1948 Bowman Basketball Cards Value: Complete Price Guide & Grading Insights

Estimated reading time: 12 min

Key Takeaways

• The 1948 Bowman basketball card set is a landmark in hobby history, featuring iconic rookies like George Mikan #69 with substantial value variations by grade.
• Prices range widely based on card condition, from commons often under $50 raw to PSA 10 graded copies of key cards like Mikan reported to fetch tens of thousands of dollars as of 2026-09-02.
• Grading can significantly impact value; the gem mint premium for top cards can be many times raw prices, making pre-grading tools like Midpoint helpful for collectors.
• Other notable rookies include Joe Fulks, Carl Braun, and Red Holzman, all with collector interest and grade-based price differences.
• Complete set values fluctuate heavily based on inclusion of key cards and card condition, with missing cards typically reducing total worth.

Card values — live data from Midpoint's card database, as of 2026-09-02. Prices move; Midpoint refreshes these daily.

	Card	Raw	PSA 10	Gem premium
	Carl Braun #72 1948 Bowman	$224.99	$61,326	272.6×
	Jack Dwan #51 1948 Bowman	$162.25	$44,254	272.8×
	Max Zaslofsky #55 1948 Bowman	$95.03	$26,423	278.1×
	Arthur Spector #57 1948 Bowman	$77.00	$20,940	272×
	Joe Fulks #34 1948 Bowman	$58.00	$15,836	273×
	Charles Halbert #43 1948 Bowman	$56.56	$14,962	264.5×
	William Holzman 1948 Bowman	$50.57	$13,809	273.1×
	Bob Kinney #49 1948 Bowman	$49.00	$13,386	273.2×
	Bob Davies #10 1948 Bowman	$46.20	$12,783	276.7×
	Cornelius Simmons #52 1948 Bowman	$46.92	$12,708	270.8×
	Stan Miasek #40 1948 Bowman	$37.26	$11,815	317.1×
	Out of Bounds Play #59 1948 Bowman	$41.05	$11,233	273.6×

Look up any card's current raw and graded value in Midpoint — and get an estimated grade before you pay to submit.

Table of Contents

• Section 1: 1948 Bowman Basketball Set Overview and Its Hobby Importance
• Section 2: Key Cards and Complete Checklist for 1948 Bowman Basketball
• Section 3: Price Ranges by Card Condition and Grade
• Section 4: George Mikan #69 Rookie Card Value and Grading Impact
• Section 5: Other Notable Rookies and Stars to Watch
• Section 6: Set Values, Population Scarcity, and Auction Records
• Section 7: Unopened Packs, Wax, and Grading Authentication Considerations
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Section 1: 1948 Bowman Basketball Set Overview and Its Hobby Importance

The 1948 Bowman basketball card set holds a distinguished place in sports card collecting history. It was one of the first major post-war basketball sets and remains sought after by collectors for its vintage appeal and inclusion of pioneering NBA stars. The set was produced by Bowman Gum, a company already known for its baseball cards, which ventured into basketball as the sport’s professional profile grew.

Historical Context and Legacy

This set was issued shortly after the formation of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form today’s NBA. The 1948 Bowman cards capture the era’s top players in a simple yet appealing design, making them a cornerstone for vintage basketball enthusiasts.

Unlike modern cards, the 1948 Bowman cards are smaller and printed on thinner stock, which makes condition preservation challenging. This scarcity of high-grade examples contributes to the premiums seen for well-preserved cards.

Why the 1948 Bowman Set Matters to Collectors

• First major post-war basketball set: It represents an early era of basketball cards becoming collectible items.
• Key rookie cards: The set features iconic rookies like George Mikan (#69), often called the father of modern basketball, whose card is a prized centerpiece.
• Vintage scarcity: Due to age and fragility, high-grade examples are uncommon and tend to command higher prices.

Understanding these factors helps collectors gauge the significance of the set and informs which cards generally carry higher value.

Section 2: Key Cards and Complete Checklist for 1948 Bowman Basketball

For collectors aiming to build or value a 1948 Bowman basketball collection, knowing the key cards and the full set checklist is essential. The set comprises 96 cards featuring players from the era’s top teams.

