Freeman's/Hindman is currently hosting an exciting sports memorabilia auction, drawing attention with its highlight—a complete set of 1984-85 Star Company basketball cards. These cards are particularly valuable as they are presented in the original team bags, just as they were sold decades ago, including a highly sought-after Michael Jordan rookie card. This complete set, which includes 288 cards, is anticipated to fetch between $50,000 and $70,000, reflecting its rarity and the historic significance of Michael Jordan's enduring appeal in the sports collectibles market.
The Star Company took a bold step by securing the NBA’s trading card rights in the early 1980s after Topps decided not to renew its contract. Star, a relatively small company at the time, chose to distribute their cards mainly through mail orders and at select hobby shops and sporting events, making them less accessible and, therefore, more rare than those from larger producers. Many collectors opened their cards to place them in albums, making the sets that remain in their original packaging exceedingly rare and valuable.
The auction doesn't just spotlight basketball memorabilia; it also includes exceptional pieces from baseball history. Notably, there are three autographed baseballs signed by Babe Ruth, including one on a mini baseball where Ruth's signature remains strikingly bold and clear on the sweet spot. These pieces underscore Ruth’s lasting legacy and are a significant draw for collectors of historical sports artifacts.
Further enriching the auction's offerings are other significant Jordan cards from his rookie season, including the 1984 Gold Medalist No. 195 and the 1985 Rookie of the Year No. 288, as well as a PSA 8 graded 1986-87 Fleer rookie card of Jordan.
The auction also features a wide array of vintage cards and other sports-related collectibles. Highlights include a signed baseball from the 1955 Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend with signatures from 19 legends such as Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Cochrane, a single-signed Jimmie Foxx ball, and a 1959 Ty Cobb signed and inscribed ball.
Vintage card collectors will be drawn to several notable lots, including a rare 1968 O-Pee-Chee Nolan Ryan rookie card graded PSA 8, and a near complete set of 1952 Topps baseball cards featuring over 60 high numbers. There are also multiple Mickey Mantle cards from the 1950s and 60s, adding to the auction’s appeal to collectors of iconic sports figures.
Additional standout items include a San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XXIV Champions ring, a 1926 New York Yankees multi-signed baseball with autographs from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a group of 1920s-30s St. Louis Cardinals contract agreements signed by Branch Rickey.
This auction, which runs through June 13 on Freeman’s/Hindman’s website, not only highlights the rich history embedded in these collectibles but also offers sports enthusiasts and collectors an opportunity to own a piece of that history. Whether it's basketball, baseball, or the general history of American sports, this auction promises something for every collector.