A new record has been set in the world of memorabilia by Allen Iverson, a former NBA player who currently serves as Vice President of Reebok Basketball, working alongside the President of Reebok Basketball, Shaquille O’Neal.
Last month, Heritage Auctions put the 1997 Skybox E-X 2001 Allen Iverson card up for auction. The card displays the basketball legend sporting a Sixers jersey and stats from his rookie season, according to Afrotech.
As per the auction firm, it attracted 58 bids from registered phone bidders interested in the “ultra rare” card, which has only three existing copies.
“The 1997 Skybox E-X 2001 Essential Credentials Now Allen Iverson #3 is an ultra-rare and highly sought-after card of the Hall of Fame guard, renowned for his electrifying play and cultural impact on the NBA,” a description on the card shared on Heritage Auction’s website read.
“Limited to just three copies, this card features the distinctive design and bold aesthetic that define the Essential Credentials series. Graded PSA EX 5, it remains an exceptional and prized collectible for fans of Iverson and iconic 1990s basketball cards. Limited edition—#02/03.”
According to Cllct, bids reached $128,000 within the card’s first week on the auction block. Eventually, the card was sold for $701,500, making history as the highest Iverson collectible, TMZ reported. The previous record holder was the 2016-17 Panini National Treasures autographed Logoman in August 2021, which sold for $79,200. The new record highlights the growing market for rare sports collectibles.
Iverson is a retired NBA player who played 14 seasons in the NBA at both the shooting guard and point guard positions. Nicknamed “the Answer”, he largely played for the Philadelphia 76ers.
In his prime, Iverson signed a lifelong endorsement deal with Reebok, which included an annual payout of $800,000, and he will receive a $32 million trust on his 55th birthday thanks to the deal he signed in 2001.
Since his retirement, he has reinvented himself as an entrepreneur and a business leader. From cannabis to athleisure, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), shoes, and beyond, Iverson is now doing amazingly well with Reebok alongside O’Neal.