Ask any card fan about Kobe Bryant and you’ll end up hearing a lot of amazing exploits or anecdotes revolving around his legendary career.

Whether it’s his 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors, the five rings he won for the Los Angeles Lakers, or the countless clutch shots that delivered victories, you can be sure there’s always an incredible Black Mamba highlight living in the hearts and minds of card collectors everywhere.

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This is more true than ever, especially since a year has passed from the day Kobe Bryant passed away. During the whole time, everyone in the league and countless fans have expressed their grief over the loss of a legendary baller. Take a look around and you’ll be greeted by numerous memorials and stories that highlight the greatness of Bryant.

The same thought can also be applied to card collectors. Even before his passing, Kobe Bryant has been a beloved figure in the card community. His cards, whether from the 90s or during the Panini era, have always been sought after. One year into his passing, Bryant’s cards have become more valuable.

And speaking of Panini, there’s no denying that Kobe Bryant cards produced by this company are the standard everyone is chasing. Rightfully so, because these cards are a beauty to behold, especially those that have been signed by the Black Mamba himself.

At the same time, a strong case can be made for Kobe Bryant cards made before the Panini Era. Some notable companies that produced these cards during the 90s are Topps and Fleer. Those who are out hunting the Black Mamba’s cards during this decade can lose their hard-earned money if they don’t know which card to invest in. Fortunately, here are five options that will stand the test of time and maintain their value over the long run.

3. 1996-97 Fleer Ultra Platinum Medallion Rookie Card BGS 9.5

There’s something breathtaking about the 1996-97 Fleer Ultra set. It has that clean design, which helps emphasize the player more. The cursive font down below evokes a nostalgic feel among card fans as well. All of those qualities come together in Kobe Bryant’s Fleer Ultra Platinum Medallion Rookie card encased in a BGS 9.5 slab.

Back when this set was released, the chances of pulling a Gol parallel was 1:12. This means you need to open an average of 12 packs to even get a Fleer Ultra Gold Medallion parallel. For this Kobe Bryant Platinum parallel card, the ratio was much higher – 1:180. As a result, this 90s parallel card is harder to pull, making it more valuable.

The addition of a BGS 9.5 gem mint grade takes this card to another level. A testament to its value is when someone purchased this card last December 15, 2020, for $50,000. With Kobe Bryant’s legendary reputation, that price will just go up as the years go by.

2. 1997-98 Skybox E-X2001 Jambalaya PSA 10

Those who lived through the 90s remember the decade’s distinct feel and style. The basketball cards of this era are no different. Kobe Bryant’s 1997-98 Skybox E-X2001 Jambalaya card is a clear representation of that, albeit in a beautiful and stunning way.

The odds of pulling a Jambalaya card out of the pack back then was 1:10,800. Those that were pulled from a pack usually had condition issues found on the card’s corners, edges, and surface. Those concerns are non-existent with this specific Kobe Bryant Jambalaya insert from the 90s.

The card’s gem mint condition is backed by a PSA 10 grade score. As a result, this graded card fetched $85,000 last January 12, 2021. The card’s limited run, pristine condition, and the presence of the Black Mamba himself make it a valuable item to own. Moreover, Bryant’s status as one of the greatest to ever play the game would only drive up this card’s value further.

1. 1996-97 Topps Chrome BGS 9.5

At the top of our list is the grail every Kobe Bryant card collector is chasing – his 1996-97 Topps Chrome rookie card. Its design evokes a timeless feel, making this card an instant classic. The surface’s chrome finish will surely turn heads, especially with a photo of the Black Mamba himself when he first entered the league.

The card’s BGS 9.5 gem mint condition further drives the value of this rookie card up. In fact, it was sold last January 25, 2020 at a staggering price of $99,999. Thanks to certain factors, like his first death anniversary and impending induction into the Hall of Fame, this card is able to command that kind of value.

Keep in mind, though, that the possibility of these Kobe Bryant 90s cards going up more is highly likely. It’s best to scour the market for any sign of the Black Mamba’s card during this decade, With a player like Bryant, you’ll never go wrong when you center your investment on him.