Whatever the reason that brought a nostalgic or collectible basketball jersey into your possession, keeping it in good shape means you have to take proper measures to care for it.  Throwing it into a closet or tossing it into a drawer won’t preserve it or keep it in top condition.  Here are three common mistakes people make when trying to care and store their collectible basketball jerseys.

Wash Away the Wonder:

If your basketball jersey is a piece of your own family history, then washing it is okay.  Make sure you wash it separately from other clothing, so lint and cotton fibres won’t catch or cling to it.  Never, ever use bleach.  Cold water and a very gentle detergent (baby detergent) are best for preservation.

If you’re concerned about odour, soak your basketball jersey in cool water and baking soda for an hour or so before washing in a regular machine.  Always use the gentle cycle and if possible avoid too much spin cycle.  Let the jersey lay flat to dry, as heat from a dryer will weaken the fabric finish, or sometimes cause it to flake.

For collectible basketball jerseys that have been autographed, improper cleaning can wash away the signature.  Usually these basketball jerseys are brand new when signed, so in that case there’s no need to wash them.  They are commonly signed with indelible ink, so it shouldn’t wash off, but the best recommendation is to consult your local dry cleaner to have the jersey cleaned professionally.

Improper Display

If you’re storing a basketball jersey in a wall mount case, make sure the display case is not in direct sunlight.  Sunlight on its own will fade the color and deteriorate the fabric, but it’s also amplified by shining through the glass.

Hangers are another no-no when it comes to proper storage of collectible basketball jerseys.  Long term storage, even on a padded hanger can harm the fabric, causing cracks and creases that cannot be repaired or reversed.

Cardboard Containers

If you plan to put your basketball jersey in a safe place, don’t use a box.  Cardboard is dusty and dirty and can stain your collectible jersey.  It’s also susceptible to humidity and moisture, which will seep through and damage your basketball jersey.

If at all possible, use a dry cleaner’s storage box or a plastic storage box (preferably dark, not clear).  Wrap your collectible basketball jersey in clean, white tissue paper before placing it into the box.  Try not to fold the jersey any more than necessary, since this can cause creases in the synthetic fabric, which can sometimes lead to cracks and damage over time.

Unlike other sports, basketball memorabilia can often be hard to come by.  Primarily started as a college and university sport, the game made its way to the masses almost by accident.  Professional teams were not admired by millions of fans until televised games brought the basketball teams into living rooms around the world.

For that reason, almost anything from the early days of basketball is sought after by fans and collectors.  Early names that pioneered the professional basketball leagues didn’t leave nearly enough behind to keep their legacy alive, and these lost treasures can really bring in big bucks.

Items from Julius “Dr J” Erving have also attracted a spark in collectors.  A champion of the 1970′s, Dr J changed the fan base of the Philadelphia 76ers, as the Hall of Famer slam dunked his way into the heart of fans both young and old.  Not surprisingly, much of Dr J’s basketball apparel has sold for incredible prices upwards of $100 thousand dollars.

NBA favorites; the Boston Celtics and LA Lakers have gold at their fingertips in more ways than one.  Basketball memorabilia, from posters to game balls autographed by members of these teams continues to be pursued by collectors who are willing to pay top dollar for signed collectibles.

The Slam Dunk of All Basketball Collectibles:

Canadian born James Naismith invented basketball when he worked at a YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1891.  Needing an indoor athletic activity for the young men to burn off some energy in the wintertime, the game was started by using peach baskets set upon the walls.  Eventually the inconvenience of climbing up to retrieve the balls prompted the bottoms of the baskets be cut out, and modern game of basketball came to life.

Not surprisingly, those early days of basketball don’t just bring a sense of nostalgia to hard core collectors, but also an enormous price.  The Original Rules of Basketball, as written by its founder, James Naismith, was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in 2010 for a whopping $4,338,500!  Now that’s a slam dunk!

Grading is a high level inspection of the overall condition of the card.  Even brand new cards may be subject to defects or discoloration.  Professional basketball card graders use magnified lenses and high powered lights to see as much detail in the card possible.

