How To Collect | The Philadelphia 76ers

Collecting Sixers History

The Philadelphia 76ers are one of basketball’s most iconic franchises. From Wilt Chamberlain’s dominance to Allen Iverson’s fearless crossover, Sixers legends are immortalized on Topps cards that collectors still chase today. This guide shows you how to build a Sixers-focused collection that blends history, highlights, and hobby value.

Philadelphia 76ers collecting highlights include Wilt Chamberlain’s rare 1968 Topps Test card, Julius Erving’s iconic 1980 Topps card, Moses Malone’s 1975 rookie card, and Allen Iverson’s 1996 Chrome RC Refractor. These cards capture Sixers history and remain staples for collectors chasing both legacy and value.

Jump to Section:

• Collecting the 76ers in 2025
• 76ers Mount Rushmore
• Philly Champions
• Fan Favorites
• Capturing History
• FAQs
• Key Facts

Collecting the 76ers in 2025

There is perhaps no more intriguing team in 2025 than the enigmatic Philadelphia 76ers. Is a rebound into Eastern Conference contention in the cards? Around superstar big Joel Embiid, an exciting young core is emerging, as well as a high lottery pick who gives Philly collectors an elite rookie to chase.

Embiid’s pedigree is unquestioned. The 2023 MVP and ‘21 and ‘22 runner-up, the big man is surrounded by high-level talent and quality depth. Short Print Sonic Boom is a fun Embiid to chase, as are his base card variations, including his rare Clear Variation card.

Tyrese Maxey leads the new generation of Sixers and is set for another leap. Chase his Flagship Real One Auto card. Maxey is part of 2025-26 Topps Basketball’s Fanatics Authentic Redemption program: Find the card, get some autographed memorabilia.

Jared McCain is another fantastic young player for the Sixers. One McCain chase will be for his Player Number Variation, with only 20 cards to be had. Beloved Sixers legend Allen Iverson also appears in 2025-26 Topps Basketball.

Then there’s the rook. V.J. Edgecombe went third overall to Philly, and he’s one of the most exciting rookies of a loaded class. His chase cards include his case-hit Hardwood Stars insert and a fantastic SSP Comic Court offering. The 76ers are coming in hot, both on the floor and in 2025-26 Topps Basketball.

Philadelphia 76ers Mount Rushmore

The Sixers’ legacy is filled with unforgettable moments—Dr. J’s soaring dunks, Moses Malone’s “Fo’, Fo’, Fo’” playoff run, and Iverson’s MVP era. Topps cards capture these eras with rookie cards, inserts, and historic designs that remain staples in the hobby.

• 1980 Topps Soaring Leader (Bird/Erving/Magic) – A hobby-defining card pairing Julius Erving with two legends.
• 1975 Topps Moses Malone RC – Hall of Famer and Finals MVP centerpiece.
• 1996 Topps Chrome Allen Iverson RC Refractor – A ’90s grail for Sixers fans.
• 1968 Topps Test Wilt Chamberlain #1 – Ultra-rare issue showcasing one of basketball’s greatest.

1980 Topps Basketball Scoring Leader Larry Bird / Julius Erving / Magic Johnson

1975 Topps Basketball #254 Moses Malone RC

​​1996 Topps Chrome Basketball #171 Allen Iverson RC Refractor

1968 Topps Test Basketball #1 Wilt Chamberlain

Champions in the City of Brotherly Love 

After back-to-back playoff losses to the Boston Celtics in 1965 and 1966, Wilt Chamberlain and the 76ers finally got over the hump in 1967. After posting a then-league-best 68-13 regular season record, the team demolished the Celtics dynasty in a five-game series win, in which Wilt averaged a triple-double and a ridiculous 32 rebounds per game. 

Wilt led Philadelphia’s title-winning team, but he was helped by the fantastic play of All-Stars Hal Greer and Chet Walker, as well as Wali Jones and Billy Cunningham. Greer’s 1969 Topps Ruler is a fun and quirky addition to a team collection. A PSA 8 of Chet Walker’s 1969 Topps Basketball “Tall Boys” card, while with the Bulls, sold for $132 in July 2024.

The Sixers went on to defeat Chamberlain’s former team, the Warriors, in six games, with all five players scoring over 17 points per game. 

While the Lakers and Celtics dominated the ’80s, Philadelphia was one of the few franchises willing and able to go head-to-head with these dueling dynasties. From 1980 to 1989, only the 1989 Pistons and 1983 76ers were able to stop the relentless parades in Boston and L.A. Philly’s fierce and combative battles with Boston in this era took the rivalry to new levels.

The four-game sweep of the Lakers in the 1983 Finals featured one of the most dominant Finals performances of all-time, with MVP Moses Malone averaging 25.8 PPG, 18.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.5 steals per game, and 1.5 blocks per game. Incredibly, he out-rebounded the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 72-30 in the blowout championship series.

Malone, Dr. J, and a phenomenal backcourt featuring Mo Cheeks and Andrew Toney made this Sixers team simply unstoppable.

Fan-Favorite Sixers

A four-time All-Star during his 11-year tenure with Philadelphia, Maurice Cheeks was a key part of the 76ers’ 1983 title run. A defensive stopper in the backcourt, Cheeks had his number 10 raised to the rafters in Philly back in 1995. After his playing career ended, Cheeks went on to coach Philadelphia, and he remains a beloved figure in the city. In February 2025, a PSA 10 of his 1981 Topps Basketball card sold for over $600.

One of the greatest shot blockers and defenders in league history, Dikembe Mutombo was only in Philadelphia for a season and a half, but his towering presence was critical to the Sixers’ run to the Finals in the 2001 playoffs.

Joining the team mid-season, Mutombo went on to record 23 points, 19 rebounds, and seven blocks in a Game 7 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Mutombo won his fourth and final Defensive Player of the Year award that season. His card from the iconic 1996 Topps Chrome set features him with the Atlanta Hawks

Capturing History Your Way

Collecting 76ers cards is all about connecting with the city’s culture and passion. Whether you chase vintage Wilt and Dr. J, ’90s Chrome Iversons, or modern parallels, the Sixers collecting journey offers endless ways to celebrate greatness.

Collecting Philadelphia 76ers Cards FAQs

• What is the most valuable 76ers card to collect?
  • Wilt Chamberlain’s 1968 Topps Test card is among the rarest Sixers issues, while Allen Iverson’s 1996 Chrome RC Refractor commands strong market value.
• Which Sixers era do collectors chase?
  • Many chase the 1983 championship team led by Moses Malone and Dr. J, though modern fans also target Iverson’s ’90s cards.
• Are Julius Erving cards worth collecting?
  • Yes, Dr. J’s 1980 Topps Scoring Leader card is a grail that pairs him with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
    
• Who are underrated Sixers players to collect?
  • Mo Cheeks, Chet Walker, and Dikembe Mutombo are overlooked but add depth and character to a Sixers collection.

Key Facts

• Wilt Chamberlain’s 1968 Topps Test #1 is a rare grail.
• 1980 Topps Bird/Erving/Magic card is Hobby-defining.
• Moses Malone’s 1975 RC highlights Sixers’ title legacy.
• Allen Iverson’s 1996 Chrome RC Refractor is a ’90s icon.
• Sixers collectors can span eras from Wilt to Embiid.

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