⛰️ Mount Rushmore of Basketball Cards ⛰️ [Archive]

pcptrade

10-19-2023, 08:46 PM

Mount Rushmore- represents the most important events in the history of the United States, namely, 1. Founding, 2. Expansion, 3. Preservation, and 4. Unification

What four basketball cards represent the most important event/landmark in the history of hobby? Which four would you consider as Iconic and changed the hobby landscape?

1948 Bowman #69 George Mikan
1957 Topps #77 Bill Russell
1961 Fleer #8 Wilt Chamberlain
1969 Topps #25 Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)
1980 Topps Magic Johnson/Larry Bird/Julius Erving
1986 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan
1996 Topps Chrome #138 Kobe Bryant
1997 MJ PMG Green/Red
2003 Lebron Exquisite RPA
Other- Mention your own choice

FWIW, the PWCC Iconic 100 list (all sports) had MJ 86F at #2, LeBron RPA at #5, 1980 Topps Bird Magic Erving at #8 and 1961 Wilt Fleer at #12. Those are the only four Basketball RC's in the Top 12 of Iconic 100 list. MJ 1997 PMG was ranked at #11. I did not participate in the PWCC Iconic list voting and would not use it as a reference.

PWCC Iconic 100 List (all sports) (More on this- https://www.blowoutforums.com/showthread.php?t=1541255)-

#2: MJ 86F,
#5: LeBron 2003 Exquisite RPA
#8:1980 Topps Bird Magic Erving
#11: MJ 1997 PMG
#12: Wilt 1961 Fleer
#15: Kobe 1996 Topps Chrome
#16: Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) 1969 Topps
#17: Russell 1956 Topps
#22: MJ 1984 Star 101
#23: MJ 1997 UD GUJ Auto
#26: Curry 2009 NT RPA
#28: Mikan 1948 Bowman
#30: Lebron 2003 Topps Chrome

EDIT: If money is not an issue, which four cards would you want to own.
__________________
Jealousy is a form of hatred built on Insecurity. It's the unhappy and insecure people who show hatred, jealousy and try to bring others down.

Baraka

10-19-2023, 08:50 PM

86 Fleer MJ…end of debate.

pingbling23

10-19-2023, 09:20 PM

Landmarks. Og Mikan, Jordan fleer, chrome landmark Kobe, high end landmark Lebron exquisite.

rifleman69

10-19-2023, 10:13 PM

You can throw out Mikan and add Russell...then add Kareem, Bird/Magic, and MJ. That's four.

jplarson

10-19-2023, 10:56 PM

4 copies of 1986 Fleer MJ.

hairyangryfella

10-20-2023, 12:46 AM

Got it
Got it
Got it
Got it
Got it
Got it
Need it
Iconic but don't care for it
Will never afford it

I don't really think too many people care about the older/legendary ones enough to be on a Mt Rushmore.

Jordan Fleer RC - absolutely.
Bird/Magic RC - absolutely.
The remaining two spots are probably down to personal taste - I guess you'd say LeBron Exquisite but very few people can obtain one of those.

For me personally it'd probably be the Russell, Wilt, Bird/Magic and MJ. But I can fully appreciate other people having vastly different ideas.

r338

10-20-2023, 01:03 AM

1957 Russell and 1961 Wilt for sure.

I want to put the 87 Fleer Jordan and 81 Bird/Erving/Magic in there but the populations are so high for those cards. Kobe should be in there somewhere but the 96 Chrome and Refractors are so unattractive when they hulk out.

Nomad

10-20-2023, 02:14 AM

I think inserts deserve more than one. Jambalaya and Dunk n' Go Nuts?

pcptrade

10-20-2023, 06:25 AM

Edited the original post to include- If money is not an issue, which four would you want to own?

NBAicons

10-20-2023, 08:25 AM

2009 Curry NT RPA not even on the list? :confused:

pcptrade

10-20-2023, 08:37 AM

2009 Curry NT RPA not even on the list? :confused:

The poll has a limit of only 10 choices. Is Curry Panini NT RPA considered a top 4 iconic or important card of all time? FWIW, The PWCC Iconic 100 list had Curry NT RPA at #26

Disclosure- I own one and I personally don't consider it as the Mt. Rushmore of basketball cards as of now.

pingbling23

10-20-2023, 09:37 AM

With the popularity of all things chrome/prizm I’m shocked the Kobe isn’t getting more votes. Seems like the release of chrome would be near the top of landmark releases/cards.

