Explore the Top 15 Coveted National Treasures Basketball Rookie Cards

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Written By Rudi
A passionate collector of both currency and Hot Wheels. Rudi has been collecting currency and Hot Wheels from around the world since he was a young boy.

Beckett has released a comprehensive ranking of the 15 most sought-after National Treasures Basketball Rookie Patch Autographs (RPAs) as the premium product celebrates its 15th anniversary.

The analysis, published to coincide with the 2024-25 edition release, highlights cards that have become industry benchmarks since the product’s 2009 debut under Playoff National Treasures.

Most Coveted Cards

Stephen Curry’s 2009-10 rookie leads the list, with collectors now viewing it as potentially the most important National Treasures card ever produced. The card’s value has surged alongside Curry’s career accomplishments, including multiple championships and shooting records.

Other standout entries include:

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2013-14 rookie, which has gained significant traction as the player evolved from a 15th overall pick to MVP status.
  • Luka Dončić’s 2018-19 card, with multiple parallel versions selling for over $500,000.

Rising Stars and Breakout Players

The list spans multiple draft classes and includes both immediate stars like Blake Griffin (2009-10) and players whose cards gained value after career breakouts, such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2018-19), whose stock rose dramatically after becoming a scoring champion.

Several cards featured players who found success after leaving their original teams, including:

  • Kawhi Leonard (2012-13)
  • Tyrese Haliburton (2020-21)
  • Jalen Brunson (2018-19) whose New York Knicks success boosted collector interest.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The analysis also notes how the COVID-19 pandemic elevated certain cards, particularly Zion Williamson’s 2019-20 rookie, which became a flagship card during the hobby’s surge in popularity.

National Treasures RPAs are distinguished by their oversized patches, on-card autographs, and limited production runs, typically numbered to 99 copies. The product has maintained its status as a premium offering throughout its 15-year run, with rookie cards often becoming the most valuable for featured players.

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