The 6 Most Valuable Sports Memorabilia Ever Sold

Sports and history go hand in hand, and nowhere is that more evident than in the world of sports memorabilia. To fans and collectors alike, these items aren’t just objects—they’re tangible pieces of legendary moments, careers, and cultural milestones. While most collectors start small, a few of the rarest treasures have fetched jaw-dropping sums at auctions. Let’s take a look at the 6 most valuable sports memorabilia ever sold and the stories behind them.

1. Babe Ruth’s 1928–1930 Yankees Jersey – $5.64 Million

Baseball’s most iconic figure also holds the crown for the most expensive sports memorabilia ever sold. In 2019, one of Babe Ruth’s game-worn Yankees jerseys shattered records at $5.64 million. The jersey isn’t just fabric—it’s history stitched into wool. Ruth’s larger-than-life personality, unmatched stats, and legendary status make his gear the ultimate prize for collectors.

2. Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps Rookie Card – $12.6 Million

Cards have always been at the heart of collecting, and in 2022, a gem-mint 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card rewrote the record books. Selling for an eye-watering $12.6 million, it’s the most valuable sports card ever sold. The 1952 Mantle is iconic not only because of Mantle himself but also because many cards from that set were famously dumped into the Hudson River, making pristine versions incredibly rare.

3. Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” Jersey – $9.28 Million

Soccer history was made in the 1986 World Cup when Diego Maradona scored his infamous “Hand of God” goal against England. The jersey he wore in that match went under the hammer in 2022, selling for $9.28 million. It’s more than just a shirt—it’s tied to one of the most controversial and unforgettable moments in sports history.

4. Honus Wagner T206 Baseball Card – $7.25 Million

The Honus Wagner T206 card has long been the holy grail of card collecting. Printed between 1909–1911, it’s incredibly scarce—Wagner himself objected to his likeness being used, leading to a limited run. In 2022, a near-mint copy sold for $7.25 million. For collectors, this card represents the perfect mix of rarity, history, and mystique.

5. Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Jersey – $10.1 Million

“The Last Dance” era of Michael Jordan’s career has taken on a mythic status, especially after the Netflix documentary. In 2022, Jordan’s Game 1 jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals (his sixth and final championship run) sold for $10.1 million. For basketball fans, it represents the pinnacle of Jordan’s greatness and a piece of hardwood history.

6. Babe Ruth’s 1920 Yankees Jersey – $4.4 Million

Yes, the Sultan of Swat makes the list twice. Ruth’s 1920 jersey—believed to be the oldest known Yankees jersey—sold for $4.4 million back in 2012. It set a record at the time and remains one of the most iconic uniforms in sports history.

From Ruth to Jordan, Maradona to Mantle, these record-breaking sales prove that sports memorabilia is far more than a hobby, it’s a bridge between past and present, legend and fan. While most collectors won’t be dropping millions at auction, these stories remind us of the magic behind every signed ball, trading card, or game-worn jersey we add to our collections. Looking for more decor for your collection? Check out our sales!