Auctions
Pete Alonso has Mets fans sweating, but his rookie card is going deep
As usual, our monthly Top 10 charts are heavy on NBA cards and the top collectible names in sports. At a glance, it’s easy to recognize the regular headliners: Mahomes, Jordan, Kobe, LeBron and Shohei.
But don’t overlook the presence of two popular New York athletes—one a top baseball slugger not named Judge, the other a hoops hero for today’s Knicks.
Pete Alonso arrived in MLB in 2019 and compiled one of the greatest rookie seasons ever, blasting 53 homers to go with 103 runs and 120 RBI. Ever since then, his booming bat has continued to thrill New York Mets fans, who are now on pins and needles hoping “The Polar Bear” sticks around. Alonso, who turns 31 during the offseason, is the Mets’ all-time home-run leader with 264, but he’s also eligible to opt out of his contract and sign elsewhere.
While we await his decision, collectors are spending big money on his rookie cards. The example on our October list is a 1-of-1 rarity: a signed Black Wave Refractor variation of his 2016 Bowman Chrome. It sold for just under $30,000.
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KNICKS STAR SOARING
From the world of pro basketball, we have a Jalen Brunson sighting. Last season, the lefty-shooting Knicks guard averaged just under 30 points per game in New York’s three playoff matchups vs. Detroit, Boston and Indiana. In fact, since being acquired from Dallas in 2022, Brunson has been the Knicks’ most dangerous weapon, averaging 24, 28.7 and 26 points per game in his three NY seasons.
As with Alonso, the charting Brunson card here is a 1-of-1. Produced for Panini’s 2024-25 Donruss Optic set, the Gold Vinyl “Downtown” card soared just past $28,000.
Here’s a look at the other stars and cards that topped online eBay sales in October.
TOP 10
1. $56,889 on 68 bids: 2023-23 Panini Flawless Stephen Curry Star Swatch Signatures Emerald, #1/5, auto patch (ungraded)
2. $51,827 on 77 bids: 1996-97 Fleer Metal Michael Jordan Net-rageous (PSA 10)
3. $44,289 on 110 bids: 2013-14 Panini Flawless Kobe Bryant Franchise Greats Platinum, #1/1, auto (PSA 6, auto 10)
4. $43,600 on 75 bids: 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection LeBron James Autographed Ultimate Rookie, #28/250, auto (BGS 9.5, auto 10)
5. $41,500 on 86 bids: 2004-05 Panini Sports Lionel Messi Mega Cracks (PSA 8)
6. $39,950 on 57 bids: 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection LeBron James Autographed Ultimate Rookie, #16/250, auto (BGS 9.5, auto 10)
7. $38,988 on 37 bids: 2000-01 Upper Deck Ovation Michael Jordan Piece of History, #23, auto, game-used shoe patch (BGS 8.5)
8. $35,700 on 88 bids: 2018 Topps Heritage Shohei Ohtani Real One, auto (PSA 10)
9. $32,731 on 46 bids: 2024-25 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Will Smith/Macklin Celebrini Rookie Tandem Shield Patches (ungraded)
10. $32,177 on 58 bids: 1997-98 Fleer Ultra Stars Michael Jordan Gold (PSA 7)
THE NEXT 10
• $31,100 on 36 bids: 2017 Panini Prizm Patrick Mahomes II, #1/1, auto patch (BVG 9.5)
• $30,601 on 54 bids: 2017 Panini Flawless Patrick Mahomes II Rookie Autographs Ruby, #13/15, auto (PSA 10)
• $30,099 on 84 bids: 2024-25 Upper Deck SP Authentic Macklin Celebrini Future Watch Black, auto patch (ungraded, PSA authenticated, auto 10)
• $29,995 on 49 bids: 2016 Bowman Chrome Pete Alonso Black Wave Refractor, #1/1, auto (PSA 9)
• $28,300 on 47 bids: 2024-25 Panini Donruss Optic Jalen Brunson Downtown Gold Vinyl, #1/1 (PSA 100)
• $26,990 on 43 bids: 2020 Topps Dynasty Formula 1 Lando Norris Jumbo Zipper Patch Gold, #1/1, auto (ungraded)
• $26,988 on 47 bids: 2016-17 Upper Deck Mystery Redemption of 2003-04 UD Exquisite LeBron James #11/25, #1/1, auto (BGS 9)
• $26,401 on 127 bids: 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan (PSA 9)
• $26,363 on 13 bids: 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan (PSA 9)
