For nearly two decades, a prized LeBron James 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Basketball Rookie Patch Autograph Parallel #08/23 remained tucked away, waiting for its moment to shine at Leland’s Summer Classic Auction. Acquired back in November 2004 for a mere $3,000 on eBay, the consignor’s foresight in protecting this gem paid off handsomely. The Upper Deck Exquisite Collection, released on June 4, 2004, is hailed as a pivotal basketball card release, showcasing a stellar rookie class featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony.
LeBron’s rookie card from this collection, specifically the #78 RPA (Rookie Patch Autograph), holds an iconic status in the basketball card realm. With two versions available—the /99 Level 1 and a rare parallel numbered to his jersey number 23—this card is exceedingly scarce, with just 23 copies in existence. Since July 2020, only one other card from this set has been graded by Beckett.
The card on the spotlight during the auction was graded BGS NM+ 7.5 with a pristine Auto grade of 10, showcasing exceptional sub-grades of Centering 9.5, Edges 7.5, Corners 7, and Surface 7.5. Its bold blue autograph against a white backdrop, paired with a two-color swatch, adds to its allure. The card’s rarity and significance within the basketball card community led to an impressive final bid of $351,029, demonstrating the admiration and demand for this piece of sports memorabilia.
Another standout in the auction was the 2003 Topps Chrome #111 LeBron James rookie card, featuring the coveted black refractor variant. LeBron’s 2003 Topps Chrome rookie cards are renowned in NBA history for their limited print runs and diverse refractor versions, including the unnumbered refractor, black refractor (/500), X-Fractor (/220), and gold refractor (/50).
The black refractor card at the auction, graded PSA GEM MINT 10, is exceptionally rare, with only 21 copies (making up 4% of the print run) achieving this perfect grade as per the PSA population report. The black borders of the card magnify any imperfections, making a flawless grade highly sought after. Numbered 326 out of 500, this card is a coveted addition for any serious LeBron James or NBA collector, commanding a final price of $126,725.
The remarkable outcomes at the Leland’s Summer Classic Auction underline the enduring significance and value of LeBron James’ rookie cards in the expansive universe of sports memorabilia. These cards not only represent a piece of basketball history but also serve as coveted treasures for avid collectors and enthusiasts alike.