Netherlands home shirt (1988) – $1,122
Among the most valuable items of sports merchandise is the unmistakable bright orange home kit of the Netherlands from the 1980s. In the 1988 Euros, Marco Van Basten scored a hat trick against England while wearing this jersey. Nowadays, a Netherlands Home Shirt can earn $1,000 at auction.
Germany away shirt (1990) – $733
Germany’s away jersey from 1990 is another highly valued item of football merchandise. Bearing a very similar pattern to the Netherlands 1988 home jersey, this top featured light and forest green hues. It featured at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, and today it retails for $733.
Argentina away shirt (1994) – $610
Worn by the famous Diego Maradona in his last ever international match, this Argentina-away jersey featured at the 1994 World Cup. Like the jersey in which Maradona scored his “hand of God” goal, this top is also largely blue – but instead features black diamonds running down one side. This kit merchandise sells for around $610 today.
Denmark away shirt (1986) – $610
One of the brightest, most vivid jerseys ever to grace international football, Denmark’s away kit for the 1986 World Cup is prized among collectors. Worn by the likes of Jesper Olsen and Frank Arnesen at the Mexico tournament, examples now sell for as much as $610 online.
Napoli jersey (1990) – $610
Another jersey made famous by Diego Maradona, this light blue Napoli team shirt dates back to 1990 and fell out of use in 1991. Maradona is pictured here in an Italian League match against AC Milan. This top, like the Danish jersey from 1986, can fetch sums of around $610 in today’s world of online auctions.
London Olympics poster (1948) – $1,220
The Olympic Games came to London in 1948, breaking a twelve-year gap due to the Second World War. Dubbed the ‘Austerity Games’, this event saw no new venues built, but it was advertised with these posters that sported pictures of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. One such poster has sold for $1,220 online.
Stockholm Olympics poster (1912) – $3,175
The Stockholm Olympics of 1912 saw the advent of electric timing in athletics, as well as the introduction of women’s diving and swimming events. But it also included a merchandising innovation: it was the first Olympics to produce official posters. One of these posters can now earn you $3,175, given that they are over a century old.
Tokyo Olympics (1964) – $610
There were four official posters for the Tokyo Olympics, designed by the famed Yusaku Kamekura. They used bright colours, the red circle of the Japanese flag and photoengraving techniques. With 100,000 copies created, these posters reportedly sell for around $610.
Mexico City Olympics (1968) – $366
This psychedelic, very ’60s font featured on the 1968 poster for the Mexico City Olympics. It features the five Olympic rings, incorporated into the year that this major event took place. These Mexican Olympic posters can fetch around $366 in online auctions today, thanks to their unique and funky design, though prices could go higher for examples in exemplary condition
WWE Snoop Dog ‘Golden Title’ Replica Belt – $9,141
In 2022, Snoop Dog was honoured with the Golden Title belt at WrestleMania 39’s Kickoff ticket party. Soon afterwards, WWE followed this highly publicised event by producing just 150 replicas of Snoop’s award. One of these sold for the astonishing price of $9,141 last year.
Silver Queen golf ball figure – $40,000
This unusual golf tabletop figure sold for a total of $40,000 in 2023. “These figures were commissioned by the now defunct British company, Silvertown Golf Ball Manufacturing Co. to promote their Silver King ball, a premium golf ball in its time,” the seller wrote. “These figurines would have been displayed in golf pro shops for marketing.”
Signed Ireland shirt from Rugby World Cup (2023) – $2,802
A rugby shirt signed by the whole team has got to be one of the most treasured items of memorabilia around. One such shirt sold for a huge sum in the same year the Rugby World Cup took place. It was a green Irish team jersey, and it came with a certificate of authenticity and sold for $2,802 on eBay.
Replica Bianchi Mega Pro Mercatone Uno bicycle (1998) – $3,900
This replica of the Bianchi Mega Pro Mercatone Uno bike on which Marco Pantani won a stage of the Tour de France sold for $3,900. “All decals are exactly as per Pantani’s bike, all parts and accessories too,” the seller noted. “You will struggle to find a better replica of a Pantani race bike on the market, and this one is original paint, not a respray.”