GOATcards

10-20-2023, 10:46 AM

money no object, I guess I'm going with these four?
'97 UD3 or '99 UD #154 MJ
'06 Turkey Red LeBron
'19 Donruss Elite Curry
'21 Photogenic Magic

sometimes it's fun to just get baked and rank the nicest-looking kards :doh:
(strain is grape gasoline)

bluebirds987

10-20-2023, 10:56 AM

With the popularity of all things chrome/prizm I’m shocked the Kobe isn’t getting more votes. Seems like the release of chrome would be near the top of landmark releases/cards.

Mt. Rushmore does have an older, historical aspect to it. I'd vote Bowman Mikan, Topps Bill Russel, Bird/Magic and Fleer Jordan rookie.

But it's hard to the leave out the Chrome Kobe for sure. Any of those 5 or even the Lebron Exquisite could be up there IMHO.

rats60

10-20-2023, 01:39 PM

Topps Russell and Fleer Chamberlain for sure. Those are the two most important vintage basketball cards. Mikan is from the earliest set, but Bowman has never been as collected as Topps and Fleer. Jordan RC is #1 and represents the junk era and beginning of basketball cards as collectibles in the hobby. LeBron Exquisite represents modern and super premium cards.

Edit: The 97/98 Upper Deck Game Jersey Michael Jordan Autograph needs to be on here. It is more iconic than the PMG or the Kareem RC.

rats60

10-20-2023, 02:20 PM

Mount Rushmore- represents the most important events in the history of the United States, namely, 1. Founding, 2. Expansion, 3. Preservation, and 4. Unification

EDIT: If money is not an issue, which four cards would you want to own.
__________________
Jealousy is a form of hatred built on Insecurity. It's the unhappy and insecure people who show hatred, jealousy and try to bring others down.

The four cards that I would want to own would be

#1 03/04 Exquisite LeBron RPA
#2 97/98 UD Game Jersey Jordan Auto
#3 1961 Fleer Wilt Chamberlain
#4 1985 Star Jordan XRC

asujbl

10-20-2023, 02:31 PM

Am I allowed to make up cards that don’t exist? I want PSA 10’s (shocker I know)

Jordan and Magic are easy

If I can’t get a Wilt PSA 10? It’s not in my Rushmore

All great options though

rats60

10-20-2023, 02:35 PM

Am I allowed to make up cards that don’t exist? I want PSA 10’s (shocker I know)

Jordan and Magic are easy

If I can’t get a Wilt PSA 10? It’s not in my Rushmore

All great options though

There are 3 Wilt 10's and 1 Mikan. No Russell RCs in 10.

pcptrade

10-20-2023, 02:55 PM

Edit: The 97/98 Upper Deck Game Jersey Michael Jordan Autograph needs to be on here. It is more iconic than the PMG or the Kareem RC.

I can't argue that. It is the first insert to have a game used jersey. The only flip side is that it's not a big set like the PMG. The basketball set had only 20 players (22 Cards), the football set had only 9 players and the baseball set had only 3 players if I am not wrong. Among the 20 players in the basketball set, MJ's GUJ Auto/23 is the only autographed card. Wonder why they did not have Kobe in the 97 UD GUJ set similar to the 97 PMG set.

pcptrade

10-20-2023, 02:59 PM

TOP 4 AFTER 50 VOTES-

1. 1986 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan
2. 1980 Topps Magic Johnson/Larry Bird/Julius Erving
3. 2003 Lebron Exquisite RPA
4. 1948 Bowman #69 George Mikan

asujbl

10-20-2023, 03:28 PM

There are 3 Wilt 10's and 1 Mikan. No Russell RCs in 10.

