Some of Sir Charles’ Best with the Brand
He may not consider himself a role model, but Charles Barkley could teach people a thing or two about staying relevant. One of the greatest power forwards in basketball history, Barkley’s brash and combative nature during his playing days was a calling card that brought him fame on and off the floor, accolades, controversies, endorsements, and a signature shoe.
An 11-time All-Star and 1993 league MVP, Barkley was known for playing above his height. Sir Charles’ ability to maximize his talents inspired many who dreamed of making it to the league and entertained fans for a decade and a half.
Following his illustrious playing career, Charles Barkley has done nothing less than establish himself as a piece of the very fabric of American life and popular culture. An outspoken commentator with a phenomenal sense of humor, he has become one of the most popular public figures in the land.
With news that Barkley’s hilarious and popular basketball talk show is set to continue, a brief flirtation with retirement from television is behind him. A man who dominated opponents on the floor—and continues to make us laugh off it—will be around for years to come. Let’s take a look at some of Barkley’s best Topps basketball cards.
Charles Barkley Cards to Collect
1997/98 Topps Finest Basketball #156 Charles Barkley Embossed Refractor /74 #156
Player info
• 1993 league MVP
• 11X ALL-STAR
Set info
• popular die cut insert features covetable offerings of Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and Michael Jordan, among others
card info
• stunning design of a smiling barkley fist-pumping set against a brick wall
1993/94 Topps Finest Basketball #200 Charles Barkley
Player info
• 5x all-league first team
• 5X ALL-LEAGUE SECOND TEAM
Set info
• 220-card base set
• set marks the beginning of the refractor era in the basketball hobby
card info
• First Charles Barkley refractor card
• card back includes vitals, stats, and description of Barkley’s 1991 all-star game MVP performance
1998/99 Topps Basketball Roundball Royalty #R13 Charles Barkley Refractor
Player info
• TWO-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL WINNER
• member of league 50th and 75th anniversary teams
set info
• popular 20-card insert features Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant, among others
card info
• card features Barkley in Houston warmup gear, greeting the crowd
• card back features Barkley in game gear, with a testament to his rebounding prowess
1997/98 Topps Basketball Rock Stars Refractor #RS4 Charles Barkley
Player info
• no. 34 retired by both Philadelphia and Phoenix
set info
• 20-card insert including Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, and Scottie Pippen
• popular design showcasing players set against watching crowds
card info
• fantastic image of Barkley in celebration as the crowd watches on
1996/97 Topps Chrome Basketball Refractor #34-R Charles Barkley
Player info
• shortest player to lead league in rebounding
• inducted into hall of fame in 2006
set info
• 220-card base set
•.iconic Topps chrome set features rookie cards of Kobe, Iverson, nash, Marbury, and Ray Allen
card info
• card back includes vitals, stats, and notes of his two great deeds of the previous season – becoming 10th 20,000 point/10,000 rebound player in league history and taking children in need on a Christmas shopping trip
