Mantle, Mays, Jordan, LeBron, Mahomes highlight PWCC’s July auction

Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Tom Brady.

They are five of the greatest athletes in sports history, and five megastars of the sports collectibles industry. Mantle and LeBron once held the record for the highest-selling sports card of all-time, while Jordan and Brady have each set carboard records of their own.

Valuable cards featuring each of the five legends highlight the PWCC July Premier Auction, which includes 350 lots across all sports. The auction began July 7 and ends with Extended Bidding on July 21.

A look at the top assets:

• 1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems PMG Red Michael Jordan /100 #23 BGS 8.5

Also See: Curry, Kobe jerseys highlight Goldin auction 

Considered a work of art by many in the hobby, Jordan’s 1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems card holds tremendous allure for many reasons. While it represents a moment in time during Jordan’s reign of six NBA championships, the card design, limited production and condition sensitivity elevate it above most basketball cards from the era.

A red version — or Ruby if you follow the gems theme — was printed to just 90 copies. Only 60 copies have been graded and slabbed by the major card graders. Since 2020, a red version has gone to auction just nine times and only once this year. That copy, graded BGS 7, sold for $450,000 on June 25.

Only four copies of the card have been graded higher by Beckett. Of the nine that have gone to auction since 2020, only two have been graded BGS 8.5.

• 2003 Exquisite Collection LeBron James ROOKIE PATCH AUTO /99 #78 BGS 9 MINT

Also See: Another big crowd expected for The National 

According to PWCC, the BGS 9 version of LeBron’s most iconic card features “well-preserved black edges, a roaring signature and a three-color patch.”

• 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 SGC 5 EX (PWCC-A)

Mantle cards command at least five figures in almost any condition. A SGC 5 is sure to reach the six-figure stratosphere. PWCC has also assigned this rare card a PWCC-A (Above Average—Top 30%) Eye Appeal designation for its surface color and above average centering.

• 1952 Topps Willie Mays #261 PSA 8 NM-MT

A PSA of Mays’ iconic rookie card does not come along often. According to PWCC, this one features “sharp corners, tremendous surface preservation and outstanding centering for a card that rarely shows it.”

• 2012 Panini Prizm Gold Prizms Tom Brady 1/10 #116 BGS 9.5 GEM MINT

Panini applied its dazzling Prizm design and limited production to the NFL GOAT in 2012. Prone to chipping, this BGS 9.5 features a solid gold border.

• 2017 National Treasures Black Patrick Mahomes ROOKIE PATCH AUTO /5 #161 BGS 9

A rare card from one of the NFL’s biggest stars, this RPA features a patch from the Chiefs AFC ‘LH’ Logo Memorial jersey.