The Ultimate Guide to Kobe Bryant Basketball Cards
Summary & Career Highlights
Rookie Year: 1996-97
Iconic Rookie Card: 1996-97 Topps Chrome #138
Highest Public Sale: 1996-97 Topps Chrome #138 Refractor BGS 10 Pristine Black Label for $1.7M at Goldin Auctions in March 2021
Similar Career Players: John Stockton, Reggie Miller, Jerry West, James Harden, Chris Paul, Gary Payton, Magic Johnson, Clyde Drexler, Steph Curry, Oscar Robinson
Players with Similar Cards to Check Out: Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, Tim Duncan, LeBron James
Career Highlights
NBA Hall of Famer
5x NBA Champion (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)
2x Finals MVP (2009, 2010)
MVP (2007-08)
18x NBA All Star (1998, 2000-2016)
15x All NBA (11x First All NBA, 2x Second All NBA, 2x Third All NBA)
12x All NBA Defense
Lakers All Time Scoring Leader
NBA 75th Anniversary Team
2x Olympic Champion (2008, 2012)
Iconic Cards
Icon Key
Prospective Card Cost:
💰 - Under $250
💰💰- Under $1,000
💰💰💰- Under $5,000
💰💰💰💰- Under $15,000
💰💰💰💰💰- Over $15,000
Rarity:
💎 - Common & High Serial Number
💎💎- Serial Numbered or Pop Under 200
💎💎💎 - Serial Numbered or Pop Under 100
💎💎💎💎 - Serial Number or Pop Under 50
💎💎💎💎💎 - Does this card even exist? Serial Number or Pop under 10
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1996-97 E-X2000
#30 Credentials /499
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰-💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: Kobe’s 1996-97 E-X2000 Credentials is one of his most sought-after rookie cards. This 82-card set introduced the iconic Credentials parallel, limited to 499 serial-numbered copies. Unlike the baseball and football releases, 1996-97 E-X2000 basketball set did not include an Essential Credentials parallel, making Kobe’s Credentials card the standout of the set. High-grade copies are extremely rare and command a significant premium.
1996-97 Topps Chrome
#138 Refractor
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰-💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎
About the Card: Although chromium cards existed before 1996, the debut of Topps Chrome that year marked the beginning of a new era. The set's most iconic card is Kobe Bryant's rookie, but it also featured iconic cards from a legendary rookie class, including future Hall of Famers Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, and Steve Nash. Topps Chrome introduced one parallel: the refractor, which was inserted at a rate of 1 in 12 packs. Known for their incredible shine, refractors can develop a 'greening' effect over time, where the finish fades to a murky green due to the materials used.
1997-98 Fleer Ultra
#1P Platinum Medallion /100
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰-💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: Kobe does have a rookie Platinum Medallion, but the card has its drawbacks. It’s not serial numbered, and the design doesn’t stand out significantly from the base version. For a card that addresses both issues, look no further than his 1997-98 Ultra Platinum Medallion. This was Kobe’s first serial-numbered Platinum Medallion, limited to just 100 copies, and it features a design that clearly distinguishes it from the base card. Also, if you’re looking for something unique, Kobe is also included in the '98 Greats subset from the same checklist.
1997-98 Metal Universe
#81 Precious Metal Gems /100
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: 1997-98 Metal Universe introduced one of the rarest and sought-after parallels of the 90's in the Precious Metal Gems (PMG). '97 PMG's were serial numbered to 100, with the first 10 cards printed on extremely sensitive green foil while the remaining 90 in the run were printed on red foil. The ultra-rare green PMG is a true grail-level chase. Its popularity amongst the collecting community is ubiquitous with the 90's. Kobe’s Green PMG sale for $2.2M in 2022 currently stands as the highest PMG sale of all time, although collectors expect Michael Jordan’s Green PMG to break the record should one ever come to market.
1997-98 Skybox E-X2001
#88 Essential Credentials Future /73
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: The 1997-98 E-X 2001 and its Essential Credentials Now & Future parallels were revolutionary for late '90s card design and technology. The use of multi-layered acetate card stock, silver holofoil designs, and dynamic action shots of players set a new card design standard. The 82-card checklist strategically placed top players ('Now') at the beginning of the checklist and prospects ('Future') at the end. Kobe, at #8 on the checklist, has his Essential Credentials Now limited to /8 and his Essential Credentials Future to /73.
1998-99 Fleer Tradition
#1 Classic '61 /61
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰-💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: Though 1961-62 Fleer was a one-off release, it’s critically important. Its a set that delivered rookie cards of all-time greats like Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, and Jerry West, who had debuted in the years leading up to its release but didn't have a rookie card. 12 years after Fleer's reincarnation, they honored their debut with 1998-99 Fleer Tradition. The 150 card set reused the design of the 1961 set, but with added elements. Most importantly, the insertion of the 'Classic 61' parallel. Serial numbered to 61 copies, the 'Classic 61' parallel was printed on vintage stock and accented with gold foil. Kobe is the first card in the checklist and is shown dunking over Jordan.
