The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the most iconic and storied franchises in NBA history. Having been around since 1963, the Sixers have featured some of the greatest players to ever play the game. Naturally, basketball cards featuring these Sixers legends are highly sought after by collectors.

In this article, we'll countdown the top 5 most expensive and valuable Philadelphia 76ers basketball cards of all-time. We'll look at key factors like rarity, condition, player popularity and more to determine which Sixers cards command the highest prices on the secondary market.

Honorable Mentions

Before we reveal the top 5, let's first take a look at some high-value Sixers cards that just narrowly missed the cut:

• 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan RC #57 - Jordan's iconic rookie card in a Sixers uniform, graded PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have sold for $50,000+
• 1969-70 Topps Lew Alcindor RC #25 - Kareem's rookie card featuring him in a Sixers photo shoot, a PSA 10 fetched $28,680 in September 2022.
• 1986-87 Fleer Charles Barkley RC #7 - Chuck's rookie card, PSA 10s selling for around $25,000

Now let's count down the top 5 most valuable Sixers cards:

#5: 2012-13 National Treasures Joel Embiid AU RPA /99

Highest Sale: $21,869

This card makes the list not necessarily because of the player on it, but more so its rarity. As a 1/1, it's the only one of its kind in the world.

Joel Embiid is the process. The 7-foot center was drafted 3rd overall by Philadelphia in 2014 but missed his first two NBA seasons with injuries. When healthy, he's become arguably the NBA's most dominant big man.

While modern cards don't tend to be as valuable, Embiid's status as a Sixers cornerstone helps. This National Treasures AU rookie patch auto is numbered out of just 99 copies. But the 1/1, featuring a sizeable patch and on-card auto, sold for nearly $22,000 in 2022.

As Embiid's career progresses, expect more of his low-numbered rookie cards to join this list. But for now, this 1/1 remains his most valuable card by a wide margin.

#4: 1965 Topps Wilt Chamberlain #70

Highest Sale: $51,000

Arguably the most dominant player in NBA history, Wilt Chamberlain began his legendary career with the Philadelphia 76ers (formerly the Syracuse Nationals). His rookie cards remain some of the hobby's most coveted issues.

But Wilt's second-year issue, 1965 Topps #70, is no slouch either. This bold tallboy card pictures Wilt laying in the rafters at the Hershey Sports Arena. On the back is a lengthy write-up of his career records and accomplishments to that point.

High-grade copies of the '65 Chamberlain are rare. PSA 10s have sold for over $50,000. In comparison, his Fleer and Topps rookies have sold for under $10,000 in PSA 10. Chamberlain's unmatched early career dominance combined with this card's short print status have driven prices up.

#3: 1957 Topps Tom Gola RC #77

Highest Sale: $60,000

The 1957 Topps basketball set as a whole is the most important post-war release in the hobby's early years. It's home to the rookie cards of legendary Hall of Famers like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Dolph Schayes, and rookie sensation Tom Gola.

Gola spent his entire 10-year playing career with the Philadelphia 76ers franchise. He was an immediate standout, winning Rookie of the Year honors in 1955-56. On his way to a Hall of Fame career, Gola made 11 straight All-Star teams to begin his career.

His 1957 Topps rookie card #77 remains highly coveted amongst Sixers collectors. The colorful card pictures Gola ready to haul in a rebound at the basket. PSA 10 copies have sold for as much as $60,000 at auction.

Despite not having the superstar power of other players in the '57 set, Tom Gola's legacy as an early Sixers great makes his rookie card a trophy piece in the hobby.

#2: 1969-70 Topps Julius Erving (#25)

Highest Sale: $156,000

Julius "Dr. J" Erving is hands down one of the coolest, most electrifying players in basketball history. His ABA and NBA exploits with the Sixers have cemented his status as a legend.

Erving's rookie cards lie in the 1969-70 set. But considered a "secret" rookie, collectors have chased his second-year Topps card (#25) as his true rookie card.

This iconic card pictures a young Erving, afro and all, driving to the basket with a finger roll. Erving's gravity-defying athleticism made him one of the sport's first mainstream superstars.

High demand for Dr. J has pushed PSA 10 examples of his 1970 Topps rookie over $150,000 several times. Even well-worn copies can sell for thousands. It's the undisputed most valuable modern (post-war) Sixers card.

#1: 1948 Bowman George Mikan RC #69

Highest Sale: $240,000

At the top spot is a true classic--the 1948 Bowman rookie card of early pro basketball superstar George Mikan. While not picturing him in a Sixers uniform, Mikan's rookie is the most sought-after card of any early Philadelphia player.

Mikan was pro basketball's first game-changing big man. He joined the Chicago American Gears in 1946 and later the Minneapolis Lakers. When the Basketball Association of America formed in 1949, Mikan's Lakers represented Minneapolis and Philadelphia. Hence the Philadelphia tie.

Mikan completely dominated the early pro leagues, leading the Lakers to multiple championships before retiring in 1956.

As his true rookie card and the cornerstone of any basketball collection, 1948 Bowman Basketball has always been desirable. But recent sales prove collectors are willing to pay $200,000+ for PSA 10 examples.

No card better represents the early days of pro basketball. Mikan's 1948 Bowman rookie is the obvious choice for the most valuable Philadelphia 76ers basketball card ever produced.