Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) has established itself as a leading authority in the sports card grading industry, providing collectors with a trusted and standardized assessment of card quality. A PSA grade not only authenticates a card's legitimacy but also evaluates its condition on a scale from 1 to 10, significantly influencing its market value. In the modern basketball card space, getting a PSA 10 can substantially enhance the value of any card. Collectors and investors often prefer PSA-graded cards due to the company's rigorous grading standards and widespread recognition, ensuring both the card's authenticity and its preservation state. Below we will dive into the five most expensive sales of PSA graded cards.
5. 2006 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Jordan/LeBron/Kobe Triple Logoman PSA Authentic
Sale Price: $1,680,000 (August 6, 2022)
Collector's Insight:
This Triple Logoman features Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant, three of the most legendary players ever, each with an authentic game-worn Logoman patch. It was released in 2006 Exquisite, a set that defined the ultra-premium card market. PSA Authentic means the card wasn’t numerically graded, but with a Logoman patch card of this caliber, condition concerns take a backseat to the sheer rarity and player selection.
Why It’s Special:
Three of the greatest NBA players ever on one card, each with a Logoman patch.
Exquisite is still the pinnacle of high-end basketball cards, despite Panini taking over the NBA license in 2009.
Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing in 2020 increased demand for his high-end cards, making this even more desirable.
4. 1997 Upper Deck Game Jerseys Michael Jordan Patch Autograph PSA 8/Auto 9
Sale Price: $2,052,000 (May 22, 2021)
Collector's Insight:
This is the first-ever game-worn patch autograph card for Michael Jordan and the first patch auto in basketball card history, making it a true piece of hobby history. Released in 1997 Upper Deck Game Jerseys, this card set the foundation for the modern RPA (Rookie Patch Autograph) concept seen in Exquisite, National Treasures, and Flawless.
Why It’s Special:
The first game-worn patch auto ever made, a true grail for Jordan collectors.
1997 Game Jerseys was a revolutionary set, as patch cards weren’t common before this release.
PSA 8 is an excellent grade for such an old and fragile card, while Auto 9 means it has a slightly imperfect signature but remains a centerpiece in any collection.
3. 2020 Panini Flawless LeBron James Triple Logoman PSA Authentic
Sale Price: $2,400,000 (June 25, 2022)
Collector's Insight:
This card was hyped beyond belief when pulled on a Whatnot live break in 2022. The Triple Logoman concept—three Logoman patches from different LeBron jerseys—is an innovation from Panini’s Flawless product, which focuses on game-worn memorabilia and ultra-rare patches. The card's PSA Authentic grade means it was authenticated but not given a numerical condition rating, likely due to minor flaws that could have resulted in a lower grade.
Why It’s Special:
It’s the only LeBron James Triple Logoman in existence.
Flawless is Panini’s most premium product, designed specifically for ultra-high-end collectors.
LeBron, a global icon and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has an international collector base, driving demand for rare, game-worn memorabilia cards like this.
2. 2003 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Michael Jordan PSA Authentic/Auto 10
Sale Price: $2,928,000 (June 2, 2024)
Collector's Insight:
While details on the exact variation are limited, 2003 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection is an ultra-premium brand known for high-end patches, autographs, and parallels. If this is a Michael Jordan Autograph Patch or Ultimate Signature card, the high price likely reflects its rarity and on-card signature from Jordan, who signed sparingly in this set.
Why It’s Special:
Jordan remains the undisputed king of basketball collectibles.
2003 Upper Deck Ultimate is a high-end brand that debuted during LeBron James’ rookie season, making any Jordan card from this set even more interesting.
If it’s a rare numbered parallel or a patch autograph, this could be one of MJ’s best modern autographs outside of 1997 Game Jerseys.
1. 2009 National Treasures Stephen Curry Logoman Autograph PSA 8/Auto 10
Sale Price: $5,900,000 (July 6, 2021)
Collector's Insight:
This Stephen Curry Logoman Autograph is a true grail piece in modern basketball cards. It’s a one-of-one card from Curry’s rookie season, featuring a full Logoman patch from a game-worn jersey and an on-card autograph. The PSA 8 grade is strong for a thick patch autograph card, which often suffer from edge and surface wear due to production. The Auto 10 is a big deal, as a pristine autograph enhances value.
Why It’s Special:
Stephen Curry is one of the most influential players in NBA history, revolutionizing the game with his three-point shooting.
This is the ultimate Curry rookie card—comparable to a 2003 LeBron James Exquisite RPA.
The sale established Curry as a tier-one investment piece, rivaling Jordan, LeBron, and Kobe in the ultra-high-end market.