It should come as no surprise that collecting autographs and cards of Kobe Bryant are among the most popular options in modern sports. Kobe Bryant has proven to be one of the biggest names in the sporting world, being an elite athlete.
And highly sought-after, Kobe Bryant cards hold immense value in the world of collectibles.
View Kobe Bryant card auctions with the most bids on eBay.
On eBay, take a look at our up-to-the-minute manual to the trendiest Kobe Bryant cards for a glimpse of what is attracting the highest interest from enthusiasts at any particular time, naturally, there are numerous other remarkable Kobe Bryant cards available, considering his significance in both the athletic and the collecting realm.
If you are looking for something that offers more functionality than basketball cards, take a detailed look at Kobe Bryant’s signature line of sneakers.
The highlighted text in the descriptions connect to comprehensive set profiles or player guides.
1996-97 E-X2000 Authentication Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #30 #/499
It remains a notable option for collectors, and at this time it is considered rare. However, the question is whether it sounds like a lot. This is because the parallel card, which is numbered 499, is still considered strong in value due to its relative rarity and the frailty of the card. The E-X2000 1996-97 card is easily one of the most innovative designs and is part of an art project and a high-end card. It also appeals to several rookie cards, including Kobe Bryant.
The white-framed rookie edition is the preferred choice for KB, although later sets also have the Credentials parallels.
To get a thorough examination of every Kobe Bryant rookie card, take a look at our extensive guide and checklist.
1996-97 Flair Showcase Legacy Collection Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #31 Limited to 150 Copies
The Row 2 Legacy Collection parallel is displayed below. The turquoise equivalent of every original edition, which is assigned a number up to 150, possesses the genuine allure. There exist three fundamental Kobe Bryant “Row” editions, each featuring distinct visuals and rarity. Continuing the tradition of showcasing multiple images, a glossy finish, and an elegant design, the 1996-97 Flair Showcase presents another offering from his rookie year.
1996-97 Topps Chrome Reflective Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #138
They don’t show up frequently, thus the base set consists of 220 cards. However, there are Refractor parallels, which are found in approximately 1 out of every 12 packs, and are even more valuable. The non-numbered rookie cards without a signature also demand high prices. Among the preferred choices for Kobe Bryant rookies is his 1996-97 Topps Chrome card.
Although the Refractor has attained exceptionally high levels, the base #138 rookie card is also not affordable.
1996-97 Topps Finest Gold Reflective Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #269
Consider that the Refractor Gold version is the rarest among the bunch. Bryant, the rare Gold Heir rookie (#74) and Apprentice Bronze, has a Basketball Finest 1996-97 card that continues to hold appeal.
1997-98 E-X2001 Jambalaya Kobe Bryant #12
One of the biggest sets in the history of basketball cards, the Jambalaya cards, includes a dynamic pre-dunk image with crazy odds of 720:1 and bright colors. This checklist features both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, two of the most fortunate players in the sport.
The circular insert made multiple appearances, so collectors have several options.
1997-98 Finest Gold Embossed Reflective Kobe Bryant #323 #/74
When bids are high, they often produce a flurry of prices, but these cards don’t surface frequently. The Refractor Embossed Gold is also numbered 74 and features the familiar Atomic finish. The Next is the Refractor Gold, which is numbered 289. The First is the basic die-cut Gold Embossed card. While Kobe Bryant has versions in the base set, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, the rarest version is the Gold. Finest 1997-98 Refractors took the brand to the next level with Embossed Refractors, but the content is not limited to just that.
1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Kobe Bryant #81 #/100
These can be almost impossible to find. In addition, the rarity of these cards is very condition-sensitive. The first 10 cards feature green foil, while the remaining 90 cards feature red foil. Each foil-covered Bryant card is numbered up to 100 copies. Over the years, Gems Metal Precious has really taken off with the release of this 1997-98 Skybox Metal Universe set, becoming one of the most iconic parallels in modern collecting.
