Zion Williamson, the electric NBA star with uncannily high-flying dunks and athleticism, has made a splash in the basketball world since his entrance. Consequently, his rookie cards have soared to the top of sports card market lists throughout 2020. You need to know the value and importance of Zion Williamson’s rookie cards, even if you’re a long-time collector or looking to start investing. In this guide, we walk you through everything about these much-sought-after collectables.
Who is Zion Williamson?
The New Orleans Pelicans Selected Zion Williamson with the First Overall Pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Zion is a former number one overall pick and the player we know him for—an oversized, athletic freak of nature at 6’4″ and weighing around 280 pounds. Zion was THE awaited rookie; his first season, though filled with injuries, thank the Lord, had some of us catch a glimpse of why he is expected to be one of those big guys who will own the league for many years.
What Makes Zion Williamson’s Rookie Card So Valuable?
Rookie Cards reside high atop the perch of the sports memorabilia world. Historically, these cards are the inaugural official of that player’s debut season. Rookie cards of Zion Williamson, in particular, are precious for a few reasons:
Hype & Popularity: Zion was one of the most hyped-to-enter-the-league prospects in a while and got some comparisons to legends like LeBron James. High-flying dunks and impressive performances on the court only upped the ante, as his rookie cards were instantly hot spots.
Read: Zion Williamson Latest News and Updates Performance, Injuries & Future Prospects
Collectible / Limited Supply -One of the elements that helps determine how valuable rookie cards are is based on their supply. The cards of Zion are no different, many being released in small numbers, too. As you can imagine, the rare card will only hold less value.
Investment Outlook: Zion is widely regarded as the next big thing in the NBA, and his collectors are positioned to invest long-term concerning his rookie cards. Assuming he does become one of the all-time greats, having his rookie cards would be priceless.
Best Zion Williamson Rookie Cards to Collect
If you’re looking to target Zion Williamson rookie cards and add them to your collection, these are some of the top options on eBay.
1. 2019 Panini Prizm Zion Williamson_INTERRUPTER Rookie Card Combo Box
See the most popular Zion Williamson rookie cards from 2019 Panini Prizm here. → One of the cards in today’s Break Bread & GPAN Roundtable Session is a Panini Prizm card — its stylish design and chromium finish have become synonymous with the hobby. Within this set are several parallels (variant cards) with various coloured borders and rarities—especially the Silver Prizm, which is highly wanted and raises much money.
2. 2019 National Treasures Zion Williamson RPA
The 2019 National Treasures Zion Williamson RPA represents the top-of-the-line for die-hard collectors of Zion rookie cards. With an on-card autograph and a jersey patch, this card is the ultimate one with Zion Williamson, making it rare and valuable. National Treasures has long been the flagship brand for high-end sports cards, and Zion RPA is one of those most sought-after in all the hobby.
3. 2019 Panini Donruss Optic Zion Williamson Rated Rookie ITGUILT
Putting a more budget-friendly option on the table for collectors, Panini Donruss Optic provides all the features of its higher-end counterpart. This set carries a coveted Rated Rookie card loved by collectors, and, much like with Prizm, you can get it in different parallels to make its value soar.
4. Top 50 Zion Williamson Rookie Cards – April Rankings01. 2019 Panini Contenders Zion Williamson Rookie Ticket Autograph
2019 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph This card includes Zion’s autograph over the famous “Rookie Ticket” design that collectors have been building sets around for a while. The hard-signed autograph and limited print run have melded together to create an elite target for collectors.
5. Bottom Line: Zion Williamson Mosaic Rookie Card
Cards from the Panini Mosaic set are recognizable for their bright and colorful border patterns that resemble mosaic tiles. The rookie card of Zion in this set is neat-looking and has some high-end parallels like the Silver Mosaic or Gold Mosaic, which carry excellent value.
What Makes Zion Williamson Rookie Card Prices Go Up?
What Factors Determine the Value Of Zion Williamson Rookie Cards? Knowing these will allow you to make better decisions when buying or selling.
1. Condition
The antique card plays a vital role in its value. Mint or gem mint cards (graded 9-10 by graders like PSA or BGS) are worth many times more than graded lower-end condition cards. A single minor imperfection could significantly decrease a card’s value.
2. Rarity
If you want to say that a card is rarer, more often than not, it fetches a higher value. Parallels, autographs and jersey patch cards tend to be more scarce, so these always carry a higher value. If you know how many copies of that card exist, checking the serial number may tell you exactly how rare your Vintage or autographed piece is.
3. Autographs and Patches
Anything with Zion Williamson’s autograph or game-worn jersey is worth a lot. All these things add value to the card, making it collectable and memorable. The more rare or unique the autograph/patch, the higher the value of this particular card.
4. Popularity of the Brand
Well, not all rookie cards are created equally. Certain brands (i.e. Panini National Treasures, Panini Prizm) enjoy more demand and thus value from collectors. The reason you need to add card brands when collecting Zion rookie cards is so that you can have a roadmap for which of your Zion rookies carry the highest long-term upside.
Where to Purchase Zion Williamson Rookie Cards
Whether or not you have a collection of your own just yet, there are plenty of places to find Zion Williamson rookie cards:
Where to sell sports cards on eBay: One of the most popular places online to buy and sell your sports cards. You will notice countless Zion rookie cards, from basic base versions to high-end parallels or autographs. It is essential to check a seller’s reputation and the card’s state before purchasing one.
Local Sports Card Shopping: Local sports card shops are always an excellent place to look for Zion rookie cards. Some stores allow you to check the card in person before purchasing it, which is highly beneficial.
Online Retailers- Websites like Blowout Cards, DA Card World and Steel City Collectibles are large-scale online stores that feature an array of sports cards, including the Zion Williamson rookie card. These retailers are frequently the benchmarks for authenticity and quality.
Conclusion
Quickly, Zion Williamson rookie cards have become some of the hottest issues on the sports memorabilia market. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to building your collection, being well-informed about what impacts the value of these cards could benefit you. There are various options, from the iconic 2019 Panini Prizm to high-end National Treasures RPA and everything in between, each with uniqueness and specific return potential.
As Zion has success in the early part of his career, so should an increase in the value of his rookie cards. With the careful selection of your cards and an eye on condition, rarity, and brand, you can construct a collection that pays tribute to one of the brightest stars in the NBA and garners significant financial value for years.