Checklist Highlights and Key Card Numbers

• #69 George Mikan Rookie: The most valuable and iconic card in the set, Mikan’s rookie is a centerpiece for collectors.
• #7 Joe Fulks Rookie: Another significant rookie, Fulks was a scoring pioneer whose card sees collector interest.
• #2 Carl Braun Rookie: A Hall of Famer with a solid collector following.
• #5 Red Holzman Rookie: Renowned for his coaching career as well as playing.
• Other Stars: Cards like #21 Jim Pollard and #83 Dick Holub also carry collector interest.

Completing the Set vs. Partial Sets

While a full 96-card set in high grade is rare and valuable, many collectors pursue key partial sets focusing on rookies and stars. Missing key cards, especially Mikan #69, generally reduces set value. Collectors often prioritize acquiring these cornerstone cards first.

Using a detailed checklist with card numbers helps track progress and assess collection completeness. Tools like Midpoint’s card lookup and grading estimation capabilities can assist collectors in managing their 1948 Bowman inventory efficiently.

Section 3: Price Ranges by Card Condition and Grade

Card condition is a primary factor affecting 1948 Bowman basketball cards value. Prices range widely from raw, ungraded cards with visible wear to pristine PSA 10 graded copies that command significant premiums.

Raw vs. Graded Price Differences

• Raw, low-grade cards often sell for under $50 for common players and can reach several hundred dollars for key rookies.
• Mid-grade raw cards with moderate wear and decent eye appeal might reach $300–$1,000 depending on the player.
• Certified graded cards by PSA, BGS, or CGC can multiply raw values by several times, especially in high-grade tiers.

Grading Scale Price Examples

Using the George Mikan #69 rookie as a benchmark (prices as of 2026-09-02):

• PSA 1: Approximately $1,500
• PSA 5: Around $12,000
• PSA 8: Roughly $25,000
• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): Tens of thousands of dollars

This increase highlights the gem-premium gap—top-tier graded cards command significantly higher prices due to rarity and collector demand.

Condition Factors Affecting Value

• Centering: Off-center cards lose value, making precise centering measurement important.
• Corners and Edges: Rounded corners or frayed edges detract from grade and price.
• Surface: Scratches, stains, or print defects lower desirability.

These condition elements underscore why tools like Midpoint’s AI-powered grading estimates and centering calculator can be valuable to pre-grade your cards effectively before submission.

Section 4: George Mikan #69 Rookie Card Value and Grading Impact

The George Mikan #69 rookie card is widely regarded as the crown jewel of the 1948 Bowman set. Its value and market dynamics exemplify the set’s pricing behavior and grading impact.

Why Mikan #69 Is So Valuable

• Historical significance: Mikan was one of the NBA’s first true superstars and is a Hall of Famer, making his rookie card highly sought after.
• Rarity in high grade: Few copies survive in gem mint condition, driving up prices for PSA 9 and 10 examples.
• Collector demand: The card is a must-have for serious basketball collectors due to its legacy.

Price Breakdown by PSA Grade (as of 2026-09-02)

• PSA 1: Around $1,500 – Entry-level graded value
• PSA 3: Approximately $6,500 – Premium for cleaner cards
• PSA 5: About $12,000 – Mid-grade, strong market interest
• PSA 8: Roughly $25,000 – High-grade, rare
• PSA 9: Estimated $35,000 – Near gem mint
• PSA 10: Tens of thousands of dollars – Top-tier gem mint, extremely scarce

Is the Mikan Card Worth Grading?

Given its substantial value even at lower grades, many Mikan #69 cards are worth submitting for professional grading, especially if condition is decent. However, grading costs and the risk of a lower-than-expected grade mean pre-grading tools like Midpoint can be helpful for estimating centering, corners, edges, and surface grades before committing.

Accurate centering measurement down to the millimeter can make the difference between a PSA 6 and PSA 8, which can translate to significant differences in value.

Section 5: Other Notable Rookies and Stars to Watch

Beyond George Mikan, several other rookies and stars from the 1948 Bowman set hold collector interest and value.

Joe Fulks (#7)

• A pioneering scorer and 1940s star.
• Raw prices often range from $100 to over $1,000 depending on condition.
• PSA 10 values can reach several thousand dollars, reflecting rarity and demand.

Carl Braun (#2)

• Hall of Fame guard known for his performances.
• Raw cards in decent condition typically sell for $50–$300.
• Graded PSA 8–10 examples may fetch a few thousand dollars.

Red Holzman (#5)

• Legendary coach and player with a following.
• Raw cards often worth $40–$200.
• PSA 9–10 copies can command prices in the low thousands.

