For nearly two decades, a hidden gem lay tucked away in a safe deposit box – a LeBron James 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Basketball Rookie Patch Autograph Parallel #08/23. Acquired for just under $3,000 in 2004 on eBay, this prized possession was kept secure until the 20th anniversary of the product’s release. The Upper Deck Exquisite Collection, introduced on June 4, 2004, boasted a stellar rookie class featuring basketball legends like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony.
Among the revered cards from this collection, LeBron’s #78 RPA stands out as an icon. With only 23 copies in existence, this card is incredibly limited, available in two versions – the /99 Level 1 and a rare parallel numbered to his jersey, 23. Graded BGS NM+ 7.5 with an impeccable Auto grade of 10, this specific card features a pristine autograph in blue on a white background, embellished with a two-color swatch. Its rarity and significance within the basketball card community led to a staggering final bid of $351,029 in the auction.
Another remarkable highlight at the Leland’s Summer Classic Auction was a 2003 Topps Chrome #111 LeBron James rookie card, showcasing a black refractor variant. LeBron’s Topps Chrome rookie cards are renowned in NBA history for their limited print runs and various refractor editions, including the unnumbered refractor, black refractor (/500), X-Fractor (/220), and gold refractor (/50).
The black refractor card in question, graded PSA GEM MINT 10, is exceptionally rare, with only 21 copies out of 500 achieving this pristine grade as per the PSA population report. The black borders on the card make imperfections more conspicuous, adding to the challenge of attaining a flawless grade. Numbered 326 out of 500, this card is a significant addition to any esteemed LeBron James or NBA card collector’s assortment, fetching an impressive final price of $126,725 at the auction.
These remarkable sales at the Leland’s Summer Classic Auction underscore the enduring legacy and value of LeBron James’ rookie cards in the sphere of sports memorabilia. Rare, coveted, and highly sought-after, LeBron’s rookie cards continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike, cementing his status as a basketball icon on and off the court.
