Kobe Bryant Rookie Card 1996-97 Topps #138 PSA 9: Value, Population and How to Buy One Safely
Most Kobe Bryant rookie cards cost a fortune. The 1996-97 Topps #138 is the one that lets a regular collector own a real Kobe rookie in a respected PSA holder without a four-figure budget.
But a PSA 9 sounds better than it is, and the price range online is confusing. Some copies sell for a couple hundred dollars. Others ask for much more. This guide shows you why, what the grade really means, and how to decide if a $590 listing makes sense.
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- The 1996-97 Topps #138 is a genuine Kobe Bryant rookie card.
- PSA 9 means Mint. It is one step below Gem Mint 10.
- PSA has graded tens of thousands of copies, so a PSA 9 is common, not rare.
- The standard card and the NBA at 50 foil version sell at very different prices.
- Always check the PSA cert number before you pay.
What Is the Kobe Bryant 1996-97 Topps #138 PSA 9 Rookie Card?
It is Kobe Bryant’s rookie card from the 1996-97 Topps basketball set, card number 138, graded Mint 9 by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). The card shows Kobe in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform and comes sealed in a PSA plastic case, often called a slab.
Topps released the set under its NBA at 50 branding to mark the league’s anniversary. That branding is part of why collectors search for this card with the words NBA at 50.
Why the Topps #138 Rookie Card Matters
Kobe Bryant came into the league straight from high school. The Charlotte Hornets drafted him 13th overall in 1996, then traded him to the Lakers for center Vlade Divac. He stayed in purple and gold for all 20 seasons.
He won five NBA titles, the 2008 MVP award and scored 81 points in a single game in 2006. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Hall of Fame honors his career on its official site.
His death in January 2020 changed the market for everything tied to his name. Rookie cards from 1996-97 became more than sports items. For many fans they became a keepsake.
The Topps #138 sits in the middle of that rookie class. It is not as flashy as Topps Chrome and not as hard to find as the top Fleer Ultra or Finest copies. If you want to compare it with the rest, our guide to the best Kobe Bryant rookie cards lays out the whole 1996-97 field.
What Does PSA 9 Mint Mean?
PSA 9 means Mint. PSA describes it as a superb card with only one minor flaw, such as slightly off centering or a tiny print spot. PSA 10 is Gem Mint, and it allows almost no flaws at all.
Under PSA’s published standards, a 9 needs front centering of about 60/40 or better. That means the picture can sit slightly off center, but not by much.
How Many PSA 9 Copies Exist?
A lot. A recent PSA listing for this card showed a PSA 9 population of 22,653 out of a total PSA population of 50,297. These counts grow every month, so check PSA directly for the live number.
That makes the PSA 9 the most common high grade for this card. It is a good, clean copy, but it is not scarce. PSA keeps its own record on the PSA Card Facts page for this card.
Kobe Bryant Topps #138 PSA 9 Price: What It’s Worth
Prices for this card change often, and there is no single number. Based on public market data seen in 2026, here is a fair way to read it.
PSA’s own eBay listing for a PSA 9 copy showed $239.99 or best offer. Raw, ungraded copies of the standard card averaged about $59 on PriceCharting.
The NBA at 50 foil version is another story. Recent PSA 9 sales of that version were reported around $1,074 at auction and $1,399.99 as a fixed price in April 2026.
Is $590 a Fair Price for This Card?
It depends on which version you are getting. If the card is the standard #138, $590 sits well above what a PSA 9 has been asking on PSA’s own listing. If it is the foil NBA at 50 version, $590 sits below recent sale prices, which could be a good deal.
The listing details do not say which version it is. Ask the seller, or read the PSA label and look at the card photos. The foil version has a distinct shiny look.
Standard Card vs NBA at 50 Foil Version
Both versions carry the number 138 and the same photo. The foil version is a separate parallel that is much harder to find in high grades. PSA counted only 572 PSA 9 copies of the foil version in an older population snapshot, compared with tens of thousands for the standard card.
That scarcity is why the prices are so far apart. Never assume a #138 listing means the foil version. Confirm it first.
Is the PSA 9 Kobe Bryant Topps Rookie a Good Investment?
It can be a good entry point, but it is not a get rich quick card. With a very large supply of PSA 9 copies, price jumps tend to be slower than for rarer Kobe rookies.
The strongest reason to buy is simple. You get a real rookie card of an all-time great in a trusted holder at a price most collectors can handle. This is not financial advice, so only spend what you are comfortable holding for years.
- Genuine Kobe Bryant rookie card
- Strong grade, clean and well kept
- Easy to resell because PSA is widely trusted
- Far cheaper than Chrome or Finest rookies
- Very high PSA 9 population limits scarcity
- Version confusion can lead to overpaying
- PSA 10 copies sit in a different price tier
- Prices can move with market mood
PSA 9 vs PSA 10: Which Should You Buy?
Buy the PSA 9 if you want a strong display piece and good value. Buy a PSA 10 only if you want the top grade and accept a much higher price. A PSA 10 of the standard card was counted at 4,542 copies in an older PSA snapshot, so it is also not rare.
