Zion Williamson Rookie Cards should be part of your sports card investing portfolio’s high-risk/high-return portion. A healthy career should equal high returns; an injury plaque career should equal low returns.
His rookie cards were THE hottest in the industry in 2020 and are still in the top 10 today.
SHOP ZION WILLIAMSON ROOKIE CARDS ON EBAY
Zion cards are must-have investment, and we feel he is destined to win an NBA championship someday. Zion Williamson personifies the word BEAST-MODE. The men in the NBA are some of the largest in the world, and Zion can sometimes make them look like children and very silly.
If he can stay relatively healthy throughout his career and avoid nagging injuries, his rookie cards from 2019 should be some of the top-rated investments in the hobby for a good long while. Keep reading to learn more about Zion Williamson and his best rookie cards… below we provide a quick summary.
Best Rookie Cards
Best High-End: 2019 National Treasures Zion Williamson RC
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Best Overall: 2019 Zion Williamson Panini Prizm RC #248
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Best Looking: 2019 Zion Williamson Panini Contenders Cracked Ice RC
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Zion Williamson (6/6/00) was hype-personified, coming in as the first draft pick in 2019. He recently signed with the New Orleans Pelicans and is like trying to guard a mack truck down-low… it can’t be done!
Zion Williamson Rookie Year Stats: 20 games | 23.1 PPG | 6.5 RPG | 2.1 APG
He has made an immediate impact taking the Pelicans from a down-and-out team to a potential playoff sleeper. We would bet a lot of money one of the last players LeBron James would want to see in the first round of the NBA playoffs is Zion. He might eat LeBron for lunch and ask for more.
The Pelicans aren’t that far off as they already have a decent supporting cast surrounding Zion (Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and fellow Duke alumn JJ Redick).
The one issue that could hold Zion back from greatness is chronic injuries (which have already reared their ugly head early in the 2019 NBA season as Zion missed a large portion of the season).
Top-Investment: LaMelo Ball Rookie Cards | Ja Morant Rookie Cards
This kid is something extraordinary… please let his body hold up so we can be treated to years and years of spectacular dunks and blocks.
“If he can avoid injuries, his career will soar along with the value of his rookie cards.”
Buying Zion rookie cards can be exhausting simply due to the number of cards available. Luckily we have created the list below to help you invest in Zion Williamson rookie cards based on return on investment (ROI).
We’ve listed the top Zion rookie cards for long-term investments with something to fit every collector’s budget. Without further ado, let’s get that party started.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Prizm RC #248 (Buy on eBay)
This is Zion RC’s most popular and must for all collectors. The Zion Willamson Prizm cards are in crazy styles, including Pink Ice, Blue, Purple, and Orange Cracked Ice, and even one called Fast Break Disco.
The card is numbered 248 and reads, “Following in the footsteps of Art Heyman (1963), Elton Brand (1999), and Kyrie Irving (2011), Willamson became the fourth player from Duke to be taken first in the NBA Draft in 2019. And if you believe the hype, he could be the best. Winning the NCAA Player of the Year Award as a freshman is just the beginning”.
2019 Prizm Parallels: Silver, Green, Hyper, Red/White/Blue, White Sparkle, Red /299, Blue /199, Purple /75, Orange /49, Mojo /25, Gold /10, Black Gold /5, Black /1
2019 Zion Williamson Contenders Cracked Ice Rookie Ticket Rookie AUTO #108 (Buy on eBay)
BOOM goes the dynamite!
This card leaves us breathless, and maybe the perfect basketball card!
The Zion Williamson Contenders Cracked Ice Rookie Ticket card is numbered 108 and only 25 of these bay boys were made.
We love LOVE the cracked ice look first of all, and then when you pair it with the future of the NBA for the next 15 years (and he might end up being one of the best NBA players of all time), you have something extraordinary.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Optic Holo RC #158 Buy on eBay
The odds of me or you owning this card are slim to none… BUT… in the unlikely event one of us gets our paws on this bad mama JAMA boy, does it make a significant investment?
