Stephen Curry has captivated fans with his deep shooting range and unique shot making ability. Now Steph has captured the attention of the sport card world since a rare Stephen Curry rookie card became the most expensive sports card ever sold at $5.9 Million.
While this card is likely out of your budget, I will list a few of the best value Stephen Curry rookie cards at the end of the article and provide a link where you can purchase a wide variety of Stephen Curry memorabilia.
Stephen Curry has been showered with accolades since his rookie NBA season in 2009. 7 time NBA All-Star, two time NBA MVP, two time scoring champ, and three time NBA Champion. He's done just about everything there is to do in the NBA.
Now Curry has a couple other accolades to add to his resume. In July of 2021, a Stephen Curry National Treasures rookie card sold for $5.9 Million making it not only the most valuable basketball card ever but the most expensive sports card ever sold. Period. See our full list of the Most Expensive Sports Cards Ever Sold Here.
You may have a Steph Curry basketball card and be wondering if its worth anything significant. Let's take a look at some of the most expensive Stephen Curry basketball cards, the best value Stephen Curry cards, and the important rookie cards to own.
Most Expensive Stephen Curry Basketball Cards
1. 2009 Stephen Curry National Treasures Rookie Logoman
Price: $5.9 Million
The lead Splash Brother made a splash headline of his own when this rare rookie card became the most expensive card in the history of the sports card hobby. The 2009 Stephen Curry National Treasures Rookie Logoman auto sold to the Alt Fund for $5.9 Million on July 6, 2021. The rare National Treasures rookie card is manufactured by Panini, features a “logoman” patch from a game worn Curry jersey, and is the only card of its kind (a 1/1).
The Alt fund is a pioneer in the growing alternative investing industry. Companies such as Alt, Rally Road, and Collectable purchase high end collectibles like this Curry Rookie Card and allow everyday investors to purchase fractional shares of the item. This gives the common investor or collector a chance to own some of the most coveted items in the hobby.
2. 2009 Panini National Treasures “Century Platinum” Stephen Curry Rookie Patch Auto (3/5) – BGS 9.5
Price: $960,000
Another card from the high end National Treasures set, this “Century Platinum” also features a game worn jersey patch and an on card autograph. It is slightly less rare with only 5 of these cards being produced. A Century Platinum graded BGS 9.5 sold for just under $1 Million at Goldin Auctions.
This Stephen Curry card rivals the value of even the most expensive Michael Jordan basketball cards which is impressive given the time left in his already accomplished career.
3. 2009 Playoff National Treasures Stephen Curry Rookie Patch Auto – PSA 10
Estimated value: $800,000
The Playoff National Treasures was one of the original 2009 sets. It was the most coveted Stephen Curry rookie card until the previously mentioned National Treasures cards (Logoman and Century Platinum) were released. There are 99 Playoff National Treasures in circulation making them a little easier to find.
Still, in top graded condition (BGS 10 or PSA 10) the card can be worth around $800,000.
This particular card is very similar in appearance to the Logoman rookie patch. The main difference being, the Playoff Rookie Patch features a jumbo jersey patch featuring Warriors colors while the Logoman features an NBA logo patch from Curry's jersey
4. 2009 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor Stephen Curry BGS Pristine 10
Estimated Value: $480,000
Topps Chrome rookie cards have a track record of being very popular and holding their value. The key to finding big value in Topps Chrome basketball cards is finding cards in top graded condition, preferably BGS 10, PSA 10, or BGS 10 Black Label.
One of the top 15 most expensive sports cards of all time is a Kobe Bryant 1996 Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor graded BGS Black Label. The 2009 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor does not have a jersey patch or an autograph but it is an iconic card. If you can find one in pristine condition, it could be worth close to half a million dollars.
Important Stephen Curry Rookie Cards:
2009 Topps Chrome Stephen Curry Rookie Card
Curry made it into the league before the NBA signed an exclusive licensing deal with Panini. The 2009 Topps Chrome Stephen Curry Rookie Card has two important parallels. The Topps Chrome Refractor and Topps Chrome Gold Refractor. The Kobe Bryant Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor mentioned early is worth near $1 Million. These two cards in highly graded condition can be worth 6 figures which makes me think the base 2009 Topps Chrome Curry Rookie will be an important card to own. It is also available at a more affordable price point.
It is a simple, classic design and perfectly depicts Curry's playful demeanor. An underrated aspect of the 2009 Topps Chrome Basketball set is the back of the card.
The back of the card looks more like a higher end Panini card than a Topps Base set card.
2009 Bowman '48 Stephen Curry Rookie Card
The 2009 Bowman '48 Stephen Curry Rookie Card features a very young looking Curry shooting a free throw in his Davidson Wildcats jersey. Even more so than the 2009 Topps, the 2009 Bowman '48 set is a simple, no-frills design. Only a white border and ‘Bowman' in the top right corner.
The 2009 Bowman '48 set was released as a hobby box and was an ode to Bowman's first every basketball set in 1948. The set featured three parallels (Blue, Black, and Red) with Black (#'d to 48) and Red (#'d to 1) being the most rare. The set also featured several relics and autographed relic cards of legends. The set was important set and Curry is an important player. This Curry rookie card is a must own for any Curry collector.
2009 Panini Limited Stephen Curry Rookie Card
The 2009 Panini Limited Set is made up of all numbered cards. Even the base set of “commons” are numbered. There are several important Stephen Curry rookie cards in this set including but not limited to: The Freshmen Jumbo series featuring “event worn” jersey swatches and the Silver/Gold/Platinum Spotlights.
This set was full of premium product and the Stephen Curry rookie's are the most coveted of the set.
Best Value Stephen Curry Basketball Cards
When you look at Stephen Curry basketball cards, the word “value” doesn't exactly come to mind. Curry cards are super hot following the record sale of the National Treasures 1/1. Finding a significant Curry card in highly graded condition under $10,000 is no easy task.
What is will focus on in this section is what I think are “underrated” Curry cards and have a chance to increase in value.
1. 2009 Topps Chrome Stephen Curry Rookie Card
As mentioned before, the Chrome Refractor and Chrome Gold Refractor of the Topps Curry Rookie are extremely valuable. I believe this increases the value of the 2009 Topps Stephen Curry Rookie Card and with the supply being higher, makes this card easier to find and more liquid. I believe this card has the best “Value” of any Curry Rookie Card.
2. 2009 Bowman '48 Stephen Curry Rookie Card
Mentioned above, the 2009 Bowman '48 set has some great offerings. It has a wide range of offerings that could make this Stephen Curry rookie card accessible to a wide range of collectors. What makes this set especially appealing and a great value is the fact that it had a smaller print run than many sets in this era. Because of the smaller print run, it will likely become harder to find and hold its value well.
3. 2009 Panini Absolute Stephen Curry Rookie Card
Another set that has just enough supply that makes it affordable enough for an average but serious collector. Something from this set gives you a chance to own a card with an autograph and a jersey patch without completely breaking the bank. It also offers an opportunity to spend up and get something a little more rare. 2009 Panini Absolute Stephen Curry Rookie has an excellent chance to age well.
