Sports memorabilia holds a special place in the hearts of fans and collectors alike, serving as tangible reminders of iconic moments and legendary athletes. From jerseys worn during historic games to rare baseball cards, these items often fetch astonishing prices at auction. The following list highlights some of the highest-priced sports memorabilia items ever sold, showcasing the incredible value placed on these pieces of sports history.
Babe Ruth’s 1920 Yankees Jersey – $5.64 Million
Babe Ruth’s 1920 Yankees jersey, sold for $5.64 million, remains the highest-priced piece of sports memorabilia ever. This jersey is not just a piece of cloth; it represents the birth of an era when Ruth transformed baseball with his power hitting. The jersey is in remarkable condition considering its age and is a testament to Ruth’s lasting impact on the sport.
1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner Baseball Card – $3.12 Million
The T206 Honus Wagner card is one of the most sought-after baseball cards in history. In October 2016, one of these cards sold for a staggering $3.12 million. The rarity of the card, combined with Wagner’s legendary status, makes it a prized possession for collectors. The card’s value is partly due to Wagner himself, who requested its production be stopped, resulting in its extreme scarcity.
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle Baseball Card – $2.88 Million
A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card fetched $2.88 million at auction, making it one of the highest-priced sports cards ever. Mantle, a Yankees legend, is an iconic figure in baseball history, and this particular card, known for its rarity and condition, is a prized item among collectors. Its high price reflects both Mantle’s enduring popularity and the card’s significance.
Honus Wagner’s Baseball Bat – $1.23 Million
Honus Wagner’s Louisville Slugger baseball bat, used during the early 1900s, sold for $1.23 million. Wagner, one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history, wielded this bat with skill and precision. The bat’s sale price reflects Wagner’s enduring legacy and the historical significance of his equipment.
Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” Jersey – $8.98 Million
The jersey worn by Diego Maradona during the infamous “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup sold for a whopping $8.98 million. This jersey is more than just a piece of fabric; it represents one of the most memorable moments in soccer history. The sale price reflects Maradona’s legendary status and the jersey’s iconic place in sports lore.
Michael Jordan’s 1997-1998 NBA Finals Game 6 Jersey – $10.1 Million
Michael Jordan’s jersey from Game 6 of the 1997-1998 NBA Finals, known as “The Last Dance,” fetched $10.1 million. This game marked Jordan’s final championship win with the Chicago Bulls, and the jersey is a symbol of his incredible career and competitive spirit. The high sale price underscores Jordan’s lasting impact on basketball.
Lou Gehrig’s 1937 Yankees Jersey – $2.58 Million
Lou Gehrig’s 1937 Yankees jersey, sold for $2.58 million, is a testament to the “Iron Horse’s” enduring legacy. Gehrig, known for his consecutive game streak and powerful hitting, remains a beloved figure in baseball history. The jersey’s high value reflects its historical significance and Gehrig’s legendary status.
Jackie Robinson’s 1947 Rookie Jersey – $2.05 Million
Jackie Robinson’s rookie jersey from 1947 sold for $2.05 million. Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier that year, making this jersey an iconic symbol of progress and change. The high sale price underscores Robinson’s impact on and off the field and the jersey’s historical importance.
Muhammad Ali’s Fight-Worn Gloves from the “Fight of the Century” – $606,375
The gloves worn by Muhammad Ali during his 1971 fight against Joe Frazier, dubbed the “Fight of the Century,” sold for $606,375. This bout was one of the most anticipated in boxing history, and the gloves are a piece of that legendary event. The sale price reflects Ali’s status as a boxing icon and the fight’s historical significance.
Tom Brady’s “Final” Touchdown Ball – $518,628 (Refunded)
Tom Brady’s supposed final touchdown ball sold for $518,628, although the sale was later refunded after Brady came out of retirement. The ball’s initial high price highlights Brady’s incredible career and his place in football history. Despite the refund, the event underscored the value placed on items associated with legendary athletes.
James Naismith’s Founding Rules of Basketball – $4.3 Million
James Naismith’s original 13 rules of basketball sold for an incredible $4.3 million. These two typed pages laid the foundation for the sport, which has grown into a global phenomenon. The rules were sold to David and Suzanne Booth, who donated them to the University of Kansas, cementing their historical significance and academic value.
Michael Jordan’s Game-Worn Sneakers – $615,000
A pair of Michael Jordan’s game-worn sneakers from his rookie season sold for $615,000. Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, wore these shoes during a game that marked the beginning of his legendary career. The high sale price reflects Jordan’s iconic status and the significance of his rookie year.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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