The gap between a 9 and a 10 is often small to the naked eye. Many collectors choose the 9 and put the savings toward a second card. If your goal is a collection of Kobe rookies, our Kobe Bryant rookie cards guide can help you pick the next one.
How to Buy a Kobe Bryant PSA 9 Rookie Card Safely
Follow these steps in order. They take about ten minutes and can save you from a costly mistake.
- Read the PSA label and confirm it says 1996 Topps, Kobe Bryant, #138 and grade 9.
- Copy the cert number and enter it in PSA’s online cert lookup at psacard.com.
- Match the card image on PSA’s site to the card in the slab.
- Check the slab for cracks, scratches, loose fit or odd label fonts.
- Ask which version it is, standard or foil.
- Compare the price with recent sold listings, not asking prices.
- Buy from a seller with a real return policy and clear photos.
Superior Sports Investments, the seller behind this listing, says it has been in business for over 30 years and adds items weekly. That kind of track record is a good sign, but you should still run the steps above on every card.
☐ Label reads 1996 Topps Kobe Bryant #138 PSA 9
☐ Standard or foil version confirmed
☐ Slab has no cracks or tampering signs
☐ Price checked against recent sold listings
☐ Return policy and shipping insurance confirmed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is paying foil prices for a standard card. The second is trusting asking prices instead of sold prices. A high number on a listing does not mean a card is worth it.
Other slips include skipping the cert check, buying a slab with a cracked case, and rushing because a listing says only a few are left. Take your time. The card is not going anywhere.
How the Topps #138 Compares With Other Kobe Rookie Cards
The Topps #138 is one of the most affordable ways in. Topps Chrome and its refractor are priced in a completely different league. Public sales data shows the Chrome refractor graded PSA 10 selling for tens of thousands of dollars, while standard Topps copies stay in the hundreds.
If you want the full picture of what this card is worth by grade, read our Kobe Bryant Topps rookie card value guide. It breaks down each Topps rookie and shows where #138 fits.
How to Care for a Graded Kobe Bryant Card
Keep the slab in a hard plastic holder or a display stand. Store it upright, away from direct sunlight and heat. Handle it by the edges, and wipe the case only with a soft dry cloth.
PSA holders protect the card well, but a scratched case can lower resale appeal. Treat it like a small piece of art.
FAQs
Is the 1996-97 Topps #138 a real Kobe Bryant rookie card?
Yes. The 1996-97 Topps #138 is one of Kobe Bryant’s official rookie cards. It shows him in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform and is widely accepted by collectors and graders as a true rookie.
What does PSA 9 mean on a Kobe Bryant card?
PSA 9 means Mint. The card has only one minor flaw, such as slightly off centering or a tiny print spot. It is one grade below PSA 10 Gem Mint.
How much is a Kobe Bryant 1996 Topps #138 PSA 9 worth?
It depends on the version. PSA’s own listing for a standard PSA 9 showed $239.99, while sales of the NBA at 50 foil version in PSA 9 were reported between about $1,074 and $1,399.99 in April 2026. Always check recent sold listings.
Is $590 a good price for a PSA 9 Kobe Bryant Topps #138?
It is high for the standard card and low for the foil version. Confirm which version you are buying before you decide.
How many PSA 9 copies of this card exist?
A recent PSA listing showed 22,653 PSA 9 copies out of 50,297 total graded. These numbers grow each month, so check PSA for the current count.
What is the difference between the standard card and the NBA at 50 version?
Both carry card number 138, but the NBA at 50 version is a foil parallel with far fewer graded copies. That scarcity makes it much more expensive in the same grade.
Is PSA 9 or PSA 10 better for a Kobe Bryant Topps rookie?
PSA 10 is the higher grade, but it costs much more. A PSA 9 gives most collectors a clean display piece at a better value.
How do I check if a PSA slab is real?
Copy the cert number from the label and enter it in PSA’s online cert lookup. Make sure the player, year, card number and grade match the slab you are holding.
Is the Kobe Bryant Topps #138 a good investment?
It can be a solid long term hold, but the high PSA 9 supply limits fast price growth. Treat it as a collectible you enjoy, not a guaranteed profit.
Where should I buy a graded Kobe Bryant rookie card?
Buy from sellers with clear photos, cert numbers, return policies and a strong track record. Established memorabilia dealers and well reviewed marketplace sellers are safer choices.
Why is Topps Chrome Kobe more expensive than Topps #138?
Topps Chrome cards, especially the refractor, are scarcer in top grades and have been in higher demand. That drives their prices far above standard Topps copies.
How should I store a PSA 9 Kobe Bryant card?
Keep it upright in a hard holder or display stand, away from sunlight and heat. Handle it by the edges and clean the case with a soft dry cloth.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
The Kobe Bryant 1996-97 Topps #138 PSA 9 is a smart, respectable pick for fans who want a real rookie without chasing the priciest cards. The key is knowing exactly which version you are buying.
Your next step is simple. Confirm the version, verify the cert, and compare the $590 price with recent sold listings. If the numbers line up, you are looking at a solid card. If not, walk away. Another copy will come along.