In order to protect the card from oils and acids in the fingertips, latex gloves are worn when handling each card.   Grading basketball cards, or other sports trading cards, is very serious business.  A card will be graded with a number that indicates the level of its condition.  Once the grading is complete, the card is encased in a sealed cardholder, to maintain its grade.

What is the grader looking for?

The grading process examines all aspects of the card.  Edges are examined to detect peeling and fraying that commonly occurs from handling.  Tears, rips and warps are also noted.  The finish of the card is carefully reviewed to discover worn or missing ink, smudges, creases or flaked out areas of the finish.

What is a good grade for a basketball card?

Grading can range as a number from 1 to 10 or up to 100 depending on the grading company and the formulation they use.  However, certain terms such as mint, gem, or pristine condition reflect a basketball card in excellent condition.

Is grading the same as an appraisal?

Basketball cards that have been graded might make it easier for the appraiser to evaluate, but they are not a substitute for a qualified appraisal.  A grade indicates the condition of the card, where as an appraisal reveals the full value of a card.

An appraisal looks at the condition of the card, as well as historical significance, rarity on the market and compares it to other cards with similar backgrounds.  An appraisal gives a current market value for a basketball card, and is usually required for insurance purposes.

Which basketball cards can be graded?

Old or new, any basketball card can be graded.  Commonly rookie cards are graded, or sometimes a team set.  Grading can be a costly endeavour, so many collectors have large batches reviewed together in order to strike a better price.

Grading a basketball card collection often adds to the value of the cards.  Not only are the cards preserved in proper condition, but higher graded cards are in greater demand than lower graded (and lower quality) ones.  This can make the resale significantly higher, because proof of condition is provided.  Graded cards that are removed from their plastic casing often lose value immediately.

Wilt Chamberlain signed converse

Collectible basketball shoes are distinguished by their demand, not necessarily their age.  Items from a special game or special player can trigger bidding wars at auction houses.  Autographs can certainly increase the worth as long as they prove to be authentic.  On the other hand, a player who has autographed numerous pairs of basketball shoes for the purposes of charity fundraisers, might not fetch as much cash.

The best recommendation for any collector is to have their collectible basketball shoes appraised.  This not only determines their authenticity, but also estimates their resale value and can provide the owner with some insight and history into the memorabilia.

vintage basketball shoes

It’s not uncommon for consumers to purchase what they consider (or are told) is a rare find, only to discover signatures are not authentic, or the item is in heavy circulation and almost worthless. Collectible basketball shoes that have been authenticated and appraised will be much easier to sell, particularly at large auction houses.

How to Choose an Appraiser

Finding a good appraiser can be difficult.  Check credentials and make sure your collectible basketball shoes are kept on the premises.  Items which are couriered or mailed run the risk of being lost, stolen or damaged.  If you need to travel a little to keep an appraisal appointment, so be it.

Use the rule of three.  Instead of just one appraisal, it’s better to have 3 separate appraisers evaluate your collectible basketball shoes.  Not only will this give you an accurate range of value and demand for your memorabilia, but it will also ensure you are being given legitimate information.

What Information is on the Appraisal?

The appraisal should contain both pictures documenting your basketball shoes, along with a detailed written description.  This description will include color, size, type of shoes and also denote the condition and any visible tears or flaws.  It will also note which basketball player originally wore the shoes (if applicable).

The appraisal will also validate the reason for the estimated price.  It will indicate exclusiveness, such as a special game the basketball shoes were worn in as an indication of why the shoes are worth a certain price.  Sometimes the appraisal will include factual information, such as the number of a player’s shoes that are in circulation or historical information about the manufacturer or the era.

Vintage basketball shoe and vintage basketball

Finally, the appraisal recommends a current market value.  That means it’s a general, but educated, estimate of how much the collectible basketball shoes would sell for in the current marketplace.  Keep in mind, that any item is only worth as much as someone else is willing to pay for it.  Items being sold at auctions may go for much more or much less than the appraised value.

When to Have Collectible Basketball Shoes Re-Appraised

Quite often, some sports memorabilia will accelerate rapidly in price.  If this is the case, you may wish to have a new appraisal done when the demand is great.  Otherwise, you should have your basketball shoes appraised every 5 years or so, just to keep up with market value.