1998-99 Fleer Brilliants
#70TG 24K Gold /24
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎
About the Card: Few one-and-done sets have created the legacy that 1998-99 Fleer Brilliants and the 24K Gold parallel were able to capture. One of the finest examples of a gold refractor in the 90’s and printed to just 24 serial-numbered copies moves this card into rarified air. While Michael Jordan’s absence from the checklist hurts its broader appeal, it’s still an incredibly scarce card for the era. Like many cards on in this Player Profile, Kobe’s 24KT Gold sale for $109k in 2021 is is an all-time high for any 24KT Gold card.
2000-01 SP Authentic
#MJ/KB Sign of the Times Double Auto
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎💎
About the Card: Kobe and Jordan signed together fairly frequently throughout the 00’s. But 2000-01 SP Authentic was their first dual on card autograph. The “Sign of the Times Double” autograph was not numbered, but is incredibly rare, having sold once in 2005 and once in 2023. Upper Deck also released two triple autographs predictably called the “Sign of the Times Triple” with Kobe and Jordan. Both versions were serial numbered to 25 with one version featuring Kevin Garnett and the other with Magic Johnson. Which one would you pick?
2000-01 Ultimate Collection
#KB-SI Ultimate Signatures Silver /75
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰-💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: 2000-01 Ultimate Collection marked Upper Deck’s first foray into high-end products. The main attraction of this set was its autographs and patch autographs. Most notably, the ‘Ultimate Signatures’ insert set which featured 15 cards headlined by Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett. This autograph set was released in Bronze, Silver, and Gold parallels, serial-numbered to 200, 75, and 25, respectively. Each parallel showcased a different photo of Kobe and a matching foil color to the parallel. The true Kobe grail in Ultimate Collection though was an early patch autograph of Kobe in the Game Jersey Patches insert, numbered to just 8.
2003-04 Finest
#88 Gold Refractor /25
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎
About the Card: While 2003-04 is best known for being LeBron’s rookie year and the debut of Exquisite, it also brought out some stunning cards, including the 2003-04 Finest release. The set featured three parallels: a refractor numbered to 250, a gold refractor numbered to 25, and a one-of-one X-fractor. With its color match, rarity, and classic early 2000s design, Kobe's gold refractor is a can't miss for collectors.
2008-09 Topps Chrome
#24 Gold Refractor /50
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰-💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: Horizontal cards get a bad rap, but they can deliver iconic cards like this. Equal parts Kobe and LeBron, card number 24 from 2008-09 Topps Chrome is one of the most recognizable in the entire Topps Chrome basketball run. This is the set that also produced LeBron’s iconic chalk toss card. Beyond the base, Topps released a non-numbered refractor, an orange refractor to 499, an x-fractor to 288, a gold refractor to 50, a red refractor to 5, and a mythical one-of-one superfractor.
2003-04 Exquisite Collection
#KB Limited Logos /75
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: While 2003-04 and Exquisite mark the start of 'LeBron’s era,' Kobe’s cards remain among the top three in collectability, alongside LeBron and Jordan. Exquisite’s iconic debut featured several memorable autograph insert sets, but one of the most popular was Limited Logos. This insert stands out due to its large patch window and striking use of silver holofoil. The design has inspired numerous 'Retro' sets re-released by Upper Deck in the decades since.
2009-10 Playoff National Treasures
#NN-KB Notable Nicknames /99
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰-💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: Before it became known as 'Panini National Treasures' or simply 'National Treasures,' it was 'Playoff National Treasures.' The 2009-10 release was one of Panini America's first high-end sets after acquiring Playoff-Donruss in March 2009. While the set is most famous for the rookie patch autographs of Steph Curry and James Harden, Kobe’s 'Notable Nicknames' card is not far behind. Taking a cue from Upper Deck’s 'alliteration sells' naming framework, this 20-card insert set featured on-card autographs along with player nickname inscriptions with each card serial numbered to 10, 25, 49, or 99 copies.
2012-13 Prizm
#24 Gold Prizm /10
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎💎
About the Card: 2012-13 Prizm marked the product's debut and one of the earliest Panini basketball products. At the product's outset, it wasn't a guarantee that Prizm could stand up to the success of Topps Chrome. But a unique take to product design and continuation of rare parallels intrigued collectors. The two most iconic Prizm parallels, Silver and Gold /10, were included in the set's debut and have been included in every Prizm set since.
2013-14 Panini Innovation
#9 Kaboom
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰-💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎
About the Card: KABOOM! The hugely popular and rare insert's humble beginnings trace back to its debut in 2013-14 Panini Innovation. Although Panini Innovation lasted only two years, the Kaboom insert found is way into other Panini products, eventually expanding into football due to its basketball success. The original insert design showcased a distinct manga style design compared to future iterations. Love Kabooms or hate Kabooms, this card marks an iconic note in Kobe's catalogue.
A Few of My Favorites
Kobe is one of those players whose cards instantly come to mind when you mention a set, insert, or parallel. He’s on the Mount Rushmore of the modern sports card hobby, which made it incredibly tough to narrow his player profile down to just 15 cards, plus 5 of my personal favorites. Here, I’ve selected 4 of my favorite parallels from Kobe’s playing days, each one standing out distinctly from its base counterpart. These cards truly capture the essence of what makes collecting Kobe so special.
