For nearly twenty years, a rare LeBron James 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Basketball Rookie Patch Autograph Parallel #08/23 stayed hidden, waiting for its moment to shine. Originally purchased on eBay in 2004 for just under $3,000, this prized possession was safeguarded in a safety deposit box until the 20th anniversary of the product’s release. The Upper Deck Exquisite Collection, launched in June 2004, is a legendary basketball card series that boasted a star-studded rookie class including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony.
Among LeBron’s iconic rookie cards, the #78 RPA (Rookie Patch Autograph) from this set holds a special place. Available in two versions – the /99 Level 1 and a rare parallel numbered to his jersey number 23 – this card is incredibly limited, with only 23 copies ever produced. Since July 2020, only one other card from this series has been graded by Beckett.
The LeBron James rookie card featured in this auction, graded BGS NM+ 7.5 with an Auto grade of 10, boasts sub-grades of Centering 9.5, Edges 7.5, Corners 7, and Surface 7.5. Its striking autograph in blue against a white background, paired with a two-color swatch, adds to its appeal. The card’s impeccable condition and its significance in the basketball card community led to a remarkable final bid of $351,029, showcasing its allure to collectors.
Another standout in the auction was a 2003 Topps Chrome #111 LeBron James rookie card, showcasing a black refractor variant. LeBron’s rookie cards from the 2003 Topps Chrome set are highly sought after for their limited print runs and array of refractor versions, including the unnumbered refractor, black refractor (/500), X-Fractor (/220), and gold refractor (/50).
The black refractor card presented in this auction, graded PSA GEM MINT 10, is exceptionally rare, with only 21 copies (4% of the print run) achieving this grade according to the PSA population report. The black borders of the card amplify any imperfections, making a flawless grade even more challenging to attain. Numbered 326 out of 500, this card stands as a cornerstone in any esteemed LeBron James or NBA collector’s assortment, commanding a final price of $126,725.
The successful bids at the Leland’s Summer Classic Auction underscore the enduring value and legacy of LeBron James’ rookie cards within the realm of sports memorabilia. The excitement and fervor surrounding these cards serve as a testament to LeBron’s impact on the basketball world and the timeless appeal of collecting his memorabilia.
