Base Variations Continue Fanning Flames of 2014-15 Gold Standard Basketball

One of the most interesting — but perhaps less-heralded — aspects of Panini America’s Gold Standard Basketball brand during its first four years in existence has been the inclusion of veteran base-set variations that have created feeding frenzies for the rarest versions among impacted player collectors. The phenomenon began with that inaugural 2010-11 Gold Standard Basketball release and featured Pete Maravich, Patrick Ewing and Dennis Rodman.

The brand has followed suit in the years since by releasing variations for retired legends and current stars such as Shaquille O’Neal, Gary Payton, Dikembe Mutombo, Anfernee Hardaway, Grant Hill, Shawn Kemp, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Rasheed Wallace and more. February’s release of 2014-15 Gold Standard Basketball delivered a wave of new variations with cards honoring LeBron James, Pau Gasol, Shawn Marion, Jeremy Lin, Allen Iverson,Baron Davis, Alonzo Mourning, Scottie Pippen, Latrell Sprewell and Chris Webber.

Almost two months after release, it’s safe to say that this year’s variations have kept Gold Standard Basketball top of mind by delivering a dizzying array of big-ticket sales in recent weeks.

Some of the highlights . . .

• A four-card lot of Chris Webber variations sold on eBay for a staggering $360.
• A copy of Allen Iverson’s Detroit Pistons variation sold on eBay for $260.
• Two of Webber’s Golden State Warriors variations sold for $203.50 — each.
• An Alonzo Mourning New Jersey Nets variation sold for more than $100.
• You can check out the complete list of recent eBay sales here.

Impressive numbers one and all, especially considering these cards feature no autographs and no memorabilia. They’re just compelling base-set variations of some of basketball’s most collectible players.

But more than just providing compelling — and sometimes downright devilish — chases for player and set collectors, these Gold Standard SPs have become something of a delightful nomad’s land; a one-stop photographic summation of the featured player’s globetrotting NBA ways.

If you missed the complete gallery of all 2014-15 Gold Standard Basketball base variations the first time around, we’ve showcased them one more time below. Enjoy, and happy hunting.