The 2019 Panini Optic Holo Gold Zion Williamson Prizm Rookie Card is a surprise. The card is #158, and only 10 were produced. If you find this card available, be prepared to take a second mortgage on your house if you desire to own it.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Donruss Signature Press Proof Gold Laser #201 (Buy on eBay)
This card is oozing with eye candy sauce, and the price tag will reflect that. You are winning at life in a BIG way if you can get your hands on this puppy. Numbered #201, the card shows the beast casually dribbling the rock up the court in search of his next victim to dunk on.
A yellow border with an autograph and the classic-rated rookie graphic in blue makes this our favorite Zion Rookie card by far, and we suspect one of the top ROI gainers.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini National Treasures RPA RC #LA-ZW (Buy on eBay)
We’re just going to let this card breathe and let the above photo do the talking…
Numbered #LA-ZW the back of the card partially reads, “A pest in the passing lanes, Williamson loves giving his opponent space before using his speed to intercept the intended dish.”
2019 Parallels: Emerald and Logoman editions
2019 Zion Williamson National Treasures Collegiate Rookie Patch Auto #81 (Buy on eBay)
Choo Choo! All aboard the money train!
This card has made us some serious cash over the last year (bought low – sold high)
An extremely rare item, this card is another that goes for big bucks! Expect to pay somewhere in the 4 digits for this bad mana JAMA.
Numbered #81, the 2019 Zion Williamson National Treasures College Rookie Card (Related: Top 5 Panini National Treasures Rookie Cards Ever Printed) has an RC logo in the top right next to a picture of Williamson receiving the ball.
Despite the cost, there’s little interest located in the reverse, aside from the usual guarantees about the legitimacy of the patch and the autograph. However, if he lives up to the hype, each MVP award will only add to the potential profits in the future.
If you can get this card on eBay auctions at a decent price… BUY BUY BUY! (if you have a question about the value of the card, please email us at value@goldcardauctions.com before you make a bid).
2019 Zion Williamson Immaculate Rookie Cards #81 (Buy on eBay)
The Immaculate Zion Willaimson rookie cards are available in various versions and will set you back a mortgage payment or three.
The card is numbered 81 and reads, “Those hops aren’t just to put to good use when Williamson takes off for a dunk. They also come in handy when he needs a big block. In the second half of a victory against Virginia on Feb. 9, 2019, the freshmen forward sprinted toward the 3-point arc. lifted up and sent a shot flying into the stands.”
This card is loaded for bear and ranks right up with the best Zion patch/auto cards.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket #108 (Buy on eBay)
Another sick Zion rookie card will cost you more than a few peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but many will argue Zion is worth the price.
The 2019 Zion Panini Contenders feature him either going in for a layup or pulling up for a jump shot, depending on which version of the card you have.
The back of the card reads, “Duke was stacked in the 2018-19 season, but even among a slew of blue-chippers, one Blue Devil stood above the rest.” This is a must-have early Zion Williamson rookie card.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Flawless Rookie Card Autograph/Patch #101 (Buy on eBay)
Autograph? Check
Patch? Check
Zion Williamson? Check
“We have always been fans of Flawless cards, and the Zion Flawless rookie card is not an exception.”
Numbered #101, the card shows Zion dribbling the ball upcourt with a look on his face that says, “you want some? come get it, buddy, and I will break you!“.
The reverse of the card reads, “Before putting on a Duke jersey, Williamson’s had the world’s attention. Rapper Drake supported his high school uniform, sports outlets around the country displayed his highlights, and hordes of people-packed gyms to watch him play. His celebrity grew at Duke after earning 2018-19 Nasmith Player of the Year honors“.
2019 Zion Williamson Crown Royale Silhouettes Auto Patch RC (Buy on eBay)
One of the most expensive Zion rookie cards on the market. We had a bid on one of the redemption cards associated with this card but missed out on it within the last 30 seconds.
The card features Zion with the ball, looking for a teammate to pass the ball to… or is he just faking that look and about to charge toward the rim and destroy his opponent… either way, he wins.
2019 Crown Royale Zion Williamson Silhouettes Parallels: Premium /11, Prime /10, and Super Prime 1/1
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Prizm Draft Picks RC #64 (Buy on eBay)
We don’t like the Zion Prizm Draft Picks Card #64 as much as we like #248, but it is still a good investment. The card shows Zion grabbing the rock while looking for an open player down the court.
