For nearly two decades, collectors awaited with bated breath as a rare gem lay hidden away, protected in a security deposit box – the LeBron James 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Basketball Rookie Patch Autograph Parallel #08/23. Purchased off eBay back in November 2004 for just under $3,000, this card symbolized anticipation and foresight as it was meticulously preserved for the product’s 20th anniversary release. The Upper Deck Exquisite Collection, launched on June 4, 2004, holds a prestigious position in the pantheon of basketball card products, unveiling an exceptional rookie class starring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony.
LeBron’s rookie card from this acclaimed collection, the #78 RPA (Rookie Patch Autograph), reigns as an iconic symbol in the basketball card realm. Available in two sought-after versions – the /99 Level 1 and an especially rare parallel edition numbered to his famed jersey number 23, this card is a true rarity, with just 23 copies in circulation. Since July 2020, a mere solitary card from this extraordinary series has been authenticated by Beckett.
In the spotlight at the auction was the card in question, graded BGS NM+ 7.5 with an Auto grade of 10. Boasting impressive sub-grades of Centering 9.5, Edges 7.5, Corners 7, and Surface 7.5, this piece features a vibrant autograph in blue set against a pristine white backdrop, complemented by a two-color swatch. The card’s immaculate presentation and its revered stature amongst basketball card enthusiasts culminated in a breathtaking final bid of $351,029.
Another standout attraction was the 2003 Topps Chrome #111 LeBron James rookie card, showcasing a coveted black refractor variant. LeBron’s 2003 Topps Chrome rookie cards stand as veritable icons in NBA history, celebrated for their limited print runs and diverse refractor editions including the unnumbered refractor, black refractor (/500), X-Fractor (/220), and gold refractor (/50).
The black refractor card under the hammer, certified PSA GEM MINT 10, is a true rarity with only 21 exemplars (merely 4% of the print run) achieving this pristine grade according to the PSA population report. The black borders of the card magnify any flaws, intensifying the challenge of attaining a flawless grade. Numbered 326 out of 500, this particular piece stands as a cornerstone for any discerning LeBron James or NBA collector, ultimately fetching an impressive sum of $126,725.
The stellar performances of these exceptional LeBron James rookie cards at the Leland’s Summer Classic Auction underscore not only their enduring allure but also their escalating value in the realm of sports memorabilia.