The Eerie Appeal of the Menendez Brothers Basketball Card
If you’re a sports card collector, a true crime enthusiast, or just someone intrigued by rare memorabilia, you’ve likely heard of the Menendez brothers basketball card. What makes this card so unusual? It’s not the player on the card—former New York Knicks point guard Mark Jackson—but rather the infamous duo sitting courtside in the background.
Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, were unknowingly captured on the 1990-91 NBA Hoops Mark Jackson card. This hidden detail went unnoticed for decades before being discovered in 2018, leading to a surge in demand and skyrocketing values.
But how can you find and buy a Menendez brothers basketball card today? In this guide, we’ll cover where to look, how to verify authenticity, pricing trends, and tips for making a smart purchase.
Where to Find a Menendez Brothers Basketball Card
Because of its sudden popularity, the 1990-91 NBA Hoops Mark Jackson card can be tricky to find, especially at a reasonable price. Here are the best places to look:
1. Online Marketplaces
The fastest way to find a Menendez brothers card is through online buying and selling platforms. Here are the top sites to check:
🔹 eBay
- One of the best places to find this card, but be aware that eBay has banned some listings due to the card’s connection to the Menendez case.
- Try searching for “Mark Jackson 1990-91 NBA Hoops #205” rather than including “Menendez brothers” to find active listings.
- Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $1,500, depending on the card’s condition and grading.
🔹 Mercari
- Some sellers list the card on Mercari, where you may find it at lower prices than eBay.
- Use search terms like “1990 Mark Jackson Knicks card” to find it without flagging content filters.
🔹 Facebook Marketplace & Collector Groups
- Look for basketball card collector groups on Facebook—some members may have this card available.
- Tip: Direct negotiations can sometimes lead to better deals than eBay auctions.
🔹 StockX
- Primarily known for sneakers, StockX has expanded into trading cards.
- They authenticate purchases, giving you extra security.
2. Sports Memorabilia Auctions
If you’re serious about getting a high-quality version of the card, look at sports memorabilia auctions:
- Goldin Auctions: Specializes in rare sports cards.
- Heritage Auctions: Known for selling high-value memorabilia.
- PWCC Marketplace: Offers authenticated trading cards.
Auction houses often list PSA-graded versions of the Menendez brothers basketball card, which means they’ve been professionally verified for authenticity and quality.
3. Local Card Shops and Shows
While online shopping is convenient, checking local card shops and sports memorabilia shows can give you a chance to inspect the card in person.
- Visit your nearest sports card shop and ask if they have any 1990-91 NBA Hoops Mark Jackson cards.
- Check out card conventions or trading events, where collectors sometimes sell cards at fair prices.
Unopened Packs of 1990 Hoops: A Surprise from Breakers
One of the most exciting ways to hunt for a Menendez brothers basketball card is by opening sealed packs of 1990-91 NBA Hoops cards.
1. Breakers Sending Unopened Packs as Thank-You Gifts
With the boom in the sports card-breaking community, many breakers are sending out unopened packs of 1990-91 NBA Hoops as thank-you gifts to their customers. These vintage packs, once considered low-value, have now gained interest due to the Menendez brothers card.
- Some breakers include 1990 NBA Hoops packs in mystery boxes or send them as bonuses when customers purchase high-end breaks.
- Because these packs were mass-produced, they’re still widely available, making them an affordable way to chase the infamous Mark Jackson card.
- Opening these packs adds excitement—there’s always the possibility of pulling a mint-condition Menendez brothers card.
2. Where to Find Sealed Packs and Boxes
If you want to try your luck at pulling a fresh Mark Jackson Menendez brothers card, consider buying sealed packs or boxes:
- eBay: Unopened packs sell for around $5-$10 each, while full boxes range from $80 to $150.
- Sports Card Shops: Some vintage card shops still carry 1990 Hoops boxes.
- Card Shows & Flea Markets: Great places to find bulk packs at a discount.
How to Verify Authenticity and Condition
Because of the increased demand, counterfeit or misrepresented copies of the Mark Jackson Menendez brothers card have surfaced. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting an authentic and valuable card.
1. Check the Card Number and Design
The correct Menendez brothers basketball card is:
- 1990-91 NBA Hoops #205 (Mark Jackson, New York Knicks)
- Shows Mark Jackson in a white Knicks jersey with #13.
- The Menendez brothers are visible courtside in the background.
2. Look for Professional Grading
A PSA-graded card ensures authenticity and can significantly increase its value. The most recognized grading companies are:
- PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
- BGS (Beckett Grading Services)
- SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation)
A PSA 9 or PSA 10 grade means mint condition, while lower grades indicate signs of wear.
3. Ask for High-Resolution Photos
Before buying, request clear, close-up photos of the front and back. Key things to check:
- Sharp corners (not bent or rounded)
- No scratches or creases
- Authentic printing (not a reprint or fake)
4. Be Wary of Fake Listings
- If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Avoid sellers with low feedback scores or no transaction history.
- Verify that the card matches known authentic images.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Menendez Brothers Basketball Card?
The Menendez brothers basketball card is one of the most infamous and unexpected pieces of sports memorabilia ever discovered. While some see it as a collector’s treasure, others find it morally questionable.
If you’re thinking of buying one:
- Be sure to verify authenticity.
- Consider getting a PSA-graded version for long-term value.
- Look for trusted sellers on platforms like eBay, Facebook groups, or auction houses.
- Try your luck with unopened packs of 1990 NBA Hoops, which are becoming a popular thank-you gift from breakers.
Regardless of where you stand, one thing is clear: this card will forever remain a haunting snapshot of sports and crime history.