The Most Expensive Larry Bird Cards of All-Time

If you were to make a list of the most iconic basketball cards ever, this card would be on it. The 1980-81 Topps Scoring Leaders features three HOFers and is regarded as Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s true rookie card. The set also utilized perforated edges to tear away the individual players, so finding a perfect PSA 10 is nearly impossible.  But when it happens, it is big money, as noted by this $840,000 sale in 2021. 

This is the only known logoman card that features this iconic trio. Game-used patches are not as frequent as they used to be, so having three all-time greats with an incredible logo patch is a sight to see. More recently, we have seen the logoman card generate immense buzz within the hobby. The LeBron James Flawless Triple Logoman sold for $2.4 million, so the owner of this one has to be happy securing it for nearly a fifth of that price. 

We always love when a product pairs old and new school players together; it gives the card a new level of perspective and appeal. This stunner showcases two titans in their respective generations, and both of them have scored the ball in a way few others can. Of course, having dual signatures and dual logoman patches can’t hurt either. This 1/1 from Immaculate last sold for $144,000 during a January PWCC Premier auction.

Both of these players would appear on anyone’s top 5 Celtics list, so having them sign on one card is truly special. We are also noticing a pattern with the logoman patches, but who wouldn’t want a game-worn Larry Bird jersey relic? In the near future, this card may have to make room for Jayson Tatum, but this Beckett-authenticated gem from Exquisite is spectacular nonetheless.

Although a second-year card, this is Bird’s first solo appearance on a trading card. For many high-end basketball collectors, having this ‘81 copy in a high grade is a grail in its own right. The slim borders make this one tough to center up, as indicated by its PSA 10 population of only 63. It has sold for as high as $49,200 during a Heritage auction.

We will die on this hill: there is not a better-looking autograph set than the 2003 Exquisite Limited Logos. The design, the jumbo patches, the on-card signature – it’s just perfect. Plus, this card is printed on thicker cardstock, so achieving a PSA 10 grade is nearly unheard of. Limited to 75 copies, it last sold for just north of $44,000 in January 2022.

Here is Jordan and Bird’s first dual autograph, which comes from 2001 Upper Deck Legends. Limited to just 10 copies, this stunner contains a game-worn patch and John Hancock from each NBA legend. With its rarity, this is not one you will likely see surface again soon. 

These three masters of the game ruled basketball during most of the 1980s/1990s. Each of them possesses remarkable penmanship, which is on full display with this on-card triple autograph from SP Authentic. MJ has an exclusive trading card license with Upper Deck, so we aren’t likely to see any more of these gems being produced. In turn, cards with these three players on them will always have a special premium, as indicated by the $40,000 sale.

The canvassed artwork shown in the Upper Deck Chronology set is in a league of its own. This particular copy shows the two rivals turned friends sharing a laugh next to the Larry O’Brien trophy. With an impressive Beckett 9.5 grade, it’s no wonder why this one closed at over $37,000 during a 2021 PWCC Premier auction.

Last, but certainly not least, is a white whale card for just about any basketball fan. The 15 combined rings and countless achievements from the players on this card are astounding. We saw the triple autograph sell for $40,000 in a BGS 8.5 grade, so the new proprietor of this incredible piece of memorabilia has to be pretty confident in the purchase.