Dallas Mavericks forward and guard Luka Doncic is only 22 years old but has become a household name among NBA fans. His unique ability and versatile game have made him a fan favorite with Mavericks fans and NBA fans alike.
With his 2018-2019 National Treasures autographed rookie card valued at $4.6 million, Doncic’s cards are already catching the eyes of fans. This card was, at one time, not just the most expensive Luka Doncic card ever sold, but the Most Expensive Sports Card ever sold.
For most people, $4.6 million seems like an outrageous price tag but the people who buy these cards consider them an investment. On the other hand, highly dedicated card collectors are often willing to write a blank check for their potential prized possession. Here, we'll cover some of the most valuable Luka Doncic basketball cards by breaking down their price and the various features that distinguish them as rare cards.
If you have a Luka Doncic card and are curious about its worth or are a Mavericks fan looking to add to your growing collection, then look no further. Keep reading to discover some of the most expensive Luka Doncic rookie cards.
2018 Panini Prizm Luka Doncic Red Shimmer
This card (graded PSA 10) card sold for a whopping $198,000 in February 2021, and the card's rarity justifies the price. Dirk Nowitzki was the iconic face of the Mavericks for some time, but after he moved on, another star rose. Doncic earned the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year Award and was already proving that he could fill some pretty big shoes left for him to step into.
This card is dazzling, with a red shimmer, and is one of the most coveted modern basketball cards. The back is numbered 280, the blurb on the back discussing how Doncic was the first Mavericks player to wear number 77. This very rare card is a limited edition and has a flawless assessment by the grading service.
Similarly, this card has another edition in Neon Green, selling for $144,000 in May of the same year. It was graded PSA Gem Mint 10 and is even rarer to obtain. It is number two in a limited print of only five, so dedicated collectors were eager to get their hands on both.
2018 Panini Flawless Luka Donic (Star Swatch Signatures-Ruby)
Sold in August 2021 for $78,000, this card is in 9.5 Gem Mint condition and sports Doncic’s signature on the lower half. The back of the card includes a certificate of authenticity and a guarantee from the Panini America Incorporation. Additionally, it features a quote from Goran Dragic and a score from Beckett Grading Services.
This edition was a print run of only 15 cards and the card that sold for almost $80,000 is one of the highest graded cards of its kind. This card ranks ten in centering, a 9.5 in corners and edges, and a 9 in the surface. Like the former, this card is limited edition and is one of the most valuable Luka Doncic rookie cards.
2018 Panini Donruss Optic Luka Doncic (Black Velocity)
This features Doncic on the front with international career totals on the back. Furthermore, this card has a background on Doncic from when he joined the Mavericks that details his desire to turn the Dallas franchise back to its winning ways. His on-court brilliance has made him an instant favorite with Mavs fans.
What makes this particular card so valuable is the fact that it earned a BGS Black Label grade from Beckett Grading Services. BGS Black Label is the rarest designation in sports card grading and requires that a card receive a perfect 10 in all four sub categories.
Along with his stats like height, weight, and birthplace, this Rated Rookie card is numbered 177. Only 39 cards were produced, meaning its total sell price ($36,000) is less than the prior few. However, this card being graded BGS Black Label means its value is likely to rise with along with the legend of Luka. Many fans believe that Doncic is destined to become as iconic as his predecessor.
2018 Panini Contenders Luka Doncic (Rookie Ticket Autograph)
Sold for $30,000 in 2021, this card features a lookalike front and back. Both have the same picture of Doncic, the front side containing his name, a rookie ticket, and an autograph in blue. The back has number 122, alongside his height, weight, birthdate, and description of the young star's excellent vision and sweet shot.
Panini Contenders is one of the more sought-after autograph cards for many rookies, making this version one of the most valuable Luka Doncic rookie cards. While Doncic’s career is just starting, people are eagerly investing in him now since he has a ton of potential to grow and become one of the Maverick superstars. This card is graded as PSA Gem Mint 10.
Similarly, another Panini Contenders card was sold for $21,000 in 2020. With the same format, such as the picture with the rookie ticket and Doncic’s autograph, this card was priced lower simply because of its lower grading. Nevertheless, it features a piece of Doncic’s worn uniform and is exceptionally limited, with only one variation available for purchase. With an average score of 8.5, this card highlights Doncic’s talent and skill for avid supporters.
2018 Panini Select Luka Doncic (Zebra Prism)
You guessed it; this card has zebra patterns on the outer edges for some extra flair and uniqueness. Valued at $18,000, and ranking a Gem Mint rating of 10, the Zebra Prism is numbered 25. This card is a top choice, displaying a picture of Doncic on the front and his accomplishments on the back.
The Mavericks went into the 2018-19 season with seven foreign-born players, and Doncic was the youngest. He led the team into victory and became the first teen player to score 25 points in the process.
2018 Panini Prizm Luka Doncic Purple Ice
Another Panini card, this version holds the same high-scoring Gem Mint, and with an action-packed photograph surrounded by graphics that resemble purple ice. Ranking 10 in Gem Mint and numbered 280, this card is very familiar with previous designs that we’ve seen so far on the list. With listings at a modest $11,700, this card is significantly less expensive than some other Luka Doncic cards available for you to purchase.