Other Stars and Rookies

Cards like Jim Pollard (#21) and Dick Holub (#83) are also collectible, though generally at lower price tiers. These players add depth to partial sets and diversify collection value.

Collectors should evaluate these cards’ worth in raw vs. graded condition carefully to decide on grading investments.

Section 6: Set Values, Population Scarcity, and Auction Records

Valuing a complete or partial 1948 Bowman set requires understanding how individual card condition, key card inclusion, and population scarcity combine to affect total worth.

Complete Set Value Ranges

• Ungraded complete sets with well-worn cards might be valued in the low thousands of dollars.
• Sets including PSA graded key rookies can reach significantly higher values depending on condition.
• Missing key cards like Mikan #69 or Joe Fulks generally reduce a set’s value substantially.

Population Scarcity and Its Impact

Population reports indicate relatively few 1948 Bowman cards exist in PSA 9 or 10 condition, particularly the George Mikan #69. This scarcity tends to drive auction prices higher. For example, a PSA 10 Mikan has been reported to sell for over $40,000 in notable auctions.

Auction Records and Market Trends

• High-grade graded cards often achieve record prices among vintage basketball cards.
• Price stability depends on demand from veteran collectors and interest from newer buyers seeking iconic NBA memorabilia.
• Using portfolio tracking tools like Midpoint can help collectors monitor their collection’s market value over time.

Section 7: Unopened Packs, Wax, and Grading Authentication Considerations

Besides individual cards, unopened 1948 Bowman basketball packs and wax boxes represent a separate value category due to their rarity.

Value of Unopened Packs and Wax

• Sealed wax packs from 1948 are very scarce and sought after as time capsules.
• When graded and authenticated, these packs can fetch high prices, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars.
• Unopened boxes multiply this value further but are extremely rare in the market.

Authentication and Grading Challenges

• Due to the age and print quality of the 1948 Bowman cards, authentication is important to avoid counterfeits.
• Professional graders examine centering, print dot patterns, and paper stock to verify authenticity.
• Condition issues like trimming or cleaning attempts can negatively impact grades and value.

Collectors can use AI-powered grading estimation apps like Midpoint to pre-screen cards and gauge authenticity and condition factors before paying for professional grading services, helping to minimize risk and maximize potential return.

Learn more about how accurate centering impacts card grading and how to pre-grade your card to maximize your 1948 Bowman cards’ potential value.

Conclusion

The 1948 Bowman basketball cards value landscape is rich with history, rarity, and significant grading-driven price variation. Key cards like George Mikan #69 define the set’s worth, with prices rising dramatically in gem mint grades. Other rookies such as Joe Fulks, Carl Braun, and Red Holzman also contribute meaningfully to set and partial set values.

Understanding the interplay of raw condition, grading, population scarcity, and authentication is essential for collectors and investors. Using modern tools such as Midpoint to digitally grade and precisely measure card centering before submitting for grading can help save time and money while aiming to maximize value.

Whether you’re building a full 1948 Bowman basketball collection or focusing on key rookies, this comprehensive guide provides insights to navigate the vintage basketball card market with greater confidence.

FAQ

Q: How much is a 1948 Bowman George Mikan rookie card worth in different grades?

A: As of 2026-09-02, the George Mikan #69 rookie card has been reported to range from about $1,500 in PSA 1 condition up to tens of thousands of dollars in PSA 10 gem mint condition, with prices generally increasing steeply through the mid-grade levels.

Q: What are the most valuable cards in the 1948 Bowman basketball set?

A: The most valuable include George Mikan #69, Joe Fulks #7, Carl Braun #2, and Red Holzman #5, with Mikan’s rookie widely considered the crown jewel.

Q: How much is a complete 1948 Bowman basketball set worth?

A: Complete sets vary widely, typically valued in the low thousands ungraded or significantly higher with graded key cards included, depending on condition and key card completeness.

Q: What is the price difference between graded and ungraded 1948 Bowman cards?

A: Graded cards can be worth several times more than ungraded raw cards, especially in high PSA grades due to condition rarity and collector trust.

Q: Why is the 1948 Bowman George Mikan card so expensive?

A: Its historical significance as one of the NBA’s first superstars, rarity in high grade, and collector demand contribute to its premium price.

Q: How can I tell if my 1948 Bowman basketball card is authentic and what grade might it get?

A: Authentication involves expert examination of printing, paper stock, and centering. AI-based tools like Midpoint provide instant centering, corners, edges, and surface grading estimates to help predict potential professional grades before submission.