For nearly two decades, a LeBron James 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Basketball Rookie Patch Autograph Parallel #08/23 card lay hidden in a safety deposit box, waiting for its moment in the spotlight. Originally purchased on eBay in 2004 for less than $3,000, this rare gem was finally unveiled at Leland’s Summer Classic Auction. The Upper Deck Exquisite Collection, released in June 2004, is hailed as one of the most significant basketball card series, boasting top talents like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony.
LeBron’s rookie card from this collection, specifically the #78 RPA (Rookie Patch Autograph), is a true collector’s dream. Offered in two versions – the /99 Level 1 and an ultra-scarce parallel numbered to his jersey number 23 – this card is highly sought after, with only 23 copies ever produced. Since July 2020, just one other card from this series has been graded by Beckett.
The highlighted card in this auction, graded BGS NM+ 7.5 with a perfect Auto grade of 10, exhibits impressive sub-grades, including Centering 9.5, Edges 7.5, Corners 7, and Surface 7.5. Adorned with a flawless blue autograph on a white background and a two-color swatch, this card’s rarity and significance within the card collecting community led to a jaw-dropping final bid of $351,029.
Another star of the show was a 2003 Topps Chrome #111 LeBron James rookie card, featuring a black refractor variant. LeBron’s 2003 Topps Chrome rookies are iconic in NBA lore, notable for their limited production and various refractor editions like the unnumbered refractor, black refractor (/500), X-Fractor (/220), and gold refractor (/50).
The black refractor card in this auction, graded PSA GEM MINT 10, is an elusive find, with only 21 copies (4% of the print run) achieving this top grade as per the PSA population report. The black borders of the card enhance imperfections, making a flawless grade a rarity. Numbered 326 out of 500, this card is a prized possession for any serious LeBron James or NBA memorabilia collector, fetching an impressive $126,725 at the auction.
The remarkable success of these LeBron James rookie card sales at Leland’s Summer Classic Auction underscores the enduring appeal and value of these pieces in the realm of sports collectibles.