Didn’t know that. Thanks

Zedlaw

10-20-2023, 03:57 PM

If I’m walking through a museum of all these cards, the green Jordan PMG is holding my gaze the longest

pingbling23

10-20-2023, 04:07 PM

Mt. Rushmore does have an older, historical aspect to it. I'd vote Bowman Mikan, Topps Bill Russel, Bird/Magic and Fleer Jordan rookie.

But it's hard to the leave out the Chrome Kobe for sure. Any of those 5 or even the Lebron Exquisite could be up there IMHO.

No doubt, the framing of the thread was what 4 cards were landmark and changed the landscape. 48 bowman was the first official release for a full basketball set. 86/87 fleer is one of the most sought after sets in collecting and ushered in consistent basketball sets from then to now. 96-97 chrome changed the collecting landscape with the card material and refractors leading to the “chrome” cards from panini being some of the most popular cards they make. Exquisite created the true high end of collecting leading to autographs and memorabilia cards being more common in all products. That’s why I went with those 4. It has nothing to do with the other grail rookie cards being less then. I just think these 4 changed the landscape of the hobby more so then the others.

Jblaw1

10-20-2023, 05:01 PM

You can throw out Mikan and add Russell...then add Kareem, Bird/Magic, and MJ. That's four.

Winner!

Nomad

10-20-2023, 05:03 PM

No doubt, the framing of the thread was what 4 cards were landmark and changed the landscape. 48 bowman was the first official release for a full basketball set. 86/87 fleer is one of the most sought after sets in collecting and ushered in consistent basketball sets from then to now. 96-97 chrome changed the collecting landscape with the card material and refractors leading to the “chrome” cards from panini being some of the most popular cards they make. Exquisite created the true high end of collecting leading to autographs and memorabilia cards being more common in all products. That’s why I went with those 4. It has nothing to do with the other grail rookie cards being less then. I just think these 4 changed the landscape of the hobby more so then the others.

If it wasn't for the Kobe rookie, we would include an earlier Topps Finest set as the first modern chrome. Anyhoo...

pingbling23

10-20-2023, 05:12 PM

If it wasn't for the Kobe rookie, we would include an earlier Topps Finest set as the first modern chrome. Anyhoo...

Probably, but the reality is chrome has the brand appeal and is what modern prizm cards are compared to.

r338

10-20-2023, 07:39 PM

Edit: The 97/98 Upper Deck Game Jersey Michael Jordan Autograph needs to be on here. It is more iconic than the PMG or the Kareem RC.

I agree with this. The first game use jersey card. Changed this hobby forever.

NBAicons

10-20-2023, 08:10 PM

The poll has a limit of only 10 choices. Is Curry Panini NT RPA considered a top 4 iconic or important card of all time? FWIW, The PWCC Iconic 100 list had Curry NT RPA at #26

Disclosure- I own one and I personally don't consider it as the Mt. Rushmore of basketball cards as of now.

The pwcc top 100 list? :doh:

pcptrade

10-20-2023, 08:55 PM

The pwcc top 100 list? :doh:

Forget about the PWCC Iconic 100 list. How many at BO have Curry 2009 NT RPA in the Top 4. You and maybe three others (6.5%)? The top 3 votes here are MJ 86F, Lebron Exquisite RPA and 1980 Topps Bird/Magic/Erving, which were also the only three basketball cards in the top 10 of PWCC Iconic 100 list (all sports).

PWCC List (all sports):

#2: MJ 86F,
#5: LeBron 2003 Exquisite RPA
#8:1980 Topps Bird Magic Erving
#12: Wilt 1961 Fleer
#15: Kobe 1996 Topps Chrome
#16: Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) 1969 Topps
#17: Russell 1956 Topps
#26: Curry 2009 NT RPA
#28: Mikan 1948 Bowman

BO List based on the poll so far:

1. MJ 86F
2. 1980 Topps Bird Magic Erving
3. LeBron 03 Exquisite RPA
4. Russell 1956 Topps
5. Mikan 1948 Bowman
6. Kobe 1996 Topps Chrome
7. Wilt 1961 Fleer
8. Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) 1969 Topps

So Curry 2009 NT RPA is not in the consensus top 4 anyway way you slice it. If anything, the PWCC list had Curry NT RPA ahead of Mikan 1948 Bowman.

r338

10-20-2023, 09:49 PM

Surprising to see the PMG green/red receive less votes than any other card in the BO poll.

