 8 – $625.00 – 3/2/2022 (eBay)
10. 1996 Kobe Bryant SP RC #134
1996-97 SP Basketball features a 146-card base set and introduces one of the most cost-effective Kobe Bryant rookie cards. The first 126 cards of the set are dedicated to NBA veterans, while the final 20 cards introduce the most promising NBA rookies of the 1996 rookie class.
Kobe Bryant is depicted resting his head on an official NBA game ball in his 1996-97 SP rookie card on the front, while a livelier Bryant is taking on an entire defense on the reverse.
Hobbyists can purchase 1996-97 SP Basketball hobby boxes for as low as $30, a small price to potentially acquire Steve Nash, Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, and Kobe Bryant rookie cards.
PSA Population Report
- 1,016 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 4,319 PSA 9 Mint
- 3,954 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
- PSA 10 – $350.00 – 9/28/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 9 – $61.00 – 9/25/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 8 – $27.00 – 9/26/2022 (eBay)
9. 1996 Kobe Bryant Upper Deck Exclusives RC Insert #R10
1996-97 Upper Deck was issued in two series, with series two offering the Rookie Exclusives checklist, paying homage to the 1996-97 NBA rookie class.
Upper Deck features two distinct Rookie Exclusives cards; one numbered R10 and the other being the much rarer R10 Sample card. Bryant’s R10 rookie card has a PSA population of 2,198, while the R10 Sample card only has a PSA population of 61.
Bryant’s R10 Rookie Exclusives Sample rookie card bears a realistic basketball textured background on the front, and several Q & A’s with Kobe on the reverse.
Surprisingly the most recent 1996-97 Upper Deck Exclusives Kobe Bryant R10 rookie card graded a PSA 10 sold for only $600, while a PSA 10 graded R10 Sample rookie card obtained four figures.
PSA Population Report
- 9 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 37 PSA 9 Mint
- 10 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
- PSA 10 – $1,125.60 – 7/24/2022 (Heritage Auctions)
- PSA 9 – $624.25 – 3/21/2021 (eBay)
8. 1996 Kobe Bryant Flair Showcase Legacy Collection /150 RC #31
Collecting the 1996-97 Flair Showcase is a daunting task, with three distinct base sets: A Row, B Row, and C Row. There are 270 base cards in the set, with differing odds of pulling specific cards. The 1996-97 Flair Showcase set is known for being the first basketball card product to feature serial-numbered cards.
One of the set’s most valuable cards is Kobe Bryant’s #31 rookie card, which is part of the Legacy Collection, of which each card is serial-numbered to only 150 copies.
Considering this is the first basketball set that features serial-numbered cards and features Kobe Bryant’s rookie card, this is a true grail in the sports collecting landscape.
PSA Population Report
A Row:
- 7 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 16 PSA 9 Mint
- 15 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
B Row:
- 9 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 30 PSA 9 Mint
- 21 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
C Row:
- 3 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 24 PSA 9 Mint
- 23 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
A Row:
- PSA 10 – $233,700 – 5/24/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
- PSA 9 – $40,590 – 6/7/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
- PSA 7 – $44,280 – 4/6/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
B Row:
- PSA 10 – $96,000 – 11/20/2021 (Heritage Auctions)
- PSA 9 – $11,172.09 – 4/1/2022 (Mile High Card Company)
- PSA 8 – $10,300 – 1/25/2022 (eBay)
C Row:
- PSA 9 – $435.00 – 5/17/2021 (eBay)
7. 1996 Kobe Bryant Flair Showcase Legacy Collection /150 RC #31
Collecting the 1996-97 Flair Showcase is a daunting task, with three distinct base sets: Row 0, Row 1, and Row 2. There are 270 base cards in the set, with differing odds of pulling specific cards. The 1996-97 Flair Showcase set is known for being the first basketball card product to feature serial-numbered cards.
One of the set’s most valuable cards is Kobe Bryant’s #31 rookie card, which is part of the Legacy Collection, of which each card is serial-numbered to only 150 copies.
