Ultimate Kyrie Irving Rookie Cards Checklist and Pre-Rookie Guide
As a seasoned superstar, Kyrie Irving rookie cards are nothing new for collectors, but his cards are again on the move up after stellar play for the Brooklyn Nets.
The first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving was the league's Rookie of the Year. When LeBron James left for Miami, Irving became the face of the franchise. After James returned a few years later, the two helped bring an NBA title to Cleveland and Irving was particularly impressive during the playoff run.
All things considered, it was a long time coming for official Kyrie Irving rookie cards. With the lockout shortening the 2011-12 NBA season, Panini opted to go with a double rookie class in their 2012-13 products. That meant an extra year before the first Kyrie Irving rookies hit the market.
Collectors can find 2012-13 Kyrie Irving rookie cards at all price points, including autographs and memorabilia cards.
Irving does have a couple of cards produced in 2011-12, as well. These are highlighted below along with all of the official Kyrie Irving rookie cards.
Kyrie Irving Rookie Card Guide
Shop for cards or check completed sales prices using the eBay links. Bolded sets in the descriptions go directly to detailed product profiles.
2012-13 Panini Kyrie Irving RC #227
Like NBA Hoops, 2012-13 Panini offers a basic option for collectors. Although printed with a little higher quality than the Hoops card, prices remain fairly low.
2012-13 Panini Absolute Kyrie Irving RC #151 Autograph #/199 - Redemption
Headlined by an on-card signature and a low print run, the 2012-13 Panini Absolute Kyrie Irving rookie card is one of his most popular. Like several of his autographed rookie cards, it was originally available via redemption.
2012-13 Panini Brilliance Kyrie Irving RC #260
2012-13 Panini Brilliance offers collectors a mid-level look for a budget price. Collectors who enjoy foil or embossing will be especially impressed by this rookie card.
2012-13 Panini Contenders Kyrie Irving RC #250 Autograph - Redemption
Although 2012-13 Panini Contenders abandoned the Rookie Ticket concept, rookie signatures are still plentiful in the product. Inserted in packs as a redemption, it didn't take too long for Irving's live autographs to surface.
2012-13 Panini Crusade Kyrie Irving RC #98
The base 2012-13 Crusade rookie card for Kyrie Irving does not offer much to collectors. A large white background includes a light sketch of wings behind an image of Irving.
The Crusade insert and additional color parallels have emerged as a more popular alternative.
2012-13 Panini Elite Kyrie Irving RC #201 #/599
The main draw of the 2012-13 Panini Elite Kyrie Irving is its print run. Limited to 599 copies, it hovers in that nice area of being available but not too readily so. It's also one of the better options for those who don't have the budget or desire to chase after high-end rookie cards.
2012-13 Panini Elite Series Kyrie Irving RC #203 #/249
Arguably the most refined design in the bunch, 12-13 Elite Series offers collectors a Kyrie Irving rookie card with class. The limited print run of 249 keeps values strong in the unsigned market.
2012-13 Panini Flawless Kyrie Irving RC #96 Diamond #/20
2012-13 Flawless took the collecting world by storm and even the base cards produced big values. This Kyrie Irving rookie card is limited to 20 and features an embedded diamond. Of course, there are some strong on-card autographs for Irving in the set, as well.
2012-13 Panini Gold Standard Kyrie Irving RC #227 Autograph Jersey
While the 2012-13 Gold Standard rookie for Kyrie Irving includes both an on-card signature and jersey piece, the lack of numbering does limit the potential to an extent. Nevertheless, the ornate card is an appealing option.
2012-13 Panini Immaculate Collection Kyrie Irving RC #101 Autograph Jersey #/99
2012-13 Immaculate is another high-end choice for Kyrie Irving rookie collectors and it features an impressive design. The on-card signature, patch piece and low print run also make it one of his most expensive options.
2012-13 Panini Innovation Kyrie Irving RC #161 #/349
At this point, acetate is hardly innovative, but the 2012-13 Panini Innovation Kyrie Irving rookie does present a nice alternative to his standard base cards. Adding to this, a lower print run means that values remain solid.
2012-13 Panini Intrigue Kyrie Irving RC #113 Autograph Jersey #/199 - Redemption
Another redemption, Irving's 2012-13 Panini Intrigue rookie does not feature the best design. The card showcases a horizontal layout, crowded autograph space and small circle jersey piece. Still, limited to just 199 via redemption and pairing a jersey and signature, this is one that tends to float under the radar and is a better value as far as the signed Kyrie Irving rookie cards.
2012-13 Panini Limited Kyrie Irving RC #155 Autograph #/199 - Redemption
The 2012-13 Panini Limited Kyrie Irving rookie card also comes in packs as a redemption. The actual card features a die-cut acetate design meant to look like the NBA's Rookie of the Year trophy, which Irving won. The unique design, on-card autograph and low numbering combine to produce one of Irving's most exciting rookies.
2012-13 Panini Marquee Kyrie Irving RC #161 (Swirlorama), #241 (Holoboard), #321 (Die-Cut), #401 (Leather), #471 (PETG)
2012-13 Panini Marquee has no shortage of rookie cards. Kyrie Irving has five different base cards in the set, all of which are distinct from one another. Card #161 uses an effect Panini dubbed Swirlorama. #241 is done on Black Holoboard. Die-cut lettering is the highlight of #321. However, the most popular cards in the set are the Leather rookies, and Irving is #401. Finally, there's #471, which uses a plastic card stock.
2012-13 Panini Momentum Kyrie Irving RC #45
With a plain design and low price, the 2012-13 Panini Momentum rookie for Kyrie Irving is a great card for base collectors. It can also be an ideal option for in-person autographs, but the supply is somewhat capped since there are only 10 base cards per box.