Some insurance companies will require rare and highly valued items to be appraised again at specific intervals, such as every three years.  Also, many auction houses which cater to sports memorabilia will require an expert appraisal and authentication before an item is put up for sale.

Obviously, the less handled and used the basketball cards are, the more valuable they will be.  Today’s rookie can be tomorrow’s legend, so you don’t want to squander the value of a card by not taking good care of it.  Here are some good tips to keep your basketball card collection in the best form.

1. Storage: Heat, water and sunlight will all damage your collectible basketball cards.  The best way to store them is in plastic sheets or hard plastic cases to prevent dust and dirt from eating away at the finish.  The ultraviolet rays of the sun can quickly fade even a new card, degrading not just the card, but also the future value.

Once you’ve slid your basketball cards into collector sleeves, be sure to store the sleeves in a darkened plastic box, enclosed binder or other type of encasement that will prevent light penetration.  Also, keep your container someplace dry, since humidity or dampness will easily render your basketball cards worthless.  Last but not least, watch the temperature.  Too much heat can cause the cards to peel, warp or crack.

1. Handling: If you have your collectible basketball cards in clear plastic sleeves, you should be able to view them without touching them.  However, if you must handle your basketball cards, especially older ones, make sure you aren’t wearing out the finish.  Acids and oils on your fingertips can mark the surface.  Generally, these oils will stay there and over time can eat away at the surface of the card.  So if you absolutely must handle your basketball cards, put on some latex gloves first to protect the finish.

1. Protecting: There’s only one thing worse than hearing a story about someone’s mother tossing away their childhood sports card collection.  That is finding out the collection was destroyed in a fire, flood or other natural disaster.  Protecting your basketball card collection in a weather proof and fire proof box is important, especially if you have a large number of cards or high value cards.  It’s also a good idea to make sure you add your basketball card collection to your insurance policy, just in case the unthinkable happens.

It doesn’t take long for a collection of basketball cards to grow, so taking steps to protect and preserve your collection will give you enjoyment for years to come.  Whether you want a keepsake to pass to future generations, or you are hoping some of your cards will increase in value, proper maintenance and care will keep your basketball cards in mint condition.

It is a given that any player playing for any NBA team is expected to make at least a million bucks a year. However, if we will really be more factual about it, about two-thirds for the players in the league make at least 5 million a year, and that my friend, is a very conservative estimate.

This leads us all the ultimate question of who is the highest paid NBA basketball player of all time. If we are to take at look at the salaries in the last two years, you will easily assume its Kobe Bryant, who reportedly earned a salary of $24,806,250 from 2010 to 2011. But alas, we all know there is still a bigger, legendary superstar highly revered by people from all corners of the world. It doesn’t require any serious mental exercise to hazard a guess, right? It’s MJ of course!

To date, the Michael Jordan still remains to be the pro basketball player who holds the undefeated record of being the highest paid NBA player in history. However, if we will revisit that question by 2013 to 2014, this fact may be projected to change. Will Kobe Bryant managed to topple MJ? That remains to be seen. Bu then again, one can never tell if another great player will emerge from the pack and give everyone a run for their money.

When it comes to professional basketball, one can never really know what will happen next. There have been so many gifted players who have signed up with such promise and high expectations, only to fizzle away into near obscurity, while others manage to propel themselves to stardom virtually overnight.

Aside from Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett is also close on the heels. To the eyes of many, these players have managed to elevate themselves into the almost supernatural level. But if we are to look beyond the fame and fortune, we definitely could not overlook at the fact that their successes were not brought on by sheer luck, or by talent alone. Their exceptionally good fortune is a product of innumerable long hours of practice, hard work and relentless determination, and of course, like many they also had their own share of frustrations and defeats.

Whether you are a basketball player yourself or an adoring fan of basketball, it is all too easy to understand why people of all ages, in practically every imaginable field have celebrated their love for the game and their favorite players through a collection of memorabilia. And if you happen to possess a highly coveted one, who knows? You might just be able to make a fortune of your own good.