Considering this is the first basketball set that features serial-numbered cards and features Kobe Bryant’s rookie card, this is a true grail in the sports collecting landscape.
PSA Population Report
A Row:
- 7 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 16 PSA 9 Mint
- 15 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
B Row:
- 9 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 30 PSA 9 Mint
- 21 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
C Row:
- 3 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 24 PSA 9 Mint
- 23 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
A Row:
- PSA 10 – $233,700 – 5/24/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
- PSA 9 – $40,590 – 6/7/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
- PSA 7 – $44,280 – 4/6/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
B Row:
- PSA 10 – $96,000 – 11/20/2021 (Heritage Auctions)
- PSA 9 – $11,172.09 – 4/1/2022 (Mile High Card Company)
- PSA 8 – $10,300 – 1/25/2022 (eBay)
C Row:
- PSA 9 – $435.00 – 5/17/2021 (eBay)
6. 1996 Kobe Bryant SkyBox E-X2000 #30
Although not the best-looking of his cards but by far the most significant pull of the 1996-97 SkyBox E-X2000 set. There are numerous Kobe Bryant rookie cards to obtain from the set, though his #30 card is by far the most desired. For now, we’ll strictly discuss Kobe’s #30 base card, one of 80 cards in the base set checklist.
While the outer border of Kobe’s #30 base card is dark green, a contrasting blue sky with scattered clouds is positioned behind Kobe while he aggressively drives through the lane.
Kobe’s #30 base card is extremely condition-sensitive, as only 24 out of 5,338 (0.004%) have warranted a PSA 10, and it is cemented as one of his most sought-after rookie cards.
PSA Population Report
- 24 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 798 PSA 9 Mint
- 2,095 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
- PSA 10 – $21,100 – 3/30/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 9 – $1,125 – 5/27/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 8 – $275 – 9/18/2022 (eBay)
5. 1996 Kobe Bryant Fleer 23KT Gold Purple Signature
And we thought the 1996 Kobe Topps Finest Gold Refractor card was dripping with gold; the 1996 Fleer Kobe 23kt beats it by a mile and a half. A super popular card with Kobe fanboys, but we prefer our card with a traditional flavor. Please give us a 1996 base Topps Kobe rookie card any day over this one.
Kobe Bryant’s 1996 Fleer 23KT Gold rookie card features an on-card purple signature of the Lakers icon, pictured releasing a one-handed jump shot.
Kobe’s 23KT Gold Purple Signature rookie card is one of his most condition-sensitive cards, with only eight of 149 cards meriting a PSA 10 (roughly 5%).
Although Kobe’s 23KT Gold Purple Signature rookie card is challenging to find in high grade, it’s one of the most cost-effective Kobe Bryant rookie cards on the list, with PSA 10 graded copies available for under $1,000.
PSA Population Report
- 8 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 64 PSA 9 Mint
- 68 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
- PSA 10 – $416.00 – 8/9/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 9 – $113.50 – 6/22/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 8 – $39.00 – 6/8/2022 (eBay)
4. 1996 Kobe Bryant Fleer 23KT Gold Purple Signature
And we thought the 1996 Kobe Topps Finest Gold Refractor card was dripping with gold; the 1996 Fleer Kobe 23kt beats it by a mile and a half. A super popular card with Kobe fanboys, but we prefer our card with a traditional flavor. Please give us a 1996 base Topps Kobe rookie card any day over this one.
Kobe Bryant’s 1996 Fleer 23KT Gold rookie card features an on-card purple signature of the Lakers icon, pictured releasing a one-handed jump shot.
Kobe’s 23KT Gold Purple Signature rookie card is one of his most condition-sensitive cards, with only eight of 149 cards meriting a PSA 10 (roughly 5%).
Although Kobe’s 23KT Gold Purple Signature rookie card is challenging to find in high grade, it’s one of the most cost-effective Kobe Bryant rookie cards on the list, with PSA 10 graded copies available for under $1,000.
