Julius “Dr. J” Erving (2/22/1950) was selected 12th overall in the 1972 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. However, Erving spent most of that year playing in the ABA rather than the NBA.
Buy Julius Erving Rookie Cards on eBay
Dr. J eventually made his NBA debut in 1976 with the Philadelphia 76ers, who purchased his rights for $3 million. Julius Erving’s rookie season stats: 21.6 points, 3.7 assists, 8.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.4 blocks that season.
Julius Erving’s ABA debut came in 1971, but his first professional cards were not printed until 1972. These are the top rookie cards in the Julius Erving pantheon.
1972 Julius Erving Topps RC #195
The 1972 Julius Erving Topps RC #195 is the top choice for Dr. J rookie card collectors. Some consider it the only “true” Erving rookie card, but it’s a hot-ticket item. There’s a limited pool of highly-graded copies, which assures a high floor of value for owners of those cards.
Aside from being the sole true Dr. J rookie card, it’s utterly cool. Erving wears a red Virginia Squires jersey, arms raised high in a shooting motion with a multi-colored ball in hand.
A vibrant yellow background is a striking contrast to Erving’s photo. A megaphone-shaped, black-and-red “Squires” nameplate at the bottom gives the card even more volume. The back of the card details Erving’s rookie stats in the ABA, along with a quintessentially 1970s cartoon of a basketball player. For collectors with financial money, this is a collection-defining card that you might want to spring for.
1972 Topps Basketball Julius Erving, Gilmore, Daniels Rebound LDRS #263
The 1972 Julius Erving Topps #263 resides in the same set as the rookie card mentioned above. Though it doesn’t get the same respect, it’s still a notable card.
The card shows Erving executing an underhanded finger roll. His afro looms large while the white shorts of his white Squires uniform ride as high as possible. The bottom of the card features an upward-slanting red nameplate. The plate commemorates Erving’s election to the All-ABA Second Team.
A star logo reads ’71-’72’. A rounded blue-and-red border gives the card even more of a 70s flair. You can get this card at a significantly lower price than Topps RC #195. It could see significant price growth considering the limited pool of Erving RCs.
1972 Julius Erving ABA All-Star Topps #255
Yet another Erving car from the 1972 Topps set, the 1972 Topps #255 features Dr. J alongside two other ABA players. Artis Gilmore of the Kentucky Colonels and Mel Daniels of the Indiana Pacers share the stage with Erving. Make no mistake: Dr. J is the centerpiece (literally, as his headshot is positioned in the middle).
Oriented horizontally, the card features an upward-slanting nameplate that is common to the 1972 Topps NBA set. The plate reads “ABA 1971/1972 Rebounds Leaders”.
It’s not the sexiest card. It’s not even considered a bonafide rookie card. But the 1972 Julius Erving Topps #255 is a card from Erving’s rookie year with a strong value floor and lots of growth potential.
Julius Erving Rookie Card Worth
The most valuable Julius Erving, aka Dr. J rookie card, is the 1972 Topps Basketball Julius Erving RC #195.
However, the most popular Julius Erving basketball card could arguably be the 1980-81 Topps Larry Bird/Magic Johnson/Julius Erving basketball card #139. Although not a Julius Erving rookie card, it is the rookie card to the legendary Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
Looking to obtain an estimated value of a Julius Erving basketball card? Please email value@goldcardauctions.com (include 2 photos at minimum).
Checklist
- 1972 Topps Basketball Julius Erving RC #195
- 1972 Topps Basketball ABA All-Stars Julius Erving RC #255
- 1972 Topps Basketball Julius Erving, Gilmore, Daniels ABA Rebounding Leaders RC #263
Risk/Profit Analysis
When it comes to Julius “Dr. J” Erving’s rookie cards, it is a one-horse race.
- Investment Buyers Rating: Buy (4.1 out of 5)
- Risk Profit Analysis: Low Risk\Moderate to High Return on Investment (ROI)
- Top-Rated RC Investment: 1972 Julius Erving Topps RC #195 (BUY ON EBAY)
- Ownership Disclosure: None
You can either shell out a fortune for 1972 Topps RC #195 or pay significantly less for the other two 1972 Topps cards and hope for the best.
It all depends on your budget. Those who want to invest in Dr. J at a value-conscious price point might follow go for the 1972 Topps #255 or #263. Those with financial means who want more reliable returns might choose the 1972 Topps #195.
Because of the limited pool of Dr. J’s rookie cards, there is growth potential with each of these cards.