For nearly two decades, a treasured LeBron James 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Basketball Rookie Patch Autograph Parallel #08/23 laid undisturbed in a safety deposit box, waiting for its moment in the spotlight. Acquired back in November 2004 for a steal just under $3,000 on eBay, the owner had the foresight to safeguard this gem until the 20th anniversary of the product’s release. The Upper Deck Exquisite Collection, introduced on June 4, 2004, stands tall as one of the most pivotal basketball card series ever to hit the market. It boasted a stellar rookie lineup including the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony.
The card that stole the show at this auction—a LeBron’s rookie card from this iconic set, more specifically the #78 RPA (Rookie Patch Autograph), is nothing short of legendary. Offered in two coveted versions—the /99 Level 1 and an exceedingly rare parallel numbered to his jersey number 23—this card is a true rarity, with only 23 copies known to exist. Since July 2020, a mere one other card from this exclusive series has been authenticated by Beckett.
The specimen up for bidding, graded as a BGS NM+ 7.5 with a pristine Auto grade of 10, boasts sub-grades of Centering 9.5, Edges 7.5, Corners 7, and Surface 7.5. Its flawless autograph in vivid blue against a pristine white backdrop is elevated by a dual-color swatch. The allure of this “hobby fresh” card, combined with its significance within the basketball card community, culminated in a staggering final bid of $351,029.
Yet another showstopper in the lineup was a 2003 Topps Chrome #111 LeBron James rookie card, sporting a black refractor variant for that extra touch of rarity. LeBron’s 2003 Topps Chrome rookie cards stand as iconic pieces in NBA history, known for their limited print runs and array of refractor versions, such as the unnumbered refractor, black refractor (/500), X-Fractor (/220), and gold refractor (/50).
The black refractor card under the gavel, documented as a PSA GEM MINT 10, is a true rarity, with only 21 copies (just 4% of the total print run) achieving this superior grade as per the PSA population report. The black borders of the card accentuate any imperfections, adding to the challenge of securing a flawless grade. This particular card, numbered 326 out of 500, stands as a cornerstone in any discerning LeBron James or NBA collector’s trove and concluded with a remarkable final price of $126,725.
These standout sales observed at the Leland’s Summer Classic Auction underscore the enduring legacy and unwavering value attached to LeBron James’ rookie cards within the realm of sports memorabilia.
