Nicknamed the “Human Highlight Film”. Dominique Wilkins was one of the most exciting offensive players and best dunkers in NBA history at the small forward position.
Probably most famous for duelling with Michael Jordan in some of the most epic dunk contests in NBA history in the mid to late 80s. Wilkins averaged 24.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 1.3 SPG over his career. Mostly spent with the Atlanta Hawks.
He was named to the All-NBA 1st Team once. The All-NBA 2nd Team 4 times. And he was a 9-time NBA All-Star.
Wilkins was a part of one of the most famous moments in NBA playoff history. Getting into an offensive showdown with Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics during game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference Finals.
Although Wilkins’ basketball cards have always possessed plenty of value in the market. The recent surge in popularity for all types of sports cards has greatly enhanced their value even more.
Below are the 5 best Dominique Wilkins basketball cards available and some extra memorabilia items.
5. 1983-1984 Star All-Rookie Team Rookie Card #8
Approximate PSA 10 Value – $2,000
Approximate PSA 9 Value – $200
The exit of Topps from the basketball card market after their 1981-1982 set left a huge void in the industry. A void which was briefly filled by Star Company.
Star Company was the only licensed NBA basketball card manufacturer from 1983 to 1986. Until Fleer entered the market with their legendary 1986-1987 set.
The #8 All-Rookie Team card was one of 10 cards produced in a limited set of cards in the greater 1983-1984 Star series that featured some of the best rookies from the 1982-1983 season.
Although it doesn’t list “All-Rookie Team” on the card itself. And at first glance, may look like a base rookie card. The top left of the card’s rear contains the phrase “8 of 10”. Indicating that it is a part of a limited set of top rookies.
The front of the card contains a yellow border with a picture of Wilkins dunking the basketball on the front, with “Star ’84” listed at the top right. Wilkins’ name and team listed at the bottom, and the Hawks team logo listed at the bottom left.
The back of the card contains Wilkins’ stats from his college years, his first season in the NBA, and some brief player bio information.
4. 1987-1988 Fleer Sticker Card #7
Approximate PSA 10 Value – $3,000
Approximate PSA 9 Value – $150
Early Fleer basketball sets produced a limited number of sticker cards in addition to their regular cards. These cards would feature a sticker mounted on a cardboard frame. They were just like a regular sports card, that could then be peeled off.
Because finding unpeeled stickers still mounted on the cardboard frame is very rare. These sticker cards in some cases possess more value than their regular card counterparts.
The 1987-1988 Fleer set contained 11 different sticker cards. Including the #7 Dominique Wilkins card.
The front of the card contains a red, white, and blue border with a photo of Wilkins shooting a free throw. His name, team, position, and the word Fleer are listed on a yellow strip on the left side of the card’s front.
The rear contains a detailed player biography with many of his career accomplishments to date.
3. 1986-1987 Fleer Sticker Rookie Card #11
Approximate PSA 10 Value – $8,000
Approximate PSA 9 Value – $475
Like the legendary 1986-1987 Fleer set as a whole, the 11-card sticker set in this series is a very valuable collection of sports memorabilia. The #11 Wilkins sticker rookie card pictures him coming to a jump stop. Getting ready to make an explosive move to the basket.
The card’s front also contains a white border. Along with a yellow strip placed along the left side which lists Wilkins’ name, team, position, and the Fleer insignia.
The rear of the card contains a lengthy player summary listing many of Wilkins’ impressive accomplishments. Including him leading the NBA in scoring during the 1985-1986 season.
2. 1986-1987 Fleer Rookie Card #121
Approximate PSA 10 Value – $15,000
Approximate PSA 9 Value – $875
Simply a legendary sports card. The #121 Fleer Dominique Wilkins rookie card is one of the best vintage basketball cards that a collector could get their hands on.
The card itself showcases a photo of Wilkins shooting a free throw. Amid Fleer’s vibrant ’86-87 design, containing a beautiful red, white, and blue border. Wilkins’ name, team, and position are centered at the bottom of the card’s front. While the Fleer logo and the word “Premier” are listed on the front left.
The rear of the card lists Wilkins’ player stats from each of his first 4 seasons in the league as well as his career statistical totals, all amid a retro red-orange and white background.
1. 1983-1984 Star Rookie Card #263
Approximate PSA 10 Value – $20,000
Approximate PSA 9 Value – $1,250
While some collectors don’t consider rookie cards from Star sets “official” rookie cards, since these sets were printed in limited quantities and not widely available. This is probably an unfair viewpoint.
These cards were still officially licensed by the NBA and the NBPA and should be considered legitimate sports cards despite their limited printing.
The #263 Star is the first of Dominique Wilkins rookie cards to ever feature his likeness. And is probably the most valuable Wilkins card available.
As Star basketball begins to gain more acceptance in the sports card community, this card’s value should continue to increase. Making it one of Dominique Wilkins best cards to invest in, especially in PSA 10 conditions.
This card showcases an epic photo of Wilkins dunking the basketball with a one-handed slam on its front amid a red border.
The rear of the card lists his stats from the 1982-1983 season on top of a pink and white background.
It is worth noting that because Star cards were only produced in limited quantities and of a lower quality. They were easily counterfeited, prompting PSA to stop grading Star cards. Thankfully, PSA has begun to grade them again, increasing their value and relevance on the market substantially.
Bonus Memorabilia Items
Dominique Wilkins also has plenty of great memorabilia items available on sportsmemorabilia.com. A lot of them selling at reasonable prices suited for budget collectors.
Several different autographed replica Hawks jerseys are available. Ranging in price from $169.99 to $399.99 depending on the product specifications. These autographed jerseys in a framed format have a higher price tag. Ranging from $424.99 to $594.99.
Many different autographed basketballs with prices from $103.99 to $465.99 make great additions to any collection. The best autographed basketball is without question a Spalding basketball signed by both Dominique Wilkins and fellow Hawk teammate Spud Webb. Retailing for $418.99. Wilkins and Webb would win dunk contests in 1985 and 1986 respectively. An especially impressive accomplishment for Webb. This is because he stood at just 5 feet, 6 inches tall.
The top item for high-end collectors would be a game-used Hawks warm-up jacket from the mid-80s. Selling for $5,890.99.
Finally, a great addition for any collection is an autographed 8-inch by 10-inch photo of Wilkins dunking the basketball. Available for a very reasonable $86.99.
When I was just starting out with my card collection, I had lots of questions about authenticity, trading, and card conditions. But with not that much information available online, I felt quite alone in my queries. Some questions still haven’t been answered to this day.
This site aims to rectify this, and now, I am passing on my knowledge!
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