How To Collect | The Golden State Warriors

Collecting the Bay Area Heroes

From Wilt Chamberlain and Rick Barry to Run TMC, “We Believe,” and the Splash Brothers dynasty, the Golden State Warriors have built one of basketball’s most iconic legacies. For collectors, their story unfolds through unforgettable Topps cards spanning every era.

The Golden State Warriors’ trading card history spans legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, and Stephen Curry. Collectors can chase vintage Topps cards, modern Chrome refractors, and dynasty-era highlights, making the Warriors one of the most collectible teams in basketball.

Jump to:

• Warriors Mount Rushmore
• Champions on Both Coasts
• Modern Dynasty
• Fan Favorites
• Collecting Your Way
• FAQs
• Key Facts

The Warriors Mount Rushmore

Steph, Klay, Draymond, and KD shaped the modern dynasty, but the franchise’s history also includes Wilt Chamberlain’s dominance and Rick Barry’s fearless shooting.

Key Cards

• 2009 Topps Chrome Basketball #101 Stephen Curry RC Gold Refractor /50
• 1969 Topps Basketball #1 Wilt Chamberlain
• 1976 Topps Basketball #50 Rick Barry
• 2007/08 Topps Chrome #131 Kevin Durant RC White Refractor /89

2009 Topps Chrome Basketball #101 Stephen RC Curry Gold Refractor /50 

1969 Topps Basketball #1 Wilt Chamberlain 

1976 Topps Basketball #50 Rick Barry 

2007/08 Topps Chrome Basketball #131 Kevin Durant RC White Refractor /99 

Warriors Champions on Both Coasts 

The 1956 Philadelphia Warriors, led by Paul Arizin, Neil Johnston, and rookie Tom Gola, claimed the franchise’s second title. All three are featured in the 1957 Topps Basketball set — the first-ever Topps Basketball release, which offers a vintage link to the Warriors’ early champions.

Arizin and Johnston were both multi-time scoring champions, helping the Warriors blow the Fort Wayne Pistons away in five games. A PSA 6 version of Arizin’s 1957 Topps card sold for $144 on June 27, 2025. 

The 1975 Golden State Warriors, led by Rick Barry, 1975 Rookie of the Year Jamaal Wilkes, and Phil Smith, shocked the basketball world, sweeping the heavily favored Bullets in the Finals. The stars of this team are featured in some classic ‘70s Topps sets.

Wilkes, who went on to win three championships with the Lakers, has his RC in 1975 Topps Basketball, which shows him being guarded by two Bullets, including Hall of Famer Wes Unseld. 

Building a Modern Dynasty

It can be a tired phrase — he changed the game — but with Stephen Curry, it’s the truth. The greatest outside shooter the world has ever seen, Curry’s combination of a perfect stroke and brilliant off-ball movement has been nothing short of an evolutionary leap forward for the game of basketball.

The gravity he commands on the court is unprecedented. In short, Curry was ahead of his time. He has an array of Topps cards for the chasing, including some fantastic Topps NOW offerings celebrating his unthinkable achievements, and his recent star turn at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

Of course, even the generational talents don’t win rings alone. Fellow splash brother Klay Thompson, and the Warriors’ heart, mind, and soul Draymond Green, will also surely make their way to the Hall of Fame when they finally hang it up. The dynasty’s first Finals MVP, Andre Iguodala, got his start with the Sixers, before becoming an essential piece of the puzzle when it came to the rise of Golden State.

After the heartbreak of 2016, Kevin Durant headed to the Bay — joining forces with Golden State’s existing big three to create a foursome the likes of which the league had never seen. 

Durant, Curry and co. beat LeBron in back-to-back Finals. Years later, the three era-defining superstars were celebrated with this triple card from Topps NOW — one of the most coveted card from the entire 2024 Paris Olympics.

Fan-Favorite Warriors

From Run TMC in the early 1990s to the We Believe Warriors of 2007, collectors can find nostalgic cards that capture the excitement of these beloved squads.

For Warriors fans, it’s at least part nostalgia. For hoops collectors, the cards offer a glimpse into a team that played fast and free. 

The We Believe Warriors of 2007 toppled the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in one of the great upsets in modern NBA history. In Golden State’s first postseason since 1994, the team led by Baron Davis, Jason Richardson, and Stephen Jackson made the Bay fall in love with the Warriors again. 

Capturing History Your Way

The Warriors bridge eras and coasts, from Philadelphia beginnings to Golden State glory. Die-hard fans from Wilt’s 100-point game to the Splash Brothers dynasty have witnessed basketball history unfold in unforgettable ways. The Bay Area embraced a team that redefined the game with pace, movement, skill, and sharpshooting brilliance. 

For collectors, the Warriors’ story offers historic moments and stars to chase, from vintage classics to modern masterpieces. 

Collecting Golden State Warriors Cards FAQs

• What is the most valuable Golden State Warriors rookie card?
  • Stephen Curry’s 2009 Topps Chrome Refractor rookies are among the most valuable Warriors cards, with Gold /50 parallels leading collector demand.
• Which vintage Warriors cards are popular?
  • Wilt Chamberlain’s 1969 Topps and Rick Barry’s 1976 Topps cards remain highly sought-after vintage pieces.
• Did Topps make cards for the Warriors’ “We Believe” team?
  • Yes, 2007-era Topps releases capture players like Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson from the “We Believe” playoff run.
• What modern inserts highlight the dynasty years?
  • Topps Chrome refractors, Star Cluster inserts, and Topps NOW Olympics cards showcase Curry, Thompson, Durant, and Green.
• Are Run TMC players collectible?
  • Yes, Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin cards remain fan-favorite chases, especially early 1990s Topps issues.

Key Facts

• Wilt Chamberlain’s 1969 Topps remains a cornerstone of Warriors collectibles.
• Stephen Curry’s 2009 Topps Chrome rookie is the dynasty’s crown jewel.
• Warriors’ history spans Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Oakland eras.
• Fan-favorite eras include Run TMC and the 2007 “We Believe” Warriors.

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