Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Cards (1996-97 Fleer Ultra #266): A Raw Copy Costs About $40. A PSA 10 Tops $2,000
The 1996-97 Fleer Ultra Encore rookie card (#266) is one of the few Kobe rookies an everyday fan can still own. Then the grading scale flips the story. A raw copy is priced near $39, while a PSA 10 is priced near $2,290. That is roughly a 60x gap, and it is why so many collectors ask the same questions. Is this a real rookie card? How is it different from the #52? Should I grade mine?
This guide answers all of that with recent sales, population data and simple math.
Quick answer: The Kobe Bryant Encore rookie card is worth about $39 raw, $88 in grade 8, $202 in grade 9 and roughly $2,300 to $2,550 in PSA 10, based on September 2026 data from SportsCardsPro and Card Ladder.
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Key takeaways
- The Encore is card #266, a Series 2 subset card. The Series 1 base rookie is #52. Do not mix up their prices.
- Raw copies are cheap and liquid. PSA 10s are scarce and trade about once a month.
- PSA 10 sales have more than tripled since early 2025, but the market is thin, so single sales can swing the price.
- Grading only makes sense if your copy looks nearly flawless front and back.
- Always compare sold prices at the same grade from the same grading company.
Top 2 Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Cards
- 1996-97 Fleer Ultra #266 Kobe Bryant Basketball Card – Encore Rookies
- 1996-97 Fleer Ultra Basketball Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card # 266
1. 1996-97 Fleer Ultra #266 Kobe Bryant Basketball Card – Encore Rookies
#Paid Links
1996-97 Fleer Ultra #266 Kobe Bryant Basketball Card Encore Rookies Los Angeles Lakers is an original and authentic Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card.
Fleer produced it during the 1996-97 NBA basketball season.
The card is listed in Near Mint condition.
It may have small flaws.
A stock photo is shown.
It comes in a top loader to protect it and to display it.
The Kobe Bryant Fleer Ultra Encore Rookie Card is priced at $49.99 and holds a 5.0 out of 5 star rating from 3 ratings.
Image Credit: amazon.com
Key Features
- Original and authentic Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card made by Fleer
- Card number #266 from the Fleer Ultra brand
- Produced for the 1996-97 NBA basketball season
- Features Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers
- Near Mint grade rating
- Includes a top loader for protection and display
- Ranked #5,126 in Sports Collectible Single Base Trading Cards
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Original and authentic card | May have small flaws |
| Near Mint condition | Stock photo shown, so the real card may look different |
| Comes in a top loader | Not autographed |
| Priced at $49.99 | |
| Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars | |
| Popular in Sports Collectibles |
My Opinion
I prefer this Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card because it is an original and authentic piece from Fleer.
The Near Mint condition makes it a strong pick for a collector.
The top loader keeps the card protected and ready for display.
At $49.99, it feels like a fair way to own a 1996-97 Kobe Bryant rookie card.
The 5.0 out of 5 star rating adds to my confidence in this card.
2. 1996-97 Fleer Ultra Basketball Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card # 266
#Paid Links
The 1996-97 Fleer Ultra Basketball Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card #266 is a Fleer basketball card listed at $55.00.
The Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card carries a Near Mint grade rating.
The grading is provided by the seller.
This basketball Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card is from the year 1996.
It is not autographed.
The card weighs 2 ounces and has been available since May 8, 2016.
Image Credit: amazon.com
Key Features
- Kobe Bryant Fleer Ultra Encore Rookie Card, card #266
- Made by Fleer in the 1996-97 basketball series
- Near Mint (NM) grade rating
- Priced at $55.00
- Item weight of 2 ounces
- Ranked #39 in Sports Collectible Single Promo Trading Cards
- Ranked #44,950 in Sports Collectibles
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Near Mint condition | Grading is provided by the seller |
| Made by Fleer | Not autographed |
| Card number #266 | No video has been uploaded yet |
| Priced at $55.00 | |
| Ranked #39 in its promo card category |
My Opinion
I prefer this Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card because it is a Fleer Ultra piece from 1996.
The Near Mint grade makes it a good choice for collectors who care about condition.