1997-98 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Kobe Bryant #86 #/50
The PMG parallels discovered in the 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship, with only 50 copies printed, are the rarest. However, they are not as widely favored as the foil version in the same Metal Universe edition. The Refractor-like finish substitutes the vibrant foil, resulting in a slightly more understated distinction.
1997-98 Skybox Premium Kobe Bryant Golden Touch #GT3
Bryant Kobe is naturally one of the most popular options. Touch Golden brought collectors a winning formula with a strong card made for tough odds and a unique die-cut design, as well as gold foil and inserts.
1997-98 Skybox Premium Star Rubies Kobe Bryant #23 #/50
This is another very elusive card, with only 50 copies available. This particular version has one of the craziest designs from ’97-98. Although it was included in multiple years of the Premium Skybox product line, it began to gain popularity around this time due to the rare parallel versions found in Rubies Star.
1997-98 Skybox Z-Force Tall Players on the Court Kobe Bryant #2
The collection of Kobe Bryant merchandise appeals to fans who are looking for the first batch, which includes rare items such as the 3-D look and the 1997-98 set. This collection also features 1996-97 Z-Force inserts, making it a unique and original addition to any basketball enthusiast’s court.
1997-98 Ultra Star Power Supreme Kobe Bryant #SPS3
The Power Star basketball card from 1997-98, featuring Kobe Bryant, is highly valuable. It has two fairly common parallels, but limited in number. The regular Power Star card of Bryant includes a die-cut design and a green background. The rarest version, Supreme Power Star, includes an additional image of Bryant and a yellow background.
1997-98 Ultra Superstars Kobe Bryant #3
The final effect of the design is a cracked ice look combined with a diamond and gold appearance. The total print run of Gold Stars Ultra comprises only 10 percent, and it includes a regular version with a shiny silver foil background. Stars Ultra, which is even rarer, also features a rare insert found in the NBA Ultra 1997-98.
1998-99 Fleer Playmakers Cinema Kobe Bryant #3 #/100
The Playmakers Theatre bucks the trend of inserting many futuristic inserts this time, and goes for a more refined look with an elaborate antique panel that features an image of a young, numbered Kobe Bryant. The background evokes the past, with a blast from the wood panel and gold embossing foil.
Generally, the numbered version is preferred, but both versions carry good value. It is not serial numbered and it is not embossed, but this version has similar numbers to the serial numbered version. The second card is slightly different. They appear similar though.
1998-99 NBA Hoops Bams Kobe Bryant #2 #/250
In the 1998-99 NBA Hoops set, collectors will discover precisely what they desire with Bams. Nevertheless, Hoops typically does not cater to collectors seeking high-end inserts. The presence of numerous images and prominent text in the slightly overwhelming design has not impacted the values. The insert, inspired by dunks, is numbered up to 250. Furthermore, there exists a scarce parallel known as Slam Bams, restricted to 100 copies, distinguishable from Bams by the golden “SLAM” located in the upper-right and lower-left corners, along with a golden hue.
1998-99 Skybox Molten Metal Mystical Fusion Kobe Bryant #33F #/250
The card’s transparency allows for the distinctive serial numbering of the parallel on the front. Enthusiasts may observe the existence of a limited edition gold parallel, restricted to only 40 copies, whereas the regular insert is numbered up to 250. Minuscule perforations are created on the card to form an image of Kobe Bryant, resulting in an exceptionally one-of-a-kind card. The Fusion inserts elevate the concept by featuring a player image with colorization, reminiscent of the 1997-98 Metal Universe Platinum Portraits.
1998-99 Skybox Thunder Noise Boys Kobe Bryant #3
Noyz Boyz may not excel in grammatical accuracy, but it compensates for it with its flashy appearance and challenging odds. Bryant’s image, pre-dunk, is enhanced by the implementation of intricate die-cut designs. The popularity and overall value of Noyz can be clearly heard among collectors.