2012-13 Panini National Treasures Kyrie Irving RC #101 Autographed Jersey #/199
National Treasures is consistently among the top high-end cards and the 2012-13 NT Kyrie Irving rookie card is no exception. Numbered to 199, the Irving card actually features one of the largest print runs of any rookie from the premium brand.
2012-13 Panini NBA Hoops Kyrie Irving RC #223
The first official Kyrie Irving rookie card on the market is also one of the most affordable. 2012-13 NBA Hoops is an entry-level brand aimed at broad audiences. While the card may never bring huge dollars, it still boasts an attractive design with a nice action photo. For those looking for a chase, the Hoops Kyrie Irving autograph moves very well on the secondary market.
2012-13 Panini Past & Present Kyrie Irving RC #160
As the name suggests, 2012-13 Panini Past and Present gives off a retro vibe. For Kyrie Irving collectors, that means his rookie card is about as straightforward as it comes. As a result, it's a sharp-looking but very affordable option.
2012-13 Panini Preferred Kyrie Irving RC #327 Autographed Jersey #/99 (Silhouettes), #409 Autograph #/79 (Crown), #509 Autograph #/25 (Panini's Choice)
Collectors are treated to multiple autographed Kyrie Irving rookie cards in 2012-13 Panini Preferred. The different versions include Rookie Silhouettes, Crown Royale die-cut, and Panini's Choice die-cut. While all the choices are popular, the first release in the set (Rookie Silhouettes) is the top option.
2012-13 Panini Prestige Kyrie Irving RC #151
The 2012-13 Panini Prestige Kyrie Irving rookie card is another simple but attractive option. It doesn't rely on numbering, an autograph, memorabilia swatch or other selling points. Rather, it's all about the clean design and popularity of the set itself. It will likely never command huge sums, making it accessible to collectors with any budget. Like NBA Hoops, autographs and rare parallels provide the chase.
2012-13 Panini Prizm Kyrie Irving RC #201
Many treat 2012-13 Panini Prizm as the company's spin on Topps Chrome. The chromium design is the star here and this is one of the top Kyrie Irving rookie card options outside of the high-end autographs and low-numbered cards. Refractor-like Prizm parallels are also popular.
2012-13 Panini Select Kyrie Irving RC #151 Autograph, #236 Autograph Jersey #/149
2012-13 Select Basketball has a pair of Kyrie Irving rookie cards. One is an autograph. The other has an autograph and a jersey swatch. Both are numbered to 149 copies and make for an appealing addition to a Kyrie Irving collection.
2012-13 Panini Signatures Rookies Kyrie Irving RC #11-20 (each #/25)
With a name like 2012-13 Panini Signatures, it may seem bizarre that rookie players are featured on 10 different cards, and none of those are autographs. Although the design for each card is the same, the images of Kyrie Irving change and each version is numbered to 25. In addition, Irving does have several signed cards in the product.
2012-13 Panini Stickers Kyrie Irving RC #49
A great option for new collectors or kids, the rookie card in 2012-13 Panini NBA Stickers includes a simple design with a large image of Kyrie Irving.
2012-13 Panini Threads Kyrie Irving RC #151 Autograph
Like several others on the list, the 2012-13 Panini Threads Kyrie Irving rookie card comes autographed. What makes it more unique is that it's printed on wood card stock. The result is a striking look unlike any of the guard's other first-year cards. The only thing to keep an eye on is bleeding ink.
2012-13 Panini Timeless Treasures Kyrie Irving RC #212 Autograph #/399
Part of the Glass Rookie subset in 2012-13 Panini Timeless Treasures, Kyrie Irving's rookie comes numbered to 399. Although a bit of a short print, it's still one of his more plentiful autographed rookies. The signature is displayed with a clear window, making it visible from both the front and back.
2012-13 Panini Totally Certified Kyrie Irving RC #12
Totally Certified's etched foil design is definitely one of the hobby's most distinct. It might not be for everyone, but it has a strong following. More limited, the colorful parallels are also popular.
Other Early Kyrie Irving Cards of Note
2011 Panini National Convention VIP Promo Kyrie Irving #VIP5
Because Panini opted not to include rookies in their 2011-12 products due to the lockout, Kyrie Irving's main release from his first season was a promo. Given to attendees at the 2011 National Sports Collectors Convention, it was part of Panini's VIP set. The sets were included in goodie bags provided to those who paid for the premium admission. Usually, these convention promos are met with mixed results on the secondary market. But because of the lack of rookie options in 2011-12, this Irving card has really caught on.
2011 Panini Rated Rookie Kyrie Irving #K1
The 2011 Panini Rated Rookie Kyrie Irving wasn't available to the general public. Rather, it was handed out at an Ohio basketball camp the guard hosted in November of 2011. The card is extremely rare and is considered one of Irving's most important pre-rookie cards.
2011-12 Panini Gold Standard Gold Futures Autograph Redemption Kyrie Irving #XRCO
Autographed rookie redemptions came inserted in boxes of 2011-12 Panini Gold Standard Basketball. The redemption cards were not assigned a name until a random draft was held. Those lucky collectors who pulled the Irving redemption had a decent wait, but the live Golden Futures Kyrie Irving XRC cards include an on-card signature and iridescent finish.
2011-12 Panini Limited 2011 Draft Class Autograph Redemption Kyrie Irving #XRCO
Like Gold Standard, the 2011-12 Panini Limited autograph redemptions were randomly assigned at the start of the 2012-13 NBA campaign. These too resulted in hard-signed cards, but the Limited XRC cards did not turn out as nicely as Gold Standard mainly due to the signature quality.
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