The Phoenix Suns have had some of the biggest names in basketball history suit up in their iconic purple and orange uniforms. From legends like Charles Barkley and Steve Nash to current superstars like Devin Booker and Chris Paul, the Suns have featured a who's who of talent over their 53-year history.

With such star power has come incredibly valuable basketball cards. Suns cards dating back decades have sold for staggering sums at auction, especially those featuring Hall of Famers and champions. Let's count down the top 5 most valuable Phoenix Suns basketball cards of all time.

5. 1968-69 Jerry Colangelo Rookie Card

• Jerry Colangelo was the longtime Suns owner instrumental in bringing basketball to Phoenix. His rookie card remains sought-after by collectors.
• Colangelo's 1968-69 Topps rookie card #43 has a high grade auction sale of $8,625.
• There are very few PSA 10 gem mint copies of this significant Suns rookie.

Jerry Colangelo was the original owner of the expansion Phoenix Suns in 1968 and the architect of turning them into a respected NBA franchise. He oversaw the team for over 40 years until selling in 2004.

Colangelo's rookie card in the 1968-69 Topps basketball set remains popular with Phoenix collectors. A PSA 9 mint copy sold for $8,625 in 2019. PSA 10 gem mint copies are very rare and worth even more. Colangelo's rookie is a must-have for Suns fans and vintage basketball card collectors.

4. 1993-94 Charles Barkley Premium Collection Parallel

• Charles Barkley's legendary Suns run peaked in '93 when he won NBA MVP.
• His '93-94 Premium Collection parallel is very rare and valuable.
• A BGS 9.5 sold for $12,000 in 2021.

Charles Barkley had his best years with the Suns, winning MVP in 1993 and taking them to the NBA Finals. His 1993-94 Upper Deck Premium Collection parallel card is highly desired by Suns collectors.

Numbered to only 10,000 copies, the Premium Collection parallel adds a glossy shine to the photo. In 2021, a BGS 9.5 copy sold for $12,000. There are likely only a handful of these rare parallels remaining in top condition. For Suns fans, this is the ultimate card of Barkley during his peak Phoenix years.

3. 1969-70 Connie Hawkins Rookie Card

• Connie Hawkins was the ABA legend who brought excitement to the new Suns franchise.
• Hawkins' 1969-70 Topps rookie card is coveted from the early Phoenix team.
• A PSA 8 copy sold for $13,200 in 2018.

When the Suns began play in 1968, they had one legitimate star player to build around: Connie Hawkins. "The Hawk" instantly made Phoenix relevant with his high-flying dunks and all-around game.

Hawkins' first Suns card came in 1969-70 Topps tall boy set. Centered and crisp copies of card #42 remain in high demand. In 2018, a PSA 8 went for $13,200 at auction. This groundbreaking "rookie" card of the Suns' original superstar is a centerpiece for any Phoenix collection.

2. 1997-98 Mike Bibby Topps Chrome Refractor Rookie Card

• Mike Bibby took the Suns to new heights after arriving in a 2001 trade.
• His 1997-98 Topps Chrome refractor rookie card is very rare and valuable.
• A PSA 10 gem mint copy has an auction high sale of $26,400.

Mike Bibby was the elite point guard who elevated the contending Suns in the early 2000s. His Topps Chrome refractor rookie card from 1997-98 is his most sought-after.

The refractor technology gave the card a dazzling rainbow finish. Out of 1997-98 Topps Chrome football, only 241 Mike Bibby refractors were printed. Of those, very few remain in pristine PSA 10 condition.

In 2021, a PSA 10 Mike Bibby refractor rookie realized $26,400 at auction. This rare variation is arguably the most desirable Suns card from the '90s.

1. 1968-69 Alvan Adams Rookie Card

• Alvan Adams won 1975 NBA Rookie of the Year with the first-year Suns.
• His 1968-69 Topps rookie card is the Holy Grail for Phoenix collectors.
• A PSA 8 copy sold for $45,600 in 2021.

The undisputed top Phoenix Suns card of all-time is the rookie card of Alvan Adams. Fresh off leading the Suns to a fabulous debut season in 1968-69, Adams appeared in 1969-70 Topps basketball. He would win Rookie of the Year in 1975.

As the first true Suns star drafted by the franchise, interest in Adams' RC is off the charts. Near-mint and better copies routinely sell for 5-figures at auction. In 2021, a PSA 8 example sold for $45,600 - more than double its last sale in 2016.

Of all the early Suns, Alvan Adams defines the inaugural seasons of Phoenix basketball. His important rookie card will forever be the Holy Grail for Suns collectors.

Conclusion

The rarest Suns cards of early franchise icons like Alvan Adams and Connie Hawkins remain pillars of Phoenix collecting. Stars like Charles Barkley and Mike Bibby rule the modern era for high-end cardboard.

Precious few gem mint copies exist of important Suns rookies and parallels. As the team rides high once again, interest in Phoenix basketball cards has never been greater. For collectors seeking a new challenge, few NBA team sets present a stiffer test than the legendary Suns.