1997-98 Skybox Premium
#23 Star Rubies /50
Why It's a Favorite: 1996-97 Skybox Premium debuted the Star Rubies parallel, but it was... underwhelming. The non-numbered parallel only stood out due to its red foil stamping. However, in 1997-98, Skybox struck gold with a revamped Star Rubies design. They kept the red foil but switched to a mesmerizing wave-like refractor card stock, and each card was limited to 50 serial-numbered copies. The design, combined with the manufactured rarity, still appeals to 90's collectors today.
1998-99 Metal Universe
#53 Precious Metal Gems /50
Why It's a Favorite: Skybox’s 90s designs stayed true to the brand for each release, yet they overhauled them every year—building on the strengths of previous sets while offering something fresh for collectors. The best example of this evolution is in the Metal Universe’s Precious Metal Gems (PMG) parallel. From the iconic red and green PMGs, to the scope design of Metal Universe Championship, to the grungy sheet metal refractor finish seen here—it’s the most impressive three-year parallel run in hobby history and deserves recognition.
2004-05 Topps Pristine
#8 Refractor /25
Why It's a Favorite: Topps Pristine had a brief run, debuting in the 2001-02 season and concluding after 2005-06. The 2004-05 design is a masterpiece, blending minimalist design, team color coordination, and abstract art to captivate collectors. For collectors seeking rare Topps Pristine parallels, 2003-04 Topps Pristine had Refractors numbered to 25 and Gold Refractors numbered to 27.
2014-15 Panini Prizm
#136 Gold Prizm /10
Why It's a Favorite: Any Kobe Bryant Gold Prizm, especially one released during his playing days, is bound to get its flowers. But for me, the 2014 Prizm design really stands out. The up-close player images are so much more engaging than in other years. Plus, the parallels in this set truly feel distinct from the base cards, which is always something I look for in cards.
Fun fact: Kobe’s Black Prizm one-of-one from 2014 holds the second-highest Kobe sale ever at $206K.
2019-20 Impeccable
#ISKBR Shots Signatures /10
Why It's a Favorite: 2019-20 Impeccable is one of the most beautiful sets Panini ever created. It’s also the final product to feature on-card Kobe autographs, following his untimely passing in January 2020. Kobe was prominently included in almost all of the set’s autograph insert checklists, which featured: Victory, Shots Signature, Indelible Ink, Stars Signature, Canvas Creations, Immortal Ink, Extravagance, and Jersey Numbers Auto. Across all insert sets and their parallels, Kobe had a total of 204 on-card autographs in the 2019-20 Impeccable set. An unintended, but beautiful way to end an era of iconic on card Kobe autographs.
Honorable Mentions
1996-97 Topps Finest #269 Gold Refractor
1997-98 E-X2001 #Jambalaya
1997-98 Finest #323 Gold Embossed Refractor /74
1997-98 Hoops #1 High Voltage 500
1997-98 Metal Universe #3 Platinum Portraits
1997-98 Metal Universe #86 Championship Precious Metal Gems /50
1997-98 Skybox Premium #3GT Golden Touch
1997-98 Skybox Premium #CA2 Competitive Advantage
1997-98 Skybox Premium #GT3 Golden Touch
1997-98 Skybox Premium #TL7 Thunder and Lightning
1997-98 Skybox Z-Force #2 Big Men on Court
1997-98 Ultra #3 Stars Gold
1997-98 Ultra #SPS3 Star Power Supreme
1998-99 Flair Showcase #5 TakeIt2.Net
1998-99 Fleer #3 Playmakers Theatre /100
1998-99 Fleer Tradition #1 Electrifying
1998-99 Hoops Bams #2 /250
1998-99 Skybox E-X Century #10 Essential Credentials Future /81
1998-99 Skybox E-X Century #6DG Dunk ‘N Go-Nuts
1998-99 Skybox Molten Metal #33F Supernatural Fusion Titanium /40
1998-99 Skybox Premium #14 That’s Jam
1998-99 Skybox Thunder #3 Noyz Boyz
1998-99 Topps #EW5 Jordan/Bryant Refractor
1998-99 Topps Chrome #A1 Apparitions Refractor /XX
1998-99 Upper Deck #GJ19,21 Game Jerseys
1999-00 Fleer Mystique #4 Raise the Roof /100
1999-00 Upper Deck #GJP11, #GJP27 Game Jerseys Patch
2000-01 Ultimate Victory #26 Gold /25
2005-06 SP Game Used #XX Signature Numbers /32
2005-06 Topps Chrome #40 Blue X-Fractor /90
2008-09 Exquisite Collection #ENDBJ Dual Enshrinements Bryant/James /25
2008-09 Exquisite Collection #ENDBJ Dual Enshrinements Bryant/Pierce /25
2009-10 Exquisite Collection #24-G Extra Exquisite Jumbo Patches /15
2012-13 National Treasures Notable Nicknames Kobe Bryant #6 Autograph #/49
2012-13 Prizm #3 Most Valuable Player Gold /10