Graded Rare Jordan

Features

All types of sports cards, including basketball cards are primarily graded based on their physical attributes. In particular, among the key features that are given careful attention include the condition of the edges of the card, the gloss and the coloring of the card, and in fact, even the proper centering of the picture of the card. Grades for basketball cards can range from 1 to 10, with 1 as the lowest. A Gem Mint (Gem-Mt) is known to the highest grade you can ever hope to receive for your basketball card. However, only the virtually flawless condition will be given a perfect 10 Gem Mint grade.  From here, other card grades gradually decrease to Mint, then there’s Near Mint-Mint, Near Mint, then Excellent Mint, Excellent and so on, with Poor as the lowest grade.

To have your card properly graded, you need to seek the services of a certified authenticator. You can also mail your cards to Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or any other certified authentication organization, which offer card grading for a minimal fee.

Types

Another important factor that is taken into account when grading basketball cards include its specific type. In general, those bought from delis, pharmacies or local grocery store are considered the basic cards. If you want to invest in more expensive packs, you need to purchase them from a reputable local card shop. You are more likely to find an insert when opting to buy the more expensive pack.

These highly coveted inserts are the “special” basketball cards, such as in the case of cards that are part of a particular subset or a basketball card that also includes a piece of a game worn jersey. Since these types of cards are printed in limited quantities compared to your standard trading cards, you can definitely expect that these inserts will fetch a higher price.

You may also want to consider investing on rookie cards as they can grow in price, depending of course on the career of the basketball player who is listed on the card. If you happen to have a rookie card that features either LeBron James or Kobe Bryant, then it’s a card that you would want to hold on to.

A Word of Caution on Basketball Card Grading

Don’t be lured on having your cards graded by any card dealer for an “x” amount of money. There are many dealers out there that may grade your card far less that what it’s worth so they can rake in more profit. Any card that has been officially graded will come with a certificate document to confirm that it has been graded by a licensed company or individual. In the same way, you should not purchase any autographed basketball card that does not come with its own certificate of authenticity.

With this in mind, it is not surprising that his own team, the Philadelphia 76ers have displayed great determination to purchase Dr. J’s memorabilia during the November 2011 SCP Auction. So without any ado, here is the list of the Top 10 most expensive memorabilia in basketball history:

10. The Dr J 1976 ABA All Stars Jersey, priced at $188,321

You are wondering why it managed to fetch just ridiculous price, right? It is actually not just any other jersey worn by Erving himself, but this particular one was worn during the last All Star game that was held by ABA before it merges with NBA on the following season. As you may have already deduced, Dr J was in the roster, playing for the Denver Nuggets, which was the leading team at that time. During halftime, spectators where regaled with an inaugural All Star Slam Dunk competition, which was clinched by Dr J, himself.

9. Dr J Virginia Squires Road Jersey, priced at $190,414

This particular jersey was worn during the 1972-73 season, which was auctioned off in May 2011 at Grey Flannel Auctions for $190,414.

8. Dr J 1976 New York Nets — ABA Championship Ring, priced at $195,396

During the last season of ABA, Dr J significantly contributed to helping the nets cinched the championship over the Nuggets. During this game, Erving was recognized as the most valuable play with an average of 34.7 points in the finals.  His ring that commemorated the championship was sold at the SCP Auctions back in November 2011 for $195,396.

7. Dr J 1983 All-Star Ring, priced at $218,977

This ring was auctioned at SCP Auctions back in November 2011 for $218,977, during which time Erving participated in NBA All Star games for 11 consecutive years between 1977 and 1987.

6. Dr J 1984 All-Star Ring, priced at $218,977

This is another ring which was sold in the same November 11 auction of SCP.

5. Dr J 1978 All-Star ring, priced $238,853

Again, another one of Dr J’s All Star ring, this time for the 1978 season, also sold at SCP Auctions last November 2011.

4. Dr J 1983 NBA Championship Ring Philadelphia 76ers, priced at $244,240

After years of struggle, the 76ers managed to win the NBA championship back in 1983. At this game, Dr J was only second in terms of points to another NBA great Moses Malone, averaging 21.4

3. Dr J 1974 Championship Ring ABA New York Nets, priced at $460,741

As you have noticed, we are nearing the half million mark. This piece in particular was the very first ABA championship of Dr J, which he achieved with the New York Nets back in 1974, with an impressive 4-1 victory over the Jazz. It was also Dr J who was named as the MVP of the playoffs.

