In April 2020, when much of the world was sitting at home and trying to avoid COVID, ESPN and Netflix released the Michael Jordan documentary, The Last Dance. Soon after, card prices boomed with collectors looking to purchase Jordan items and the collectibles they chased when they were younger. Prices have certainly dropped since then, but here are some cards that are still strong long-term investments.

1993 SP Derek Jeter 

Image via PWCC

The Yankee shortstop spent the entirety of his legendary career in the Bronx, a rarity among today's players, and the legend was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020.

When Derek Jeter's rookie cards were released, card companies produced massive amounts, creating plenty of supply to meet demand. The 1993 SP card, though, had a foil front that made it incredibly difficult to find in top-level condition.

There are only 21 copies in PSA 10 and the last one available sold for $360,000. Collectors can pick up a PSA 9 for around $5,000 and a PSA 8 for around $500. The card remains an icon in the hobby and is a smart addition to any collection.

2017-18 Topps Chrome UEFA Kylian Mbappe 

Image via Ebay

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, which means sellers of soccer cards open themselves up to a global audience. That global audience recently took in the 2022 World Cup, where Kylian Mbappe led France to the finals.

While Mbappe didn't win the title as he did in 2018, the 24-year-old's incredible skill was on full display to the world. Since he's so young, there is plenty more to come from the superstar forward.

One of Mbappe's most popular rookie cards is from the 2017-2018 Topps Chome UEFA set. A PSA 10 copy of the card can be had for around $400, and a PSA 9 copy of the card can be had for under $200.

1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Sticker 

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With everyone home and streaming, The Last Dance become a phenomenon in the Spring of 2020. And many viewers decided that they wanted to get their hands on a Michael Jordan rookie card. The problem was, that his 1986 Fleer base card was still out of the financial reach of many collectors.

There is another option, though. Jordan is included in the 1986 Fleer sticker set as well. Just like his base card, the sticker sold for significant amounts during the pandemic. They've come back down, though, and now is a good time to get your hands on one. A PSA 8 sticker runs for a little over $1,100, and a PSA 9 will set you back around $3,500.

2005-06 Upper Deck Black Diamond Alex Ovechkin

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It is easy to forget that Alexander Ovechkin is now in his 18th NHL season. A star from day one, he has compiled some impressive feats. The Russian-born left-wing is the second leading goal scorer in NHL history and has a chance at passing Wayne Gretzky to become number one. The quest to do so could see his best cards blow up in value.
Many of Ovechkin's rookie cards feature an autograph or patch, and these cards sell for thousands. His 2005-06 Upper Deck Black Diamond card, though, could be a good alternative. A PSA 9 copy of the card sells for between $1,500 and $2,000 on eBay.

1983 Topps Dan Marino 

Image via PSA

At the same time Michael Jordan was dominating on the basketball court, Dan Marino was dominating on the gridiron. Many kids who grew up collecting in the 1980s and 1990s dreamed about getting their hands on this card. And now that they have a little more disposable income, they can go ahead and do that.
The Marino rookie typically sells in a PSA 8 for around $100, and a PSA 9 copy of the card can be had for around $300. Bigger game hunters can take down a PSA 10 for $4,000-$4,500.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.