10 Most Valuable Pieces of Sports Memorabilia
Sports memorabilia holds a special place in the hearts of fans and collectors, but some pieces have made history for their extraordinary prices. As you explore these 10 most valuable items, keep in mind that Memorabilia Vault is your go-to spot for finding incredible sports treasures of your own!
10. Muhammad Ali’s 1965 Fight Worn Gloves – $1.1 Million
The gloves worn by Muhammad Ali during his iconic first-round knockout of Sonny Liston in 1965 fetched $1.1 million. These gloves are a true knockout for any fan of "The Greatest" and boxing history alike.
9. Jackie Robinson’s Game-Worn Jersey (1947) – $2.6 Million
This jersey, worn by Jackie Robinson during his groundbreaking 1947 rookie season with the Brooklyn Dodgers, symbolizes more than just baseball. It’s a powerful piece of history, marking Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
8. Babe Ruth’s 1927 World Series Ring – $2.1 Million
Babe Ruth’s 1927 World Series ring is one of the most celebrated pieces of baseball memorabilia. Sold for $2.1 million, it commemorates one of the most iconic seasons in New York Yankees history and one of Ruth’s finest moments.
7. Mark McGwire’s 70th Home Run Ball – $3 Million
Mark McGwire’s record-breaking 70th home run ball from the 1998 season, which set a new standard for sluggers, was auctioned off for $3 million. A symbol of the home run chase that captivated baseball fans, this ball is a collector's dream.
6. James Naismith’s Original Rules of Basketball – $4.3 Million
The very rules that laid the foundation for basketball, handwritten by the sport’s inventor, James Naismith, sold for $4.3 million. This document is a historical relic that transcends the court, representing the birth of one of the world's most popular sports.
5. Honus Wagner T206 Baseball Card – $7.25 Million
Known as the “Mona Lisa of baseball cards,” the Honus Wagner T206 card is legendary. The scarcity of this card and Wagner’s Hall of Fame legacy make it a highly prized piece, with one copy selling for a staggering $7.25 million.
4. Diego Maradona's 1986 "Hand of God" Jersey – $9.28 Million
Maradona's "Hand of God" goal is one of soccer’s most memorable moments. His jersey from that 1986 World Cup match against England, where he also scored the "Goal of the Century," was sold for an astonishing $9.28 million, making it one of the most coveted pieces of soccer memorabilia.
3. Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Jersey – $10.1 Million
Basketball fans around the world were thrilled when Michael Jordan’s jersey from Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for a record-breaking $10.1 million. Worn during his final championship run with the Chicago Bulls, this jersey represents the pinnacle of Jordan’s career.
2. Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps Rookie Card – $12.6 Million
Baseball cards are a cornerstone of sports memorabilia, and none is more iconic than Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie card. Its pristine condition and legendary status among collectors helped it reach an unbelievable price of $12.6 million at auction.
1. Babe Ruth’s 1928-30 Jersey – $5.64 Million
Babe Ruth’s jersey from the late 1920s and early 1930s became the most valuable piece of sports memorabilia ever sold, setting a record at $5.64 million. It’s a testament to Ruth’s unmatched legacy in the world of baseball.