Mickey Mantle card – $12.6 million
Mickey Mantle spent the whole of his 17-year career with the New York Yankees and is thought of as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Throughout his career, and since his death in 1995, his playing cards have been in high demand. Sold to an unknown buyer, one of these cards fetched a record-breaking $12.6 million at auction.
Honus Wagner card – $6.6 million
One of the older items on this list, this trading card depicting Johannes Peter ‘Honus’ Wagner was issued from 1909 to 1911. It now sells for sums as high as $6.6 million. Known as the ‘Flying Dutchman’, Wagner wowed the crowds as a star of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Stephen Curry card – $5.9 million
Stephen Curry is a top NBA player with a huge following – he’s even had to clarify that he is not trying to “take LeBron’s throne” due to his influence and popularity. This star’s 2009 rookie card is extremely sought-after, and it sold for $5.9 million in July 2021. Curry has also been a leader in NBA jersey merchandise.
LeBron James card – $5.2 million
Unquestionably the most famous face in basketball, LeBron James is also the face of one of the most expensive sports cards ever. When this card sold for $5.2 million in 2021, it became the most expensive basketball card in the world. Another LeBron card had sold for $1.845 million the previous year.
Luka Doncic card – $4.6 million
The famed Slovenian basketball player Luka Dončić is currently in the NBA team Dallas Mavericks. In addition, he plays basketball on a national level for his home nation. Dončić’s Paninin National Treasures card, from the 2018-19 season, sold for $4.6 million at an auction event in 2021.
Mike Trout card – $3.9 million
11-time MLB All-Star Michael Nelson plays for the Los Angeles Angels and was the national captain in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In August 2020, a signed Rookie card depicting Trout sold for an astonishing total of $3.93 million. The seller had bought this card for $400,000 two years earlier.
Signed Michael Jordan photo – $2,760
Signed photos of former basketball champion Michael Jordan can fetch a fortune in today’s online marketplace. This image sold for $2,760 in August 2020, with secure postage costing a further $10. The seller described it as “highly desirable” with the “playing days signed”.
Hulk Hogan action figure – $2,000
This 1993 Hasbro mail-away figure of Hulk Hogan sold for $2,000 online in September 2023. “For all the Hulk Hogan fans out there, this original WWF Hasbro mail-away action figure is a must-have for your collection,” the seller wrote. “The figure is still sealed and has never been opened, making it a rare vintage find for any wrestling enthusiast.”
Baseball signed by Babe Ruth – $24,000
Babe Ruth is perhaps the most famous baseball player of all time, and his signature is worth a fortune. This baseball, signed by Ruth, earned $24,000 in an online auction. Like many items of sports merchandise, the profits from this sale went to charity. Proceeds were donated to the fundraising guild for Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Signed Basketball – $12,000
This official NBA Game Basketball, dating to 1991, sold for $11,999.99 in August 2023. It had been autographed by 30 different All-Stars champions, including such famous figures as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Chris Mullin, Patrick Ewing and David Robinson.
Signed Nascar Red Bull diecasts – $10,000
In an online sale that totalled $10,000, this trio of Nascar Red Bull diecast models is one of many pieces of high-value racing merchandise. Among them is a model of the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota Camry, famously driven by the American star Brian Vickers. He was one of the very first full-time drivers for Toyota.
Sartonk IBF belt – $6,101
The company Sartonk designs championship belts and often produces merchandise items, including the valuable wrestling belt pictured. It sold for around $6,212 in August 2023. “This iconic item has been carefully crafted with the highest quality materials and features a stunning design that is sure to impress,” the seller wrote.
Exoto Daytona model – $5,500
This Exoto Daytona #5 model fetched an impressive total of $5,500 in September 2023. “Hand-signed by legends Gurney, Bondurant, and Shelby, this piece is a must-have for any serious collector,” the seller commented. “The authenticity of the signatures is backed by photos showing the time and location of signing, giving you peace of mind that you’re getting the real deal.”
Baseball signed by Mickey Mantle – $5,000
This baseball, signed by both Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter, sold for $4,999.99 on eBay in 2023. These smudgy biro signatures mean a great deal to sports merchandise enthusiasts. In 2011, Jeter broke Mantle’s record for the greatest number of games played for the New York Yankees.