PSA Population Report
- 8 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 64 PSA 9 Mint
- 68 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
- PSA 10 – $416.00 – 8/9/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 9 – $113.50 – 6/22/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 8 – $39.00 – 6/8/2022 (eBay)
3. 1996 Kobe Bryant Topps Finest Gold Refractor RC #269
One of the most stunning of all the Kobe basketball cards. It would fit right in at the Jersey shore with all that gold dripping from head to toe. Backpacking off Kobe’s #74 rookie card from 1996 Topps Finest is his #269 Gold Refractor card from the set. Kobe’s #74 rookie card was released in the first series, while Kobe’s #269 rookie card was featured in series two.
Bryant’s 1996 Topps Finest Gold Refractor rookie card is an Heir subset, depicting Kobe performing an acrobatic one-handed reverse layup.
Like Kobe’s #74 Topps Finest rookie card, his #269 card is also introduced as a base card and a refractor, both of which can be obtained with or without the clear coating.
PSA Population Report
Base:
- 40 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 91 PSA 9 Mint
- 54 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Base with Coating:
- 39 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 242 PSA 9 Mint
- 185 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Refractor:
- 26 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 51 PSA 9 Mint
- 11 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Refractor with Coating:
- 19 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 59 PSA 9 Mint
- 37 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
Base:
- PSA 10 – $3,950 – 4/27/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 9 – $2,100 – 12/9/2021 (eBay)
- PSA 8 – $610 – 8/3/2022 (eBay)
Base with Coating:
- PSA 10 – $6,765 – 8/11/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
- PSA 9 – $1,600 – 9/14/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 8 – $769 – 7/31/2022 (eBay)
Refractor:
- PSA 10 – $70,110 – 5/24/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
- PSA 9 – $25,108.08 – 4/20/2021 (eBay)
- PSA 8 – $15,100 – 3/4/2021 (eBay)
Refractor with Coating:
- PSA 10 – $55,350 – 8/11/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
- PSA 9 – $12,600 – 7/26/2021 Robert Edward Auctions)
- PSA 8 – $4,920 – 5/24/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
2. 1996 Kobe Bryant Topps Finest RC #74
1996-97 Topps Finest features arguably one of the most renowned rookie classes in recent memory, highlighted by the late Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, and Allen Iverson.
Topps released the treasured set in two series, each comprised of 24 packs of six cards. The first set contained cards #1 to #146 and presented the Apprentices, Gladiators, Maestros, and Sterling subsets. In contrast, the second set composed of cards #147 to #291, introducing the Foundations, Heirs, Mainstays, and Sterling subsets.
The most coveted Kobe Bryant rookie card from 1996 Topps Finest is dubbed Apprentices, highlighting Kobe soaring through the air for an emphatic one-handed jam.
What’s distinctive about 1996 Topps Finest is the transparent film or coating affixed to the top of each card, designed to protect the card’s surface. Hobbyists can collect multiple variations of Kobe Bryant’s #74 1996 Topps Finest rookie card, including his base card, a base card with coating, a refractor, and a refractor with coating.
PSA Population Report
Base:
- 978 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 1,979 PSA 9 Mint
- 577 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Base with Coating:
- 1,726 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 4,907 PSA 9 Mint
- 2,055 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Refractor:
- 8 PSA 10 Gem Mint
- 157 PSA 9 Mint
- 91 PSA 8 Near Mint-Mint
Past Graded Sales
Base:
- PSA 10 – $502.00 – 9/24/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 9 – $132.51 – 9/27/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 8 – $89.99 – 9/20/2022 (eBay)
Base with Coating:
- PSA 10 – $898.00 – 9/23/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 9 -$190.510 – 9/27/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 8 – $79.00 – 9/25/2022 (eBay)
Refractor:
- BGS Black Label 10 – $1,752,000 – March 2021 (Goldin Auctions)
- PSA 10 – $50,000 – 8/17/2020 (eBay)
- PSA 9 – $3,250 – 5/24/2022 (eBay)
- PSA 8 – $2,026.05 – 1/31/2022 (eBay)
Refractor with Coating:
- PSA 10 – $100,860 – 5/24/2021 (Goldin Auctions)
- PSA 9 – $5,500 – 1/28/2021 (eBay)
- PSA 8 – $4,050 – 7/21/2021 (eBay)
1. 1996 Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome (Refractor, Chrome, Base) RC #138
The 1996 Kobe Bryant Topps rookie card is an ROI cash cow, racking enormous profits for its investors. In short, not only is this card one of the best Kobe cards to invest in, but it is one of the best in the entire alternative investment realm.
