Ten of the Most Expensive Sports Slabs

Sports card collecting has been a beloved pastime for decades, with collectors eagerly seeking out the rarest and most valuable cards. One way that collectors can protect and display their most valuable cards is by having them graded and encapsulated in a plastic holder, or "slab." In recent years, the prices for these top-tier graded cards have skyrocketed, with some selling for millions of dollars. Here are the top 10 most valuable sports card slabs ever sold, and why they are so special.

1. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 9 - $12.6 million

Considered by many to be the most iconic baseball card of all time, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is highly sought after by collectors. This particular card, graded a near-perfect PSA 9, is one of only three in existence at that grade, making it incredibly rare and valuable.

2. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph - $5.2 million

 LeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his rookie cards are highly coveted by collectors. This particular card, graded a BGS 9.5 with a perfect 10 autograph, features a piece of James' game-worn jersey and is one of only 23 in existence.

3. 1916 M101-5 Babe Ruth Rookie Card PSA 9 - $4.2 million

 Babe Ruth is a legend in the world of baseball, and his rookie cards are incredibly rare and valuable. This particular card, graded a PSA 9, is the only one of its kind in existence at that grade, making it an incredibly rare find for collectors.

4. 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle PSA 9 - $2.88 million

 Another iconic Mickey Mantle card, this 1951 Bowman is graded a near-perfect PSA 9 and is one of only three in existence at that grade. The card is highly sought after by collectors for its stunning design and rarity.

5. 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner PSA 5 - $2.8 million

 The T206 Honus Wagner is considered by many to be the "holy grail" of baseball cards. This particular card, graded a PSA 5, is one of the highest-graded Wagner cards in existence and is highly prized by collectors.

6. 1969-70 Topps Lew Alcindor PSA 10 - $2.5 million

 Before he became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lew Alcindor was a highly sought-after rookie in the world of basketball. This 1969-70 Topps card, graded a perfect PSA 10, is one of only three in existence at that grade, making it incredibly rare and valuable.

7. 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth PSA 10 - $2.4 million

 Babe Ruth is once again in the top 10 with this 1933 Goudey card, graded a perfect PSA 10. This particular card is highly coveted by collectors for its stunning design and perfect grade.

 (can't find the PSA 10)

8. 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank PSA 8 - $2.1 million

 The T206 Eddie Plank is another highly sought-after card in the world of baseball collecting. This particular card, graded a near-perfect PSA 8, is one of only two in existence at that grade, making it incredibly rare and valuable.

(can't find the PSA 8)

9. 1954 Topps Hank Aaron PSA 10 - $1.8 million

 Hank Aaron is one of the greatest baseball players of all time, and his rookie cards are highly prized by collectors. This 1954 Topps card, graded a perfect PSA 10, is one of only five in existence at that grade, making it incredibly rare and valuable.

(Can't find a PSA 10)

10.Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto PSA 10 - $2.8 million

 Rounding out the top 10 is Tom Brady rookie card. Given Brady’s humble beginnings in the NFL, many of these cards were neglected and forgotten. But this copy remained in pristine condition and sold for over $2.8 million.

In conclusion, these 10 are some of the most valuable sports card slabs ever sold are highly prized by collectors for their rarity, unique designs, and association with some of the greatest players in the history of sports. While their prices may seem astronomical to some, for serious collectors, these cards represent a piece of history that is truly priceless. If you've got a collector slab that you value, look into giving it the SlabFrame treatment.