For years, tucked away in a safety deposit box, a remarkable treasure lay hidden – a LeBron James 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Basketball Rookie Patch Autograph Parallel #08/23. Originally obtained on eBay in November 2004 for a modest sum close to $3,000, the foresight of the consignor to safeguard this gem until the 20th anniversary of its release truly paid off. The Upper Deck Exquisite Collection, a game-changer in basketball card history, hit the market on June 4, 2004, showcasing a stellar rookie class headlined by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony.
Among the coveted LeBron rookie cards, the #78 RPA (Rookie Patch Autograph) from this set stands out as truly iconic. Available in two versions – the /99 Level 1 and a rare parallel limited to his jersey number 23 – this card is exceptionally scarce, with only 23 copies ever produced. Since July 2020, a mere single card from this series has received a grade from Beckett.
The featured card in this auction, boasting a BGS NM+ 7.5 grade with an Auto grade of 10, showcases impressive sub-grades: Centering 9.5, Edges 7.5, Corners 7, and Surface 7.5. Adorned with a striking blue autograph against a white backdrop, accented by a two-color swatch, this card’s appeal, coupled with its significance in the basketball card community, led to a remarkable final bid of $351,029.
Another star of the show was a 2003 Topps Chrome #111 LeBron James rookie card, presenting a black refractor variant. Renowned for their limited print runs and diverse refractor versions, LeBron’s 2003 Topps Chrome rookies hold an esteemed place in NBA history, with variations such as the unnumbered refractor, black refractor (/500), X-Fractor (/220), and gold refractor (/50).
This black refractor card at the center of the auction, graded PSA GEM MINT 10, is exceptionally rare, with only 21 copies (a mere 4% of the print run) achieving this perfect score per the PSA population report. The black borders of the card amplify any flaws, heightening the challenge of attaining a flawless grade. Numbered 326 out of 500, this card holds pivotal importance for any serious LeBron James or NBA card collector, fetching an impressive final price of $126,725.
These dazzling results from the Leland’s Summer Classic Auction underscore the enduring allure and value of LeBron James’ rookie cards in the realm of sports memorabilia. The fervor surrounding these iconic pieces continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike, emphasizing the timeless impact of LeBron James on the world of basketball card collecting.