Card #266 is easy to identify, which helps when building a set.
At $55.00, it feels like a reasonable price for a Kobe Bryant rookie card.
The strong rank of #39 in its category shows that buyers are interested in it.
What Is the Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card?
The Kobe Bryant Encore rookie card is card #266 in the 1996-97 Fleer Ultra basketball set. It belongs to the Series 2 “Rookie Encore” subset and shows Kobe in a Lakers uniform. You will also see it called the 1996 Ultra Kobe Bryant Rookie Encore or Fleer Ultra #266.
Card details at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Set | 1996-97 Fleer Ultra |
| Card number | #266 |
| Subset | Rookie Encore (RE), cards #264 to #278 |
| Series | Series 2 |
| Team shown | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Parallels | Gold Medallion (G-266), Platinum Medallion (P-266) |
| Set size | 300 cards |
The full set has 300 cards split into two series, and the Rookie Encore run in Series 2 covers cards 264 through 278. Kobe’s Encore cardmates include Allen Iverson (#270), Ray Allen (#265) and Steve Nash (#273).
Encore #266 vs the #52 base rookie
Kobe has two main base-level cards in this set. They are different cards with different prices.
| #52 Base Rookie | #266 Rookie Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Series | 1 | 2 |
| Subset | Base set | Rookie Encore |
| Gold Medallion | G-52, about 1 per 12 Series 1 packs | G-266, about 1 per Series 2 pack |
| Platinum Medallion | P-52, about 1 per 180 Series 1 packs | P-266, about 1 per 100 Series 2 packs |
Those pack ratios come from the Cardboard Connection checklist. On price, Sports Card Investor showed a raw #52 last selling around $34 in an April 2026 snapshot. At high grades the #52 costs more: Card Ladder lists a #52 in BGS 9.5 with a value near $1,199. Recent BGS 9.5 sales of the Encore were far lower, at $291 in late July and $565 in early August 2026, according to SportsCardsPro. Those are different data providers, so treat the comparison as directional.
Expert tip: When you search for comps, put “#266” or “Encore” in the query. Searching only “1996 Ultra Kobe rookie” mixes two different cards.
Is the Encore a “real” rookie card?
Yes, in the way the market uses the term. SportsCardsPro lists it as a rookie, Card Ladder tracks it as “Rookie Encore,” and sellers routinely tag it RC. Still, the #52 was Kobe’s first Ultra card in Series 1. Some collectors treat #52 as the “primary” Ultra rookie and the Encore as the more affordable second option. Both have buyers.
How Much Is the Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card Worth in 2026?
As of September 2026, the Encore is worth about $39 raw, $53 in grade 7, $88 in grade 8, $202 in grade 9, $291 in grade 9.5 and about $2,290 in PSA 10 on SportsCardsPro.
| Grade | Current value | How often it sells |
|---|---|---|
| Raw (ungraded) | $38.99 | About 1 sale per day |
| Grade 7 | $52.95 | About 1 per week |
| Grade 8 | $87.88 | About 2 per week |
| Grade 9 | $202.25 | About 2 per week |
| Grade 9.5 | $291.05 | About 4 per year |
| PSA 10 | $2,290.48 | About 1 per month |
Those figures and sales-pace estimates come from SportsCardsPro. The sold lists behind grades 7 to 9.5 include several grading companies (PSA, BGS, SGC and CGC), so a specific slab can sell above or below the number shown.
Raw (ungraded) value
Raw copies trade constantly. Going by my tally of the 30 most recent raw eBay sales listed on SportsCardsPro, 22 landed between $30 and $45. Five went higher, up to $76, and three went lower, down to $12.50, with the cheapest showing visible wear such as a corner ding. Condition explains most of the spread.
Grades 7 to 9.5
Recent sales show PSA 8 copies around $86 to $102 in September. PSA 9 copies climbed from roughly $140 to $190 in July to around $200 to $270 in late August and early September. The 9.5 category is thin and volatile, and the sales list shows a BGS 9.5 at $291 and another at $565 within two weeks.