1998-99 Upper Deck Game Jerseys Kobe Bryant #GJ19,21
Packs 250:1 (The only hobby found below is that (#GJ21) silver card. The first card (#GJ19) is part of a group that averaged 2,500:1. Collectors actually wanted to pull them below, even plain color jerseys, one color jersey swatches, and. Let’s face it, the shark jumped with these jersey cards. Although the official first jersey card of Kobe Bryant’s previous season did not come until Upper Deck 1998-99, the Jerseys Game insert appeared. One color jersey swatches, and. Collectors actually wanted to pull them below, even rare jersey cards in the late 1990s. But the shark jumped with these jersey cards, let’s face it.
1998-99 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Kobe Bryant #53 #/50
In the pastime, substantial funds always equate to PMGs, irrespective of the occasion. The scarce parallel is characterized by solely a golden hue, potentially resulting in the final Kobe Bryant PMG from the initial batch being slightly less favored than the initial cards, with a numbering of 50.
1999-00 Upper Deck Game Jerseys Patch Kobe Bryant #GJP11, #GJP27
The options for collectors of Kobe Bryant include two different sets, namely Patch Super and Patch Jersey Game. The Patch Super version is numbered up to 25, while the odds of finding any card in the 30-card Patch Jersey Game set were unlikely at 7,500:1. Upper Deck raised the stakes by including cards with patches and game-worn jerseys of Kobe Bryant, making them the only other jersey cards on the 1999-00 Upper Deck list.
2000-01/2001-02/2002-03 Complete Collection Kobe Bryant #KB Autograph with Ultimate Signatures
If feasible, numerous individuals prefer on-card, but availability and cost are the evident limitations for most enthusiasts when it pertains to authenticated Kobe Bryant signatures. There truly isn’t an incorrect choice.
The Ultimate Signatures cards from the early 2000s are truly remarkable. Specifically, Upper Deck offers a wide selection of excellent options for popular releases during his prime playing years.
2009-10 National Treasures Memorable Monikers Autograph Kobe Bryant (#KB1 #/99 or #KB2 #/35)
Cards with the label “MVP” are numbered up to 35, while cards with the label “Black Mamba” are numbered up to 99. In the 2009-10 National Treasures collection, there were two distinct variations. The presence of inscriptions adds a touch of uniqueness with Notable Nicknames, however, autographs from Kobe Bryant remain highly sought after by contemporary collectors.
2012-13 National Treasures Memorable Monikers Kobe Bryant #6 Autograph #/49
If you don’t understand the reference to Kobe’s other nickname, “Vino,” featured in the set of Treasures National 2012-13, collectors are still on the lookout for a new and flashy moniker for Bryant’s Mamba Black, which is certainly not as evocative or flashy as the original. It’s like thinking of the age and fine quality of a fine wine.
While the Nha Trang inscriptions are clearly impressive, almost any Kobe Bryant autograph from National Treasures is a valuable addition.
Impeccable Autograph of Kobe Bryant
Unveiled at an unprecedented price level, a cutting-edge product was introduced during the 2012-13 season. Basketball enthusiasts are not discouraged by the high cost of new items, as demonstrated by the success of the 2012-13 Flawless collection. Collectors of Kobe Bryant memorabilia still regard the Flawless brand as a top choice, and its popularity has endured over time.
Any Flawless Kobe Bryant Signature
The autographed jersey cards have proven to be the most popular. Although the price tag is lower, the overall value of the Immaculate Collection is better when compared to the Flawless Collection. Immaculate, similar to Flawless, offers premium basketball autographs featuring Kobe Bryant.
Any Exceptional Compilation of Kobe Bryant’s Autograph
Lastly, we have the Exquisite Collection which has been a premium basketball product for multiple years. Over the years, there have been some great autographed cards of Kobe Bryant found in the Exquisite Collection, ranging from the 2003-04 to the 2008-09 seasons. However, it is worth noting that the Exquisite Collection has not only featured autographs from Kobe Bryant, but also other NBA players. It is unfortunate that Upper Deck, the company that held the license for the NBA, lost it in close succession with the Exquisite Collection.