Numbered #64, the reverse of the card reads, “Now and then, a phenomenon sweeps the sports world, captivating everyone’s attention and forcing onlookers to lose their minds collectively. In 2018-19, that role was filled by Williamson, a brawny showstopper who possesses elite bounce, speed, instincts, and skills“.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Revolution #101 (Buy on eBay)
A great mid-level Zion Williamson basketball card that won’t cost the equivalent of two used BMWs. Numbered #101, the card shows Zion performing a mind-zapping under-the-leg slam dunk!… the kind of dunk only Zion can deliver!
“Some have issues with the 2019 Panini Revolution and the artsy-fartsy backdrop but we absolutely love it!”
The back of the card reads, “Williamson is such a popular figure in New Orleans, even the city’s pro football team wanted him… in a joking manner, of course“.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Crown Royale Kaboom! Rookie Card #18 (Buy on eBay)
The Zion Williamson KABOOM card is #18 and shows him running a train on the basketball hoop, leaving it in shambles.
KABOOM cards are relatively new and are gaining steam with collectors, and honestly, we find them quite appealing as well (we lost out on a Kaboom Luka Doncic rookie card just last week).
If you want this card in your portfolio, you’ll have to take out your Scrooge McDuck wallet, as it comes with a hefty price tag.
2019 Zion Williamson NBA Hoops RC #258 (Buy on eBay)
Here is an ideal Zion RC for minor to moderate bankrolls as the 2019 NBA Hopps Zion RC will come reasonably priced even at high grades (i.e., PSA 10 or BGS 9.5). Numbered #258, the card shows Zion with the ball in dunk mode on top of a beautiful dark blue backdrop.
The rookie card (RC) logo is printed in the bottom left-hand corner of the card, while his name can be found at the bottom. The NBA Hoops wording is placed in the upper right-hand corner. A gorgeous card with a gorgeous price tag.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Net Marvels RC #4 (Buy on eBay)
Here is a Zion card for the comic book fanboys out there. Zion could 100% be a comic book hero so it only makes sense to make a basketball card designed around this idea.
Numbered #4, the card shows Williamson grasping the basketball with both arms like he is attempting to squeeze the snot out of it… his face seems to shout “ahhhhhhhhh” as he transforms into the best basketball player on the planet!
We’re not much into comic books, but we must admit this is a pretty cool card, and we might place a bid on it next time it is up on eBay auctions.
2019 Zion Williamson Select Premier Level RC #199 (Buy on eBay)
A beautiful card shows Zion taking an incoming pass down low. We can only assume what the results were… hopefully the defender is OK.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Mosaic RC #209 (Buy on eBay)
The Prizm Mosaic brand is out to a good start, and this Zion RC barely missed our list. The 2019 Zion Williamson Prizm Mosaic RC shows Zion scanning the court for a pass or a violent bull rush to the rim.
Complete Checklist
- 2019 Panini Prizm Zion Williamson RC #248
- 2019 Panini Origins Zion Williamson RC #15
- 2019 Panini Contenders Draft Picks Autograph Zion Williamson RC #51
- 2019 Panini Contenders Auto Zion Williamson RC #108
- 2019 NBA Hoops Zion Williamson RC #258
- 2019 Donruss Zion Williamson RC #201
- 2019 Panini Revolution Zion Williamson RC #101
- 2019 Panini Mosaic Zion Williamson RC #209
- 2019 Panini Prizm Zion Williamson Rookie Signatures Autograph
- 2019 Certified Zion Williamson RC #151
- 2019 Panini Crown Royale Rookie Kaboom Zion Williamson RC #18
- 2019 Panini Select Auto Zion Williamson RC
- 2019 Panini Prizm Draft Picks Zion Williamson RC Autograph #61
- 2019 Absolute Memorabilia Zion Williamson RC #16
- 2019 Panini Net Marvels Zion Williamson RC #4
- 2019 Donruss Rated Zion Williamson RC #201
- 2019 Panini Impeccable Zion Williamson RC Autograph /49 #108, Auto Patch /75 #143
- 2019 Panini Immaculate Collegiate Zion Williamson RC Autograph Patch /99 #81
- 2019 Absolute Memorabilia Zion Williamson RC #16
- 2019 Crown Royale Zion Williamson RC #9
- 2019 Donruss Optic Zion Williamson RC #158
- 2019 Panini Flawless Collegiate Zion Williamson RC Diamond /20 #100
- 2019 Panini Prizm Draft Picks Zion Williamson RC /64 #1
- 2019 Panini Crown Royale Zion Williamson RC #19
- 2019 NBA Hoops Zion Williamson RC
- 2019 Panini Impeccable Zion Williamson RC /99 #88
- 2019 Panini Select Zion Williamson RC #1 Concourse, #199 Premier Level, #297 Courtside
- 2019 Panini Certified Rookie Roll Call Zion Williamson RC
- 2019 Panini Absolute Memorabilia Auto Zion Williamson RC
Most Expensive and Rare Zion Williamson RCs
The three Zion Williamson cards shown below are expensive and scarce and can only be found up on eBay auctions a few times per year.
