Giannis Antetokounmpo Rookie Card Market Guide

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most exciting young players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Becoming a pro as a teenager, he quickly became one of the best players in the league. If you are a fan of Antetokounmpo, or just basketball in general, you will want to check out his rookie cards. This article will look at some of the best Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards on the market. We will also discuss their value and where you can find them for sale.

Who Is Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a Greek professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA. Milwaukee selected the “Greek Freak” with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. However, the 7-footer went pro even earlier in 2011. He played in the Greek Basket League with Filathlitikos before officially being eligible for the NBA at 18 years old.

During the 2015 season, he averaged 16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. As a result of his stellar performance, in September 2016, he signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Bucks.

Since then, Antetokounmpo has become one of the most decorated players in the NBA, with numerous All-Star appearances and awards. Those include a 2021 NBA Championship (Milwaukee’s second NBA title), an NBA Finals MVP, two league MVPs, seven All-Star selections, 2020 Defensive Player of the Year and five All-NBA First Team selections.

What Makes Giannis Antetokounmpo's Rookie Cards So Valuable?

There are several factors that make Giannis Antetokounmpo's rookie cards so popular and sought after. Let’s take a closer look:

Antetokounmpo's meteoric rise: The Greek phenom quickly developed into one of the best players in the league upon his arrival in America, as he won back-to-back MVP awards and led his team to an NBA championship in 2021.

Rarity: Antetokounmpo's immense popularity and success at such a young age make his rookie cards some of the most sought-after cards among basketball card collectors. Many of these cards were released in limited quantities, making them rarer than other cards.

Quality: Most of his rookie cards feature vivid images and designs that highlight his athleticism and unique style of play. These features help make them even more desirable to collectors.

Investment: Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards are seen as an excellent investment for basketball card collectors. If he continues to dominate the league and break records, the value of his cards will likely continue to increase over time.

Investment Potential of Giannis Antetokounmpo Rookie Cards

When it comes to investing and collecting sports cards, there are many considerations to take into account. One of the biggest is the potential for appreciation and return on investment (ROI). In addition to looking at the ROI potential, there are some other factors that an investor should consider before buying a sports card:

Antetokounmpo's Unique Style of Play: The Greek Freak’s unique style of play has earned him accolades from around the league. His speed and agility for his size combined with his ability to finish with either hand make him one of the most dynamic players in today's game. As a result, his signature cards are an especially hot commodity among sports card collectors.

Historical Significance: Antetokounmpo is the fifth NBA MVP born outside of the United States, and he's also a seven-time All-Star. As such, his rookie cards will always be a part of basketball history.

Rarity: Due to the rising demand for Giannis's rookie cards, it has become increasingly difficult to find them in Mint condition. This makes these cards even more desirable for collectors looking for an investment piece.

The Sport's Popularity: The NBA continues to grow in popularity due to its fan base across the globe. This increased interest means more people are collecting basketball cards, which can increase prices for Giannis' rookie cards.

Your Investment Strategy: As a collector or investor, there are many different investment strategies you can take, like buying and holding, trading or flipping your sports cards. It is important to know what your goals are before investing in cards of any type.

Signatures and Patches: Cards featuring Antetokounmpo's signature or game-used patches tend to carry a premium over standard rookie cards. These cards are particularly sought after because of the added value of owning memorabilia from the renowned basketball star.

Best Giannis Antetokounmpo Rookie Cards

Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards are some of the most desirable pieces for basketball card collectors and investors alike. Some of the best Antetokounmpo cards to keep an eye out for include:

2013 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autographs #130 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Gold Parallel #'d/25 ($110,000)

The most expensive card on our list is the 2013 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autographs #130 Gold Parallel. This card features a white background with gold accents around the edges. A large patch takes up most of the card's space and features an action shot of Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Bucks jersey just over the top of the patch. His signature is found near the bottom of the card. As this card is numbered to only 25 pieces, it is one of the most elusive cards in the market and can be worth up to $110,000.

2013 Panini Gold Standard Rookie Autograph Jerseys #231 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Platinum Parallel #'d/10 ($102,848)

The 2013 Panini Gold Standard Rookie Autograph Jerseys #231 Platinum Parallel has a unique and eye-catching design. It features an image of Giannis Antetokounmpo in his away Bucks jersey against a blue crisscrossed pattern background. The Greek Freak’s handwritten signature and a patch of his game-used jersey appear on the bottom of the card, which has an old parchment paper look to it. With a limited print run of only 10 examples, this card is highly coveted and can sell for upwards of $102,848.

2013 Panini Immaculate Rookie Patch Autographs #131 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Jersey Number Parallel #'d/34 ($94,999)

The 2013 Panini Immaculate Rookie Patch Autographs #131 card contains a sleek curved design in the background. It also features Antetokounmpo holding the ball while wearing a white Bucks jersey. With an autograph and a jersey number patch, this card is one of the most sought-after pieces in the market. It can fetch prices up to $94,999 due to its limited print run of only 34 cards.