2. The 1971 ABA All Star Game watch, priced at $500,050

This is the Bulova watch that was sold for $500,050 back in 2008 at the Grey Flannel Auctions.

1. Original Basketball Rules, priced at $4.33 Million

Now that you have a fairly good idea just how lucrative basketball collections can be, if you are a fan of the game, it definitely wouldn’t hurt to invest and build your own collection.

Michael Jordan – 1986 Fleer BVG 10 $82,000

1. Instead of opting to store your basketball cards in a shoe box, like what most younger people opt to do, consider putting them in between a notebook, which provides a cheaper yet better protection. You can also consider investing on an environmental proof box, which can protect your precious cards from floods, fires and other possible disasters. As they say, it s better safe than sorry.

2. Avoid storing your card from direct sunlight. This is using pure common sense. Heat and light can cause basketball cards to tear and warp, so make sure to keep it away from sun exposure.

3. Every once in a while, you may want to take out your card collection from its protective sleeve to simply feast your eyes on them. You don’t have to be sheepish about it, most collectors love to enjoy and gloat as they take great price of their collection. So if you do take it out, take an extra precaution by wearing a pair of latex gloves in order to prevent amino acids from causing damage to the basketball cards.

4. Just like any other prized possession that is worth preserving, make sure to properly store your collective in an area that is dry. Moist ad water will produce condensation which can potentially cause damage your cards.

Oscar Robertson –1961 Fleer PSA10 $25.800

5. As much as possible, opt to store your cards in a secret compartment or anywhere that is properly secure and hidden inside your house. This can make a big difference in preventing possibility of theft just in case of any robbery or burglary.
While these are all practical advice that can be easily dictated by pure common sense, a lot of people actually fail to recognize the value and importance of their basketball cards and how its condition can dictate or influence its future price. While worn out cards only reflects years of use and fond memories, for any serious hobbyist, you will want to protect and preserve your own collection from any wear and tear that can diminish its value.
When basketball cards are graded, among the primary considerations does not only include the type of the card and its popularity, its present state or condition also plays a big factor on its value. If you have a decent or possibly an extensive collection of basketball cards or maybe you have plans of growing your collection, consider investing on a premium card catalog or sleeve that provides ample protection.

1. Air Jordan XX3

When the Air Jordan XX3 dropped, it became one of the toughest shoes ever to get your hands on. Being #23, Jordan’s jersey number, Nike put special importance on this shoe. They only release 23 pairs in 23 locations. Collectors were paying $1500+ to snag a pair. Not only a collectible, but arguably the best on court performance Air Jordan ever.

2.  Air Jordan XIV

The Air Jordan XIV is designed to be a pure performance shoe. With this shoe, you can cut and stop on a dime due to the racing-tire like traction on the sole. It has highly-tuned cushioning that has fast response but is not too soft. The lacing structure gives a good snug fit. As far all time performance in an Air Jordan shoe, only the XX3 is a rival.

3. Lebron IV

The Lebron IV is the ultimate shoe for the Lebron Witness brand. This is next generation footwear, with new foamposite construction that is lighter and more flexible than ever. The Velcro strap provides great support and locks you in. There’s also a breathable tongue for comfort and a full inner sleeve. Built for a high-flying, up-tempo style, the IV is designed for maximum impact protection and responsiveness.

4. Air Force 25

While the Air Force 25 may not have the jazz of original models, AFI has a never ending commitment to the game of basketball and sought to build a next generation shoe. Designed with revolutionary cushioning and moisture control, the Air Force is made to be a durable, highly supportive and breathable basketball shoe. With its superior comfort, it is perhaps the best on court Air Force design yet crafted.

5. Air Zoom Kobe I

The Air Zoom I was released to be Kobe’s official signature shoe. With a simplified design, including the old school swoosh, it is a light weight performance shoe made to be solid and stable on the court. The shoe is definitely designed for a guard, as there is limited ankle support, and the way the laces are structured, it would be difficult to get the locked down fit that a big man needs. The Kobe 1 is made for fast-paced, cutting, driving basketball; for slicing through opponents, and carrying the rock swiftly through traffic.