- 2019 National Treasures Zion Williamson RC (available in a variety of parallels) Search on eBay
- 2019 Zion Williamson Panini Prizm RC #248 (base or parallels) Search on eBay
- 2019 Zion Williamson Panini Contenders Cracked Ice RC (available in a variety of parallels) Search on eBay
Best Zion Williamson Autograph Cards
We know more than one collector will not buy a card unless it has the player’s autograph. Here are the best Zion Auto Cards to add to your fanboy collection if you are of this ilk.
Being an autograph hunter is not for the weak, as you have to spend money and wait around hoping the rare card comes up for auction on eBay. But autographs are also highly lucrative, and you should be rewarded with a juicy ROI.
As with many hyped rookies from recent years, Zion has received several premium releases from all significant sets. The cards will contain NBA branding, while his 2019-20 options are also RCs.
2019 Zion Williamson National Treasures Bronze Auto RC #108 (Shop eBay)
The first card is possibly his most important and expensive signed option overall. The Zion Williamson National Treasures Bronze Auto card is incredibly prestigious, with an ungraded copy recently selling for over a boatload of cash.
As well as an image of a dunking Williamson, and a large trio-swatch, a sizeable on-card auto is found at the bottom, filled in blue ink. The base card is numbered 99 copies and comes with silver chrome trim.
2019 Zion Williamson National Treasures FOTL Auto RC #108 (SHOP EBAY)
Next are the FOTL (First Off The Line) parallels found within 2019-20 NT set. They feature a different image of Williamson on the left, while the Stars & Stripes background helps differentiate it from the above card.
Given the smaller print run, which starts at just 30, they’re some of the most valuable Zion autos you’ll find on the market, so matter the condition. There’s also a blue parallel, with only three copies produced.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Prizm Auto RC #248 SHOP EBAY
Williamson’s 2019 Panini Prizm release is another healthy option with a signature attached. As with all Prizm cards, there’s a veritable rainbow of parallels to be on the lookout for, but the signed version is only available in the stock grey.
It has a unique border design and features an image of Williamson with a ball held behind his head. The bottom half is a lighter segment that leaves a lot of space for a stickered auto, filled in neatly by the man himself.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Contenders Auto RC #135 #108 SHOP EBAY
Next up is a card from the 2019 Zion Panini Contenders Auto rookie card. The card is available in various great-looking variations, including the attractive option shown above (Gold Premium Auto).
This card is ideal for Zion investors looking to toss down a bunch of cash in hopes he lives up to his highly lofty expectations.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Noir Sneaker Spotlight Auto RC #SNS-ZW SHOP EBAY
The 2019-20 Sneaker Spotlight set highlights what the top stars have on their feet. As well as a landscape version, there’s a portrait card with a Zion auto on the front.
As you might’ve guessed, the first portion of the card is dedicated to his sneakers, with an on-card auto found at the bottom. The blue and gold trim matches his Pelicans uniform, giving it a chrome finish.
2019 Zion Williamson Panini Opulence Auto RC #RPA-ZWL SHOP EBAY
The 2019-20 Panini Opulence (buy the set here) set has several booklets, which are essentially double-sized cards. This is one example, with a Zion auto on the left and a premium player patch on the other side.
