The rare Allen Iverson card of 1997 has surfaced for auction, creating waves in the memorabilia world. The much-coveted piece is a 1997 Skybox E-X 2001 Essential Credentials Now card.

The card has already attracted a staggering $150,000 bid just days after being listed by Heritage Auctions on New Year's Day. For those who collect NBA cards, you can soon add this to your collection.

Why This Iverson Card is More Than a Collectible Card

This is not an ordinary collectible card; it represents a piece of basketball history: only three versions of this particular card were made, making it one of the least common Iverson collectibles in history. TMZ Sports reports that the jersey on the card is that of the Philadelphia 76ers legend, which is accompanied by his impressive roster of 1996-97 rookie stats on the back.

Adding to its exclusivity, this card is marked No. 2 out of the three produced. With a PSA 5 grade, it shows some signs of wear, but its rarity and the legend it represents have collectors scrambling to place bids.

A Record-Breaking Sale in the Making

Heritage Auctions/HA.com

The current $150K bid has already shattered the previous record for an Allen Iverson card sale, which was $79,200. Experts believe this auction could set a new benchmark, with estimates suggesting the card might fetch as much as $200K by the time bidding closes on Jan. 21.

The premium price reflects not only the card's scarcity but also Iverson's impact on the NBA. As one of the all-time great point guards and cultural icons, Iverson's legacy continues to be felt by fans and collectors alike.

The Emerging Market for Rare Sports Cards

The sudden upsurge of interest in this Iverson card accounts for the boisterousness of the world of sports memorabilia. Rare items, primarily if related to basketball legends, turn into hot money.

Only once have these cards been known to be placed for public auction; hence, this event has caused waves among Iverson collectors and big investors seeking top-quality assets.

What's Ahead for NBA Card Collectors?

Excitement will continue to build in the last three weeks before the auction closes. When intense bidding occurs, the final sale might well change the market for Allen Iverson memorabilia and, indeed, for sports cards in general.

Whether a seasoned collector or merely a basketball fan, this is an outstanding example of how icons like Iverson continue to motivate fans and keep demand growing in the world of collectibles.

Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cards are becoming popular as the young star becomes an NBA MVP favorite. According to Sports Illustrated, SGA is currently averaging more than 31 points per game, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder in the West with a 30-5 record.