Anthony Davis Rookie Cards Checklist and Guide
Being the first overall pick in an NBA draft gives you instant recognition within the hobby. Playing for Team USA at the Summer Olympics gets you even more. Benefiting from both, Anthony Davis rookie cards are moving extremely well. Going forward, though, it's how he and his trademark brow match-up against the rest of the league that will determine his long-term place among collectors.
Davis entered the draft after just one season with the University of Kentucky Wildcats, leading the team to a National Championship. Davis won numerous honors including The Sporting News National Player of the Year and Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year. Still a teenager, the New Orleans Hornets shocked nobody by taking him first overall.
Anthony Davis rookie cards are found in 2012-13 NBA products produced by Panini. They are available at all price points, depending on your budget and collecting preferences. Below you will find details and images of all Davis' rookies. As sets will be released throughout the season and even into the off-season, we'll continue to add to it.
Anthony Davis Rookie Card Guide
Please note that this list will be updated as new sets are released. Click on the card name to shop for singles on eBay.
2012-13 NBA Hoops Anthony Davis RC #275
The 2012-13 NBA Hoops Anthony Davis rookie comes from a set that aims for wide appeal. It's a low-end card designed to kick off the new season. The card features a posed portrait that looks like it's primed for the NBA yearbook. Davis' suit almost disappears into the background. Because it comes from an entry-level release, there are plenty of cards to go around. The price should also remain modest when compared to other high-end options.
2012-13 Panini Anthony Davis RC #241
Another low-end option for collectors, the 2012-13 Panini Anthony Davis has a simple but attractive base card design. There are no major additions, letting the card stand on its own. Like NBA Hoops, this card should remain readily affordable for collectors on all budgets.
2012-13 Panini Absolute Anthony Davis RC #165 Autograph #/199 - Redemption
Once it's ready, the 2012-13 Panini Absolute Anthony Davis rookie card will have an on-card autograph. It's small print run of 199 should make it one of his more valuable rookie cards over the long-term. The card is inserted in packs as a redemption.
2012-13 Panini Contenders Anthony Davis RC #201 Autograph
2012-13 Panini Contenders Basketball has a wild liquid design for its rookie autographs. It's a big departure from the Rookie Ticket concept they have used extensively with the brand in the past. One aspect that remains the same is the fact that the rookie signatures are not serial numbered.
2012-13 Panini Elite Anthony Davis RC #252 #/599
Sticking with the brand's tradition, 2012-13 Panini Elite rookies come with a foil design. This year's has a fresh feel with a simple design. The major selling point is the serial number, which limits the card to 599 copies. But without an autograph, the card sould remain relatively affordable.
2012-13 Panini Limited Anthony Davis RC #156 Autograph #/199
Rookie cards in 2012-13 Panini Limited come with a very distinct look. All are autographed and come on die-cut acetate. Davis is numbered to 199, making it one of his rarer cards. Should the design connect with collectors, this card could garner a lot of attention.
2012-13 Panini Prestige Anthony Davis RC #201
Another cheaper option, the 2012-13 Panini Prestige Anthony Davis was the first rookie card on the market to show him in his Hornets gear. The design is clean, offering both lots of white space and a pair of photos.
2012-13 Panini Prizm Anthony Davis RC #236
The 2012-13 Panini Prizm Anthony Davis rookie card is a great option for those without the funds for an autograph or extremely low numbered card. The card has a chromium look, something that has been missing from the basketball card market for several years. Prizms parallels are also popular. Besides the base set, Davis is also featured in the USA Basketball insert set.
2012-13 Panini Threads Anthony Davis RC #201 Autograph
Although Panini featured Anthony Davis' signature heavily in earlier products, 2012-13 Panini Threads has his first autographed rookie card. While that makes it notable in its own right, it's also printed on wood card stock, giving it an even more distinct look and feel.
2012-13 Panini Timeles Treasures Anthony Davis RC #154 Autograph #/188
2012-13 Panini Timeless Treasures rookie cards have autographs that have a see-through look that gives the appearance it's floating. Numbered to just 188, Anthony Davis is by far the toughest to find in the subset. Most are numbered to 399 or 499.
2012-13 Panini Totally Certified Anthony Davis RC #29
The 2012-13 Panini Totally Certified Anthony Davis rookie card arrives with the subtlety of an elephant in an elevator. Loud and proud, the etched foil design is unmistakable. Among unnumbered rookies, this should be one of the more valuable options. Still, prices should remain within reach for most.
Other Notable Early Anthony Davis Cards
2011-12 Panini Gold Standard Draft Pick Redemptions Anthony Davis #1
2011-12 Panini Limited Draft Pick Redemptions Anthony Davis #1
2011-12 Panini Past and Present Draft Pick Redemptions Anthony Davis #1
As a part of the final three 2011-12 NBA products, Panini inserted redemption cards for 2012 draft picks. Numbers were paired with their draft position. As the first overall pick, Anthony Davis is redemption card #1 in each of the three sets. These should not be confused with the 2011 draft redemptions, which also have autographs.
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