As an Opulence card, gold is the central theme, including the background, reverse, and even the RC logo itself. Despite getting twice as many cards for your money, it goes for a similar price to options like the Noir and the Spectra.
2019 Zion Williamson Donruss Optic Auto RC #158 SHOP EBAY
Lastly, we recommend checking out the Premium Box parallel found in the 2019 Donruss Optic set. It has a unique border, rainbow reflective surfaces, and a Zion auto at the bottom. We’ll list a range of standard parallels below, but few can match the Premium Box in terms of rarity (/10), or aesthetic appeal.
2019 Zion Williamson Select In-Flight Signatures Auto RC #1 SHOP EBAY
In our opinion, one of the more overlooked Zion Williamson autograph cards is the 2019 Select In-Flight. Numbered #1, the Select In-Flight Signatures Zion Autograph card is an absolute number one beauty. But to go along with that beauty comes a super high price tag.
The gold is pictured above, but the Zion Select In-Flight auto is available in the following parallels. Silver, Scope, Tri-Color, Zebra, Light Blue /299, Red /199, White /149, Neon Green /75, Tie-Dye /25, Neon Orange Pulsar FOTL /13, Gold /10, Green /5, Black 1/1.
Zion Williamson Autograph Card Value
The most expensive Zion Williamson autograph card is the 2019 National Treasures FOTL RPA /30 Zion Williamson RC #108.
Most common? One of the most popular Zion Autograph basketball cards is the 2019 Donruss Optic Autograph Zion Williamson RC #158.
Autograph Card Checklist
- 2019 National Treasures FOTL RPA /30 Zion Williamson Auto RC #108
- 2019 Donruss Optic Zion Williamson Auto RC #158
- 2019 Panini Prizm Zion Williamson Auto RC #248
- 2019 Immaculate Acetate Zion Williamson Auto RPA RC #136
- 2019 Select In-Flight Signatures Zion Williamson Auto RC #1
- 2019 Panini Contenders Zion Williamson Auto RC #135 #108
- 2019 Panini Rookie Penmanship Silver Prizm Zion Williamson Auto RC
- 2019 Gold Vinyl Prizm Zion Williamson Barrett RC Dual NBA Logoman AUTO RC
- 2019 Panini Opulence Zion Williamson Auto RC #RPA-ZWL
- 2019 Panini Noir Sneaker Spotlight Zion Williamson Auto RC #SNS-ZW
Buy On eBay or Amazon?
The best place to purchase a Zion Williamson basketball card is eBay 7-day auctions. Don’t even bother with Amazon, as they haven’t shown anything special about making Amazon a legit player in the hobby (although they sure have the money too).
Zion Williamson Rookie Card Values?
For various reasons, the value of a Zion rookie card will have an insanely high variance over the next few years. Please email us at info@goldcardauctions.com to estimate how much any Zion card is worth (include a picture of the card, if possible, along with the seller’s URL).
Buyers Guide and Investment Outlook
Williamson is one of the hottest players in the NBA, and that’s reflected in the average price of his rookie cards (it seems some people think he will be greater than Lebron James and Michael Jordan already!).
Investment Rating: BUY with some injury risk (4.1 out of 5)
Ownership Disclosure: One (1) 2019 Zion Panini Prizm Rookie Card #248
Risk/Return Analysis: Moderate to High Risk/Low to Ultra High Return
If he can stay healthy, he will own the league, and his rookie card values will soar. On the flip side, if his body gives out unexpectedly, his card prices will likely implode accordingly.
We have bought a variety of Zion rookie cards over the last 12 months and have sold almost all of them.
Williamson is a somewhat gamble due to injury risk, and his card prices are already sky-high. We are cautiously buying via eBay auctions if we find a Zion rookie card that fits our investing metrics.
As we said, please email us if you find a Zion Williamson card on eBay auctions and are considering making a bid. We will attempt to advise you on the maximum amount you should pay.
As we said, please email us if you find a Zion Williamson rookie card on eBay auctions and are considering making a bid. We will attempt to advise you on the maximum amount you should pay.