Signed Alvarez photo – $2,400
In another work of photographic art, this picture shows Canelo Álvarez, the Mexican boxer. It sold for $2,399.99 in September 2023. “The canvas has been signed in silver paint pen, signature has been authenticated by PSA/DNA authentication services, matching certification card and sticker included with purchase,” the seller said.
Signed Air Jordans – $4,950
Air Jordans were first made in the 80s for basketball star Michael Jordan, and this Nike-produced brand has evolved into one of the most influential and valuable examples of sports merchandise in existence. The seller reported that there is “some wear” on these signed Air Jordans, but nevertheless, they sold for $4,950 on eBay in October 2023.
Replica Michael Schumacher Helmet – $4,875
This item is a full-scale replica of the Schuberth helmet worn by Michael Schumacher. It sold for about $4,875 in October 2023. According to the seller themselves, this iconic piece of memorabilia was offered up at an unusually low price: “This is cheapest, exact same helmet in Australia is 8.6k so grab a bargain,” the seller wrote.
Signed NFL football – $4,000
This official NFL football has been signed by five leading rushers: Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Frank Gore and Adrian Peterson. Thanks to this illustrious set of autographs, the ball has earned the impressive sum of $4,000 in an online auction dating to October 2023.
Signed Earthquake action figure – $3,050
The Canadian wrestler John Tenta, born in 1963, was better known by his stage name Earthquake. One signed Earthquake figure earned around $3,050 in an online auction of August 2023. “The bubble is fine and there seems to be a couple of minor sticker rips; everything can be seen in pictures,” was the seller’s note.
Bat signed by Joe DiMaggio – $2,754
Joe DiMaggio spent 13 years with the New York Yankees. He passed away in 1999 and is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, which makes it no surprise that this bat, signed by DiMaggio, sold for an impressive $2,754. “The bat and signatures are in exceptional condition, not uncommon,” the seller wrote. “The bat has 2 tiny varnish pimples from when it was made.”
Painted boxing glove signed by Muhammed Ali – $3,000
This item combines an item of sports merchandise with a unique work of art. It is an Everlast boxing glove, signed by Muhammed Ali, and next to the famous autograph is a painting of the boxing champion. “The picture of Ali has been painted by Upper Deck Authenticated’s artist Jolene Jessie in stunning detail to make this a truly one-of-a-kind item,” the seller wrote. The item ultimately fetched $2,999.99.
Signed US Open Champions flag – $2,999
This embroidered pin flag was made for the 2008 US Open (golf) at Torrey Pines. It was signed by 27 US Open champions, including Jack Nicklaus and Rory McIlroy. “All autographs obtained myself in person, my certificate of authenticity is included,” the seller explained. It sold for $2,998.80 online.
Mercedes Tag Heuer Watch – $3,716
This Tag Heuer McLaren Mercedes Formula One watch was a gift to McLaren staff, to celebrate McLaren’s 1998 double world championship win in partnership with Mercedes. Only 500 of these watches were ever made. The watch pictured sold for $3,716.29 online. “The collectors edition includes the watch and a display box that includes parts from the car and models of famous Mclaren and Mercedes cars,” the seller wrote.
Bat signed by Shohei Ohtani – $2,195
AGV Pista GP-RR Soleluna 2021 Helmet – $1,356
It has been described as “the most advanced racing helmet in the world”. The AGV Pista GP RR Soleluna was worn by Italian star Valentino Rossi during the 2021 season, and copies were released commercially as a limited edition piece of merchandise. This helmet sold for an incredible $1,356.14 on eBay in August 2023.
Signed Kobe art – $2,340
This photo-based piece of art depicts Kobe Bryant’s so-called ‘Baptism Dunk’ over Dwight Howard in 2004. The art was signed by Kobe himself and sold online for $2,339.94. “This autographed photo has been authenticated by PSA/DNA and includes a COA and a Matching Numbered Hologram Sticker Affixed,” the seller noted.
Signed Georgia Bulldogs helmet – $2,700
In 2022, the Georgia Bulldogs football team from Georgia University won their fourth national championship. The team’s name dates back to 1920, and was chosen because “there is a certain dignity about a bulldog, as well as ferocity.” One helmet, signed by all 36 team members, sold for $2,699.99 the following year.