PSA 10 value and population
Card Ladder’s latest PSA 10 sale was $2,553 on September 7, 2026, with a population of 130. Over the past three months it logged five sales between $2,184 and $3,425, averaging about $2,682.
The population number matters because it caps supply. For context, Sports Illustrated reported in early 2025 that the 1996 Topps Kobe rookie had a PSA 10 population near 5,000. The Encore has a small fraction of that. Pop counts are third-party and change, so confirm on PSA’s own population report before you pay a premium.
PSA 10 price history
| Period | Approx. PSA 10 sale range |
|---|---|
| May to Sept 2024 | $480 to $800 |
| Dec 2024 to Aug 2025 | $500 to $780 |
| Nov 2025 to Jan 2026 | $990 to $1,700 |
| Feb to May 2026 | $1,700 to $1,900 |
| June to Sept 2026 | $2,184 to $3,425 |
Ranges summarize eBay sold listings shown on SportsCardsPro and Card Ladder. They are approximate and include a few best-offer sales.
That is a rise of more than 3x from early 2025 (around $700) to late summer 2026.
Why has the PSA 10 climbed?
I could not find a documented single cause, so here is what the data supports:
- Tiny supply. A pop near 130 means few copies exist, and a June 2024 eBay listing title cited a pop of 113, so the count grows slowly.
- Thin trading. With about one PSA 10 sale a month, one motivated buyer can move the “price.” Look at $3,425 on August 27 followed by $2,553 on September 7.
- Kobe demand and timing. 2026 marks 30 years since he was drafted, and interest in his cards has stayed high since his death in January 2020. That is context, not proof of what moved this card.
Expert tip: Do not anchor on the highest sale. Use the median of the last three to five sales at your grade.
What Drives the Price of This Card?
Grade drives almost everything, but the reasons matter.
- Edges and corners. Cardboard Connection warns that these Ultra cards can show heavy wear or chipping, especially along the edges. The full-bleed photo design leaves nowhere for damage to hide.
- Centering and surface. Off-center images and light scratches or print lines can cap a card at 8 or 9.
- Grading company. PSA slabs usually command the top prices. SportsCardsPro cautions that grades from other companies can be worth much less than PSA or BGS.
- Sale format. Auctions can beat or miss “Buy It Now” prices depending on timing.
What About the Gold and Platinum Medallion Versions?
Both exist for the Encore, labeled G-266 and P-266. Gold Medallion cards are the more common foil-centered parallel. PSA CardFacts says the Platinum Medallion parallels are much scarcer, with a reported print run under 250 copies, and that neither parallel is serially numbered. I did not find reliable recent sales data for Encore-specific Gold or Platinum copies, so use sold listings for those and expect large premiums over the base card.
Should You Grade Your Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card?
Grade it only if it looks nearly flawless. The math rewards a 10, punishes a 7 or 8, and gives a modest gain on a 9.
The grading cost math
PSA’s cheapest currently open tier is Regular at $79.99 per card, after the Value tiers were paused on June 2, 2026. With shipping and insurance, plan on roughly $95 to $120 all-in. I use $105 below. Turnaround times have stretched too, so check psacard.com before you commit.
| Outcome | Approx. value | Net vs. selling raw ($39) after $105 cost |
|---|---|---|
| PSA 10 | $2,290 | about +$2,146 |
| PSA 9 | $202 | about +$58 |
| PSA 8 | $88 | about -$56 |
| PSA 7 | $53 | about -$91 |
Ignores selling fees and assumes prices hold. Illustration only.
At today’s gap, a card needs only about a 2% to 4% chance of a PSA 10 to break even on paper, depending on how the other outcomes fall. That does not mean grading is a sure win. PSA 10 prices could fall as the pop rises, and you would be selling into a market that trades one PSA 10 a month.
Decision tree
- Look at the card with a bright light and a loupe, front and back.
- Any chipping, dings, scratches or clear off-centering? Keep it raw or sell it raw for about $30 to $45.
- Looks clean everywhere? Consider PSA for the best shot at a premium 10.
- Want lower fees and don’t mind a discount at resale? Consider CGC or SGC, but expect lower prices than PSA.