PWCC does not have PMG green or PMG red in the Top 28 either.

mc1

10-20-2023, 09:51 PM

Bird/Magic might be the ugliest most overrated card in history. :)!

pingbling23

10-20-2023, 10:30 PM

NBAicons

10-20-2023, 10:40 PM

Forget about the PWCC Iconic 100 list. How many at BO have Curry 2009 NT RPA in the Top 4. You and maybe three others (6.5%)? The top 3 votes here are MJ 86F, Lebron Exquisite RPA and 1980 Topps Bird/Magic/Erving, which were also the only three basketball cards in the top 10 of PWCC Iconic 100 list (all sports).

PWCC List (all sports):

#2: MJ 86F,
#5: LeBron 2003 Exquisite RPA
#8:1980 Topps Bird Magic Erving
#12: Wilt 1961 Fleer
#15: Kobe 1996 Topps Chrome
#16: Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) 1969 Topps
#17: Russell 1956 Topps
#26: Curry 2009 NT RPA
#28: Mikan 1948 Bowman

BO List based on the poll so far:

1. MJ 86F
2. 1980 Topps Bird Magic Erving
3. LeBron 03 Exquisite RPA
4. Russell 1956 Topps
5. Mikan 1948 Bowman
6. Kobe 1996 Topps Chrome
7. Wilt 1961 Fleer
8. Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) 1969 Topps

So Curry 2009 NT RPA is not in the consensus top 4 anyway way you slice it. If anything, the PWCC list had Curry NT RPA ahead of Mikan 1948 Bowman.

I just thought the Curry should be on the list for consideration. Not saying it’s going to be consensus top four. But when the PWCC list is used for justification, I just tune out. That was wild.

rats60

10-21-2023, 05:46 AM

I just thought the Curry should be on the list for consideration. Not saying it’s going to be consensus top four. But when the PWCC list is used for justification, I just tune out. That was wild.

The Curry RPA would be on my list if picking a top 9/10, but I don't understand the love for the Magic/Bird RC. Magic Johnson is my favorite player, but his RC is nothing in regards to the hobby and its history.

Archangel1775

10-21-2023, 06:22 AM

The Curry RPA would be on my list if picking a top 9/10, but I don't understand the love for the Magic/Bird RC. Magic Johnson is my favorite player, but his RC is nothing in regards to the hobby and its history.

Bird & Magic are an integral part of the history of basketball. They were the 80's. It just so happens they share a multi-player rookie card.

pcptrade

10-21-2023, 07:35 AM

I just thought the Curry should be on the list for consideration. Not saying it’s going to be consensus top four. But when the PWCC list is used for justification, I just tune out. That was wild.

I hear you. There is an element of subjective bias with any list or poll. I wish the poll had more than 10 choices. I would have included Curry NT RPA, MJ 97 UD GUJ Auto, MJ 1984 Star 101 and possibly 2012 Prizm (Silver and Gold).

pcptrade

10-21-2023, 07:51 AM

Bird/Magic might be the ugliest most overrated card in history. :)!

I’m failing to see how it changed the landscape of the hobby but obviously I got into the hobby in the early 90s so I may be ignorant. Now it is no doubt one of the most iconic cards in the hobby.

I think the high percentage of votes is due to their impact on the league. Bird and Magic have been credited to saving the NBA in 80's by making it more entertaining and increasing the fanbase. The 1980 Topps features both of them and hence makes it an Iconic card I guess. I personally would rank it above the Mikan 1948 Bowman, Wilt 1961 Fleer, Russell 1956 Topps and Kareem 1969 Topps.

rats60

10-21-2023, 01:07 PM

I think the high percentage of votes is due to their impact on the league. Bird and Magic have been credited to saving the NBA in 80's by making it more entertaining and increasing the fanbase. The 1980 Topps features both of them and hence makes it an Iconic card I guess. I personally would rank it above the Mikan 1948 Bowman, Wilt 1961 Fleer, Russell 1956 Topps and Kareem 1969 Topps.

