For nearly two decades, a prized LeBron James 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Basketball Rookie Patch Autograph Parallel #08/23 remained hidden in a safety deposit box, waiting for its grand reveal. Acquired in 2004 for a steal at under $3,000 on eBay, this gem was kept safe until the 20th anniversary of its release. The Upper Deck Exquisite Collection, introduced in June 2004, is deemed a pivotal basketball card product, boasting a stellar rookie class featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony among others.
LeBron’s rookie card from this series, especially the #78 RPA (Rookie Patch Autograph), holds a legendary status in the world of sports collectibles. Coming in two versions – the /99 Level 1 and a rare parallel numbered to his jersey (#23), this card is exceedingly scarce with only 23 existing copies. Since July 2020, merely one other card from this series has been graded by Beckett.
The specific card up for grabs in this auction was graded BGS NM+ 7.5 with an Auto grade of 10, showcasing sub-grades of Centering 9.5, Edges 7.5, Corners 7, and Surface 7.5. Featuring a perfect, bold blue autograph against a pristine white backdrop, accompanied by a two-color swatch, this card exudes a “hobby fresh” appeal. Its presence in the basketball card community and rarity contributed to its staggering final bid of $351,029, solidifying its coveted status.
Another star of the show was a 2003 Topps Chrome #111 LeBron James rookie card with a black refractor variant up for grabs at the auction. LeBron’s 2003 Topps Chrome rookie cards are hailed as iconic in NBA history, recognized 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 offered in this event, graded PSA GEM MINT 10, is exceptionally scarce, with only 21 copies (4% of the print run) achieving this pristine grade as noted in the PSA population report. The black borders of the card make imperfections more glaring, intensifying the challenge in obtaining a flawless grade. Numbered 326 out of 500, this specific card is a must-have for any dedicated LeBron James or NBA enthusiast, ultimately closing at an impressive $126,725.
The standout sales at the Leland’s Summer Classic Auction underline the enduring value and significance of LeBron James’ rookie cards in the realm of sports memorabilia. These cards not only hold historical reverence but also command remarkable prices, solidifying their allure among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