How to Buy a Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card Without Getting Burned
Match the budget to the goal:
- Under $100: raw copy or PSA 7 to 8.
- $200 to $300: PSA 9.
- $2,000 and up: PSA 10, with extra verification.
Buying checklist:
- Confirm the card number is #266, not #52.
- Use sold listings for comps, not asking prices.
- Compare only the same grade and grading company.
- Ask for clear front and back photos, with close-ups of corners.
- For a slab, check the cert number on PSA’s cert verification page (psacard.com/cert).
- Look for a clean, undamaged case and a label that matches the cert.
- Use a platform with buyer protection and a return window.
Red flags:
- A price far below recent comps
- “PSA 10 candidate” wording on a raw card
- Stock photos only
- A cert that does not match the card or grade
Where to buy: eBay for volume, COMC for raw singles, local shops and card shows for hands-on inspection.
Is the Kobe Bryant Encore Rookie Card a Good Investment?
It might be, but it is a thin, volatile market. This is not financial advice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Kobe demand has stayed strong | About one PSA 10 sale a month, so pricing is lumpy |
| Small PSA 10 population | Edge chipping makes gem copies hard to find |
| Cheap entry point raw | Prices rose fast, so a pullback is possible |
| Growing pricing data | Grading fees and wait times cut into returns |
If you just love the card, a nice raw copy or a PSA 8 to 9 slab gives you Kobe in a Lakers uniform for a fraction of the price of his big-name rookies.
How It Compares to Other Kobe Rookies
- Ultra #52: Series 1 base rookie, higher at top grades, similar raw price.
- 1996 Topps: far more graded, with a PSA 10 pop near 5,000 as of early 2025.
- Topps Chrome and other premium issues: much higher prices, different buyer.
The Encore fits collectors who want a legitimate 1996-97 Kobe rookie without paying Chrome-level prices.
Common Mistakes
- Comping the #52 against the #266
- Using asking prices instead of sold prices
- Paying gem prices for an unproven raw copy
- Ignoring back corners and edge chipping
- Forgetting fees and turnaround time
- Mixing PSA, BGS, SGC and CGC sales
How to Store It
Use a soft sleeve and a semi-rigid holder, then a box away from sunlight and moisture. Never use rubber bands, and avoid handling the edges.
You May Also Like to Read:
- Kobe Bryant Rookie Rage Card: Why a $20 Card Has a $1,000 PSA 10 (and Whether You Should Chase It)
- Kobe Bryant Card Collection: A Complete Collector’s Guide to Rookies, Values, and Buying Smart
FAQs
What is the Kobe Bryant Encore rookie card?
It is card #266 in the 1996-97 Fleer Ultra set, part of the Series 2 Rookie Encore subset.
Is the Ultra Encore a real rookie card?
The market treats it as one. Price guides and sellers list it as a rookie, though #52 was his first Ultra card.
How much is it worth?
About $39 raw and roughly $2,290 to $2,550 in PSA 10, based on September 2026 data.
How much is a PSA 10 worth?
Card Ladder logged a $2,553 sale on September 7, 2026, within a three-month range of $2,184 to $3,425.
How many PSA 10s exist?
Card Ladder shows a population of 130 as of September 2026. Verify on PSA’s population report.
What is the difference between #52 and #266?
#52 is a Series 1 base card. #266 is a Series 2 Rookie Encore card with separate Gold and Platinum parallels.
Is it worth grading?
Only if the card looks nearly perfect. A 9 gives a modest gain, an 8 or lower loses money, and a 10 pays off.
Why is the PSA 10 so expensive?
Very few copies reach 10, and this card is prone to edge chipping.
Is it a good investment?
It is a speculative, thinly traded card. Treat it as a collectible first.
What are the Gold and Platinum versions?
They are foil-centered parallels, G-266 and P-266. Platinum is much scarcer.
Where should I buy?
eBay, COMC, card shows and local shops. Use sold listings for pricing and check cert numbers.
How do I check a graded copy is legit?
Verify the cert number on PSA’s site and match the name, card and grade. Inspect the slab for damage or tampering.
How should I store it?
Sleeve, semi-rigid holder, cool dry box, out of sunlight.
