If you grew up watching the NBA in the late 80s or early 90s, you know exactly what Patrick Ewing represented. He was the "Skyscraper." A 7-foot defensive wall that made driving into the paint feel like a suicide mission. Honestly, in the card collecting world, everyone talks about Jordan or Hakeem. But the Patrick Ewing all star card—specifically from those peak Fleer and Hoops years—is where the real soul of the New York Knicks' golden era lives.
He was an 11-time All-Star. Think about that. For over a decade, Ewing was practically a permanent fixture in the mid-February showcase. Because he was so dominant, we ended up with a massive variety of "All-Star" themed cards. Some are worth a used Honda Civic; others you can find for the price of a slice of pizza. But they all tell a story of a guy who basically owned Madison Square Garden for 15 years.
The 1986 Fleer Sticker: The "Secret" Rookie
Technically, Ewing’s most famous card is the 1986-87 Fleer #32. It's his "true" rookie. But if we’re talking about All-Star cards, you’ve gotta look at the stickers.
Back then, Fleer included one sticker card per pack. The 1986 Fleer Patrick Ewing Sticker #6 is widely considered an essential part of his rookie profile. It doesn't explicitly say "All-Star" in big neon letters on the front like later cards, but since the sticker set was comprised of the league's elite, it’s effectively his first All-Star appearance on cardboard.
The centering on these is a nightmare. Seriously. Finding one that isn't shifted 70/30 to the left is like finding a needle in a haystack. A PSA 10 version of this sticker can fetch over $3,400. Even a PSA 9 sits comfortably in the $400 to $600 range. If you find one in a shoebox, don't just peel it off and stick it on your laptop. Please.
1988 Fleer #130: The Quintessential All-Star Design
When most people search for a Patrick Ewing all star card, this is the one they're picturing. The 1988 Fleer set is legendary for its "All-Star" subset.
The design is peak 80s. You’ve got the white border, the blue and red accents, and that classic "All-Star" banner across the bottom. It’s card #130 in the set. What's cool about this one is the photo: Ewing is usually pictured in that iconic East jersey, looking like he’s about to swat a shot into the third row.
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- Raw Value: $1 to $5.
- PSA 10 Value: Around $150 to $200.
- Why it matters: It’s the first "official" subset card dedicated to his All-Star status.
It’s an affordable piece of history. You don't need a massive bank account to own a slabbed version of this, which makes it a favorite for Knicks fans who just want to remember the Big Fella in his prime.
The Junk Wax Era Gems: 1990 and 1991
The early 90s were a weird time for cards. Production was through the roof. We call it the "Junk Wax" era because they printed millions of these things. But that doesn't mean they aren't cool.
Take the 1990 Fleer All-Star #12. It’s got a weird, colorful, almost geometric background. It’s very... loud. You can grab one of these for 50 cents at any local card shop. But here’s the kicker: because everyone treated these cards like trash, finding a "Gem Mint" PSA 10 is actually harder than you’d think. A PSA 10 1990 Fleer All-Star Ewing can still sell for $50 to $60. Not a gold mine, but not nothing.
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Then there’s the 1991 Upper Deck #68. This was the era when Upper Deck was the "premium" brand. The photography was crisp. The card stock felt like actual cardboard instead of construction paper. Ewing is shown in the 1991 All-Star jersey—the one with the big stars on the sides that everyone still buys as "Mitchell & Ness" throwbacks today.
The 1989 Hoops All-Star Panels
If you want something a bit more obscure, look for the 1989 Hoops All-Star Panels. These weren't standard cards. They were often distributed as perforated sheets or special inserts. Patrick Ewing is #159 in this set. Because they were perforated, the edges are usually "fuzzy." Collectors call these "deckle edges" sometimes, but mostly they’re just rough. A PSA 10 of this card is a rare beast, sometimes hitting north of $100 because of that condition sensitivity.
Why the Market is Moving on Ewing
For a long time, Ewing was overshadowed by the "Dream Team" teammates. Jordan, Magic, and Bird always took the spotlight. But lately, big man cards are seeing a resurgence.
People are starting to realize that Ewing’s stats were insane. 24,000 points. 11,000 rebounds. He was the heart of a team that was the only real threat to the Bulls in the East for years. Collectors who priced out of Jordan rookies are moving into "Tier 1B" Hall of Famers. That means Ewing.
Also, the "New York Premium" is real. Knicks fans are loyal (and sometimes a bit crazy). Anything that features Ewing in an All-Star jersey—representing the city on the national stage—has a built-in buyer base that isn't going away.
What to Look for When Buying
If you're hunting for a Patrick Ewing all star card on eBay or at a show, keep a few things in mind. First, check the corners. Those 1988 Fleer cards have white borders that show every tiny "touch" or ding. If the corner looks white and fuzzy, it’s not a high-grade card.
Second, look at the surface. Early 90s cards were prone to "wax stains" from the gum or the packaging. If there's a dull spot on the front of the card, it’ll kill the grade.
Finally, check the "Star" brand cards. Before Fleer took over in '86, a company called Star produced limited team sets. The 1985 Star #166 is technically his first card, and they had various "All-Star" and "Court Kings" subsets. These are much rarer than Fleer. We're talking print runs in the low thousands, not millions. A 1986 Star "Best of the New/Old" Ewing #1 is a massive card for serious high-end collectors.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
- Identify your budget: If you have $20, go for a 1988 Fleer #130 in decent raw condition. If you have $500, look for a graded 1986 Fleer Sticker.
- Verify the Slab: If buying graded, always run the certification number on the PSA or SGC website. Counterfeits are rare for All-Star subsets, but they do exist for the 1986 stickers.
- Check "Sold" Listings: Never pay the "Asking Price" on eBay. Filter by "Sold Items" to see what people actually paid in the last 30 days.
- Look for the 1992 Beam Team: While not strictly an "All-Star" branded card, the 1992-93 Stadium Club Beam Team Ewing #3 is one of the most iconic "elite" cards of that era and often grouped with All-Star collectibles.
Patrick Ewing didn't need a ring to prove he was one of the greatest to ever lace them up. His cards—especially those celebrating his perennial All-Star status—are a permanent record of a time when the paint was a dangerous place to be and the Knicks were the toughest out in sports.