No doubt that they saved the NBA, but hobby-wise they have never been important. By the time basketball cards were collectible, the Lakers and Celtics dynasties were over. It was the Pistons and Bulls. Frankly, the 1984 Star Larry Bird was more popular than his rookie card.

I would drop the Kareem and Magic RCs for the 1985 Star Jordan XRC and NT RPA Curry. Those are definitely top 10 basketball cards in the hobby.

duron

10-21-2023, 03:56 PM

Bird/Magic might be the ugliest most overrated card in history. :)!

It really is hideous. A standalone of the Magic would’ve been nice, clearly best photo on it.

r338

10-21-2023, 04:01 PM

I would drop the Kareem and Magic RCs for the 1985 Star Jordan XRC and NT RPA Curry. Those are definitely top 10 basketball cards in the hobby.

Curry NT RPA and Star Jordan XRC over the Kareem and Bird/Erving/Magic for sure.

I would replace the PMG Jordan with the 97 UD Gamed Use Jordan auto. The first game used product had way more influence on the hobby.

Mikan is always on these lists, but I think collectors will value this card and player as time passes.

pcptrade

10-22-2023, 07:19 AM

With the popularity of all things chrome/prizm I’m shocked the Kobe isn’t getting more votes. Seems like the release of chrome would be near the top of landmark releases/cards.

Adam (IG: thereal27guy) conducted a poll (~300 votes) at Instagram after this thread was created and the Top 4 were-

Jordan 86F
Birds/Magic/Erving 1980 Topps
Lebron 2003 Exquisite RPA
Kobe 1996 Topps Chrome

Perhaps BO has more boomers and Gen X while Instagram has more Millennials and Gen Z who do not care about Mikan, Wilt, Russell and Kareem RC's :)

pingbling23

10-22-2023, 08:57 AM

Adam (IG: thereal27guy) conducted a poll (~300 votes) at Instagram after this thread was created and the Top 4 were-

Jordan 86F
Birds/Magic/Erving 1980 Topps
Kobe 1996 Topps Chrome
Lebron 2003 Exquisite RPA

Perhaps BO has more boomers and Gen X while Instagram has more Millennials and Gen Z who do not care about Mikan, Wilt, Russell and Kareem RC's :)

absolutely.

Kobefan

10-22-2023, 09:22 AM

No doubt that they saved the NBA, but hobby-wise they have never been important. By the time basketball cards were collectible, the Lakers and Celtics dynasties were over. It was the Pistons and Bulls. Frankly, the 1984 Star Larry Bird was more popular than his rookie card.

I would drop the Kareem and Magic RCs for the 1985 Star Jordan XRC and NT RPA Curry. Those are definitely top 10 basketball cards in the hobby.

I agree, if the card wasn't popular at or near release and it took years or decades before people start appreciating it, then it's hard to consider it at the top of the iconic list.

rats60

10-22-2023, 10:54 AM

pcptrade

10-24-2023, 03:10 PM

Blowout's Mount Rushmore of Basketball Cards-

1. MJ 86F
2. Bird/Magic/Erving 1980 Topps
3. Lebron Exquisite RPA
4. Tie between Mikan 1948 Bowman and Russell 1957 Topps

We need more votes so that we can have a clear winner for the 4th spot :)

pcptrade

10-28-2023, 07:52 AM

Top 4 based on 92 votes so far-

1. MJ 86F
2. Bird/Magic/Erving 1980 Topps
3. Lebron Exquisite RPA
4. Russell 1957 Topps (one vote more than the Mikan 1948 Bowman)

ReggieBush22

05-05-2024, 05:54 PM

TOP 4 AFTER 50 VOTES-

1. 1986 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan
2. 1980 Topps Magic Johnson/Larry Bird/Julius Erving
3. 2003 Lebron Exquisite RPA
4. 1948 Bowman #69 George Mikan

This is what i voted

Mikan was toughest for me but given it's sort of like the T206 Wagner of basketball, had to put it in there over Wilt or Russell.