This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2021
This lot closes on May 22nd, 2021 at 10:00 PM EDT for initial bids.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime offering of the highest graded copy of the stunning 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems (PMG) of Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA Champion. This is arguably the best card of the Hall of Famer’s celebrated career. A doubly distinguished “Mona Lisa” of Bryant cards is offered for the occasion of his enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame.
Ten percent of the hammer price will be donated by the consignor to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation in Kobe and Gigi Bryants’ memories.
Why is this card so important?
Presented here is a truly amazing second-year Kobe Bryant card graded MINT 9 by BGS. This is one of the most historically significant and recognizable cards of the 18-time All-Star and Los Angeles Lakers legend. In 1997-98, Fleer released Metal Universe and included the landmark parallel set Precious Metal Gems. Just 100 copies (10 green, 90 red) were made of this remarkable collectible, and this limited-edition card is serial numbered “063/100.”
The 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems is widely regarded as the best card when serial numbered cards were systematically used in the hobby. It’s one of the first parallel sets to use serial numbering, also giving it historical significance, and extremely difficult to find in packs in an era where cards were mass produced.
The name “Precious Metal Gems” is very fitting as the textured surface foil refracts like a true gem stone, which complements well with the futuristic individualized design, immediately proclaiming itself as THE card to behold.
A rare find in the highest grade
The bold colors used on the background have made PMGs tough to find in a high grade from the moment they were pulled from a pack. It has only gotten increasingly more difficult over the years.
This 1997-98 Metal Universe PMG up for auction is the highest graded card in BGS’s census report. No other examples reviewed by BGS have ever graded higher — with just three total cards ever receiving a 9 grade. Moreover, among the 21 copies graded (in both red and green), the card up for auction is only one of two copies that contain a 10 subgrade.
The card’s BGS condition report: Centering 10, Corners 8.5, Edges 9, Surface 9.
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
This is an incredibly rare opportunity for any Kobe collector or basketball fan. A BGS Mint 9 Kobe PMG has not been offered for sale in more than a decade. This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, where the top condition meets the best card. This card comes from one of the best Kobe collections and likely won’t be seen again any time soon.
While Bryant was known for his spectacular play and earned the 2008 NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award, he was also lauded for his philanthropy and left a lasting legacy off the court.
Sky’s the limit
The investment opportunity is sky high for a card of this ilk as Bryant’s collectibles continue to gain in value. Bryant’s 1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractor “Black Label” Rookie Card sold for $1.8 million through Goldin Auction in March. The Precious Metal Gems are much more rare and more difficult to find in such a high grade.
This spectacular card is of the highest caliber and one not to be missed. This card is in dazzling Mint condition.