The Top 5 Most Expensive Sports Cards Sold on eBay Last Week (Feb. 23 – March 1, 2025)
If you need proof that the sports card market is alive and thriving, look no further than last week’s eBay sales. From ultra-rare pre-war legends to modern-day GOATs, collectors shelled out serious cash to secure some of the most coveted cards in the hobby. Here’s a rundown of the top five biggest sales from the past week.
1. 1910 Old Mill “Shoeless” Joe Jackson – $275,000
Sold on Saturday, March 1
I first heard about "Shoeless" Joe Jackson through watching the Kevin Costner film "Field of Dreams." Maybe you're like me. But that film taught me that "Shoeless" Joe's career and plight are absolutely fascinating.
"Shoeless" Joe leads this week's list as his legacy as one of baseball's best all-time hitters (plus the mystique of the Black Sox scandal) continue to make his memorabilia highly desireable. This week, a 1910 T210 Old Mill Joe Jackson rookie card sold for an eye-watering $275,000. The card features a young “Shoeless” Joe in his minor league days with the New Orleans Pelicans. It's one of the rarest and most sought-after pre-war issues. Despite only being graded as PSA Authentic, its extreme scarcity drove the final price well into the six-figures.
2. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 4 – $70,000
Sold on Friday, Feb. 28
A list like this just feels right with a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311. Mantle has always been the epitome of an American sports hero, at once wildly talented and significantly flawed. That blend is perhaps what makes his memorabilia so valuable.
Widely regarded as the most iconic post-war baseball card, this Mantle example, graded PSA 4, fetched $70,000. Even in mid-grade condition, demand for this card remains sky-high. With its bold colors, classic portrait, and the legend of Mantle himself, this is a true grail piece for collectors.
3. 2004-05 Panini Megacracks Lionel Messi PSA 9 – $52,413
Sold on Tuesday, Feb. 25
Soccer cards continue to surge, and this 2004–05 Panini Megacracks Lionel Messi #71BIS Rookie Card proves it. Graded PSA 9, this early Messi card sold for $52,413, reflecting the GOAT’s global appeal. As soccer card collecting grows, Messi’s early releases (especially in high grades) are cementing their place among the most valuable sports cards in the world.
Messi is the first (but not the last) still-active legend on this list. He's now enjoying his winter as an athlete playing in the MLS, but he's no less of a worldwide superstar, perhaps buoyed by Argentina's victory in the 2022 World Cup.
4. 1972 Topps Jerry West PSA 10 – $31,655
Sold on Thursday, Feb. 27
NBA collectors weren’t left out of last week’s action. A PSA 10 gem mint 1972 Topps Jerry West #75 sold for $31,655, a testament to the growing appreciation of vintage basketball cards. West, the man behind the NBA’s iconic logo, remains one of the sport’s most respected figures, and high-grade copies of his cards are increasingly challenging to find.
There's an irony in the 1970s era of the National Basketball Association. This was a time when the league was cratering due to a lack of popularity and interest. If you'll remember, Bird and Magic famously "saved" the NBA with their rivalry in the 1980s. But, 50 years later, there's something magical about the NBA of the 1970s — and that magic is alive in the trading cards from that era.
5. 2003-04 Topps Chrome Refractor LeBron James PSA 10 – $28,100
Sold on Thursday, Feb. 27
Rounding out the top five is a 2003–04 Topps Chrome Refractor LeBron James Rookie Card in PSA 10 GEM MINT condition. Selling for $28,100, this card remains one of the flagship rookies of King James, who continues to add to his legendary career. With LeBron’s place in basketball history secured, this card remains a top target for collectors and investors alike.
This is the second still-active legend on this list. When there's a true mega-watt superstar, his cards tend to be highly valuable over the long-term. Just look at prices for Michael Jordan rookies. Anything with LeBron James' name it on is going to keep its value and capture huge returns on eBay.
What’s in Store Next Week?
Last week’s eBay sales highlight the wide-ranging appeal of sports cards, from early 20th-century rarities to modern icons. Whether you’re chasing vintage baseball, basketball Hall of Famers, or the biggest names in global soccer, there’s no shortage of high-end action in today’s market. Next week, anything can happen.