Full Disclosure: CourtingGreatness is invested in five 1996 Kobe Bryant Chrome rookie cards at PSA 10 grades.
The card comes in three versions, with the highest being the refractor, the chrome, and the base. Thus the ROI should be similar regardless of the version (the chrome should be slightly higher than the other two).
PSA Population Report (Refractor)
- 63 at PSA 10 GEM MINT
- 286 at PSA 9 MINT
- 48 at PSA 8 NEAR MINT – MINT
Only 63 at a PSA 10 grade explains the 6-figure price tag below.
Past Graded Sales (Refractor)
- 8/28/2022 – PSA 10 – $156,000 (Heritage Auctions)
- 8/17/2022 – PSA 9 – $26,100 (EBAY)
- 7/11/2022 – PSA 8 – $10,300 (EBAY)
Checklist
Below is a Kobe rookie card checklist. If we have missed any cards, please email us at [email protected], and we will update the list ASAP.
- 1996 Topps Chrome #138
- 1996 Fleer Skybox E-X2000 Star Date 2000 #3
- 1996 Topps Stadium Club #R12
- 1996 Bowman’s Best #R23
- 1996 Collector’s Choice #267
- 1996 E-X2000 #30
-
1996 UD3 RC #19
- 1996 Fleer Metal #181
-
1996 Upper Deck Rookie Exclusives #R10
- 1996 SPX GOLD Rookie RC Die-Cut Holo #SPX-22
- 1996 Topps Finest Apprentices #74
- 1996 Flair Showcase Row 2 #31
- 1996 Hoops RC #281
- 1996 Fleer #203
- 1996 Metal #137
- 1996 SkyBox Premium #55
-
1996 Skybox E-X2000 Credentials #30
- 1996 Topps Draft Redemption #DP13
- 1996 Hoops RC #281
Is Kobe Bryant the GOAT?
No. Michael Jordan owns the GOAT title in the NBA. However, we rank Kobe number four behind MJ, Magic, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
- Michael Jordan
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Magic Johnson
- Kobe Bryant
- Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal
- Larry Bird
- Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain
- Tim Duncan aka “The Big Fundamental”
- Bill Russell
- Oscar Robertson
GOAT by Sport
- NFL: Tom Brady
- NBA: MJ
- NHL: Wayne Gretzky
- MLB: Babe Ruth
How much is Kobe Bryant’s basketball card worth?
A Kobe Byrant basketball card can range from a few dollars to a few million, depending on the year, grade, and set. Please email us at [email protected] if you want an estimated value of your Kobe card. Include at minimum two photos of the card and a return email address.
A 1999 Kobe Bryant Topps Finest Dunk Masters Refractor card is worth $2,224 at a BGS 9.5 grade. This stunning card sold via eBay auctions on 6/22/2022 and had 31 bids.
What is the best Kobe Bryant basketball card?
Rookie
In terms of pure ROI, the 1996 Topps Chrome or 1996 Topps Chrome Refractor Kobe Bryant rookie cards at a PSA 10, PSA 9, or SGC 10 are the best Kobe card to buy as an alternative investment.
Non-Rookie
This one is a little harder, but we feel the 2008 Kobe Bryant w/ Lebron James Topps Chrome Refractor will be the top Kobe basketball card in terms of ROI in the long term. If not number one it should be in the top five.
Most Valuable Kobe Bryant Rookie Cards
The most expensive Kobe Bryant Rookie Cards is the 1996 Topps Chrome Refractor RC #138. This card sold for $461,250 via the 2021 Goldin Elite Auctions by Goldin Auctions on 1/31/2021.