2013 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autographs #130 - Giannis Antetokounmpo #'d/99 ($81,700)

The 2013 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autographs #130 is one of the most revered pieces of Giannis Antetokounmpo memorabilia. This is because it also features a black-and-white portrait of Kobe Bryant in the background. Along with Bryant’s face at the top right, an in-game action shot of Antetokounmpo sits at the top left. The Milwaukee star’s signature and patch are featured below the card's graphics. As this card is numbered to only 99 pieces, it is highly collectible and can sell for upwards of $81,700.

2013 Fleer Retro (1997-98 Metal Universe) #252 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Precious Metal Gems Green Parallel #'d/10 ($75,100)

The 2013 Fleer Retro (1997-98 Metal Universe) #252 Precious Metal Gems Green Parallel is one of the most visually appealing examples of any Giannis Antetokounmpo card on the market. It features a vibrant green background with a photo of the NBA star running up the court with the ball in his hand. The top right of the card features the Precious Metal Gems text and the Metal logo on the bottom right. Though there isn't a signature or patch on this card, it is still highly collectible due to its rarity and eye-catching design, making it worth upwards of $75,100.

2013 Upper Deck Exquisite Rookie Autographs #R11 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Blue Parallel #'d/3 ($74,850)

The 2013 Upper Deck Exquisite Rookie Autographs #R11 Blue Parallel is a card that features Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbling the ball on a dark blue background. The design of the background has a diagonal stripe pattern that makes the card stand out from other pieces. Giannis's signature is also featured on the bottom of the card, with Greece written below it. With only 3 of these cards in existence, it's highly sought-after by serious collectors and costs upwards of $74,850 to add to your collection.

2013 Panini Select Rookies Prizms #178 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Gold Parallel #'d/10 ($58,864)

The 2013 Panini Select Prizms #178 Gold Parallel looks like the Prizms Orange Parallel but has a more symmetrical design. The background features a golden border with a photo of Giannis bent over in a ready-to-drive forward position in the center. Below the image and centered in the middle is the Select logo. With only 10 of these cards ever created, it's no surprise that this can sell for upwards of $58,864.

2013 Upper Deck Black Rookie Lustrous Rookie Signature #63 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Silver Spectrum Parallel #’d/1 ($51,982)

The 2013 Upper Deck Black Rookie Lustrous #63 Silver Spectrum Parallel is one of the rarest Giannis Antetokounmpo cards ever made. With an incredibly limited print run of just one card, this extremely rare piece features a glossy black background, which sets it apart from other cards. In addition, it also features an autograph on the bottom left side of the card. This card can fetch prices upwards of $51,982 due to its rarity and eye-catching design.

2013 Panini Prizm #290 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Orange Parallel #'d /60 ($50,825)

The 2013 Panini Prizm #290 Orange Parallel comes from one of the most popular series around these days. This particular insert is a unique card that features Giannis Antetokounmpo in a game-ready stance while holding a basketball. The background features a metallic orange finish that adds to the card's eye-catching appeal. With a print run of only 60 pieces, this card is scarce and can fetch prices of up to $50,825.

Where Can I Purchase Giannis Antetokounmpo Cards?

Depending on the price and rarity of the card, collectors can find Giannis Antetokounmpo cards through various sources. They include:

• Sports Card Sellers:Established sports card dealers often carry Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards. Since they specialize in sports memorabilia, these sellers typically have a larger selection than auction sites, and prices may be slightly lower.
• Local Shops:Local hobby shops are another great place to find Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards. It's best to call ahead and ask if they have any in stock, as many shops sell out quickly.
• eBay and Other Online Auction Sites: eBay and other online auction sites are great places to find Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards. With the wide selection of sellers, buyers can often find cards at competitive prices.
• Convention Booths: Collectors can often find Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards at conventions, such as sports card shows or comic conventions. It's a great way to meet other collectors and browse through various cards in person.
• Auction Houses:Auctions usually carry the rarest and most valuable Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards. While auctions can be expensive, they offer the opportunity to own a piece of history.

How Are Giannis Antetokounmpo Cards Graded?

Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards are graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest possible grade and Gem Mint 10 being the highest. Cards professionally authenticated by an independent third-party grading service will receive a numeric grade and a descriptive label (e.g., Gem Mint, Mint, Near Mint, etc.) indicating their overall condition. Generally speaking, higher grades can increase the value of a Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie card. When assessing a card's grade, a grading company will look at factors like:

• Centering:How evenly is the card's image centered on its border?
• Corners: Are the card's corners sharp, or have they been worn down over time?
• Edges:Are the card edges crisp or frayed and rough?
• Surface: Does the surface have any scratches, discolorations or marks that would affect its appearance?

For further information on CSG's 10-point Grading Scale and to find out more about our industry-leading services, visit CSGcards.com.

Conclusion

Collecting Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards can be a fun and rewarding experience for fans of the NBA star. No matter what source you use, it is essential to research the item thoroughly before buying it. Prices can vary significantly from seller to seller, and there are always chances of getting scammed by fake sellers or counterfeit products. By doing your due diligence and knowing what to look for in a legitimate card, you can get a good deal on the perfect Antetokounmpo rookie card for your collection.

*Any mention of "investment potential" is for entertainment only and should not be construed as investment advice. The Certified Collectibles Group does not provide investment advice and is not liable for any buy, sell or trade decisions made by any parties.