Despite that, its eye-catching design sets it apart from other cards and is a definite must-have for any Mavericks fan. 149 of these cards were produced and are one of the most wanted cards, representing Doncic’s talent for this sport.
2018 Donruss Optic Fast Break Gold
Featuring a gold frame around Doncic’s picture, this card obtained a 9.5 Gem Mint rating with additional high ratings in centering, corners, and so forth. Despite being another Rated Rookie card, the back has different facts about Doncic.
This is a determining factor in why collectors want to gather as many as possible, as each offers a unique visual experience. This card sold in July 2020 for $9,600.
Other Notable Luka Doncic Basketball Cards
In this part, we’ll talk about some of the most iconic Luka Doncic cards that may or may not have already been included above. In other words, the essentials for anyone either starting their hobby of card-collecting or wanting to add additional finesse to their collection.
2018 Panini Contenders Luka Doncic (Rookie Ticket Autograph)
The same one as above, this card includes Doncic’s signature underneath a rookie-themed ticket. The base version values hit high due to the Gem Mint copies produced, however, there’s an image variation to keep an eye out for.
The base version is all black and uses the same image on the front and back. Yet, variations have a colored team logo and a different front image, so if you’re looking for a unique card, the Rookie tickets are your go-to.
2017 Upper Deck Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Luka Doncic (Autograph)
This early release card from the 2016-17 season features Doncic when he played for Real Madrid. Including the team logo at the top left corner and ranking a Gem Mint of 9.5, this card includes several features for a reasonable price (sold for $2,220).
However, this is good for true fans who want to see Doncic before the Mavericks, when he was named EuroLeague’s Rising Star. It’s important to include in any Doncic collection.
2018-19 Panini Court Kings Luka Doncic (Heir Apparent Autographs)
This signed card is limited to 199 copies, and the set includes some of the most well-known rookies, many of whom haven’t embraced the spotlight as successfully as Doncic. The picture is unique and great, featured over an abstract and colorful background.
Gold-trimmed with an on-card autograph, this one is slightly more expensive than the former (sold for $3,480) but is good for someone looking for a potential investment in a card that will grow in value.
Best Value Luka Doncic Basketball Cards
While there is a variety still within the $7,000 to $8,000 price range, let’s address a few more reasonably priced cards that are under $5,000. These are unique, beautiful, and eye-catching that will most likely continue to grow in worth as Doncic becomes more known in his professional career.
Say you’re not looking to break the bank by investing in a collectible card, but still want to get one of the most valuable Luka Doncic rookie cards. In this section, we’ll briefly dive into some of the options available for purchase that are affordable. They will most likely become valuable in the future as Doncic continues to ride along a path towards a successful future as a talented basketball player.
These cards aren’t fancy with not as many pretty options as the former, but they still provide essential information and style that any collector would find ideal. Of course, you can find others that are less than $100 or in the $500 range as well.
2018 Panini Noir Luka Doncic (Shadow Signatures)
Rated highly in Gem Mint, this card is number 89 out of 99 available. This card sold for a decent price and includes Doncic’s signature accompanied by symmetrical black and white pictures on the front and back. It will probably become more valuable as time passes due to its design and the promising future Doncic has with the Mavericks.
2018 National Treasures Luka Doncic
Another quality card, this option is eye-catching. It includes facts about Doncic on the back and has two types of uniform material on the front. It’s a prime parallel card for any collector and is a limited edition, numbered 1 out of 25. Still fetching a good price, fans will want to get their hands on this card in the future.
2018 Panini Cornerstones Luka Doncic
For the more artsy and aesthetic folk, this card is ideal. This edition is in prime condition and colorful. Under the positioned Doncic features his name and a description on the back. This design is just straightforwardly cool, whimsical, and holographic, featuring downtown Dallas and one of the better players in the NBA currently.
2018 Panini Contenders Optic Luka Doncic
Another solidly rated card, Doncic is shooting on the front accompanied by neon colors in addition to a rookie ticket. A standard picture is featured on the back, with his statistics and a summary. This card includes his autograph and is numbered 128 of the set, indicating a likely rise in value as Doncic dedicates more of his life to basketball.
Conclusion
Luka Doncic rivaled Stephen Curry’s card as one of the most expensive basketball cards ever sold. The fact that he’s still young and only has a few years under his belt is impressive. Undoubtedly, assuming he maintains this trajectory, any of his memorabilia will continue to gain value over the years.
Doncic is a fan favorite already and averages up to 28 points per game. Hopefully, he will continue to progress into a better player every season and expand his skill set even further. Ideally, the full-force return of the NBA will permit him the opportunity to further improve and impress his fans and fellow players in the process.
Perhaps one of these cards sparked your interest as a collector, or you wish to explore more of Doncic’s cards. There are plenty out there in countless variations that can help you show your support for the Mavericks in style.
