Among the greatest basketball players ever, LeBron James is a four-time NBA Champion, four-time NBA Finals MVP, four-time NBA MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist. Given his amazing on-court achievements, the rarest LeBron James cards have become some of the most valuable and sought after cards in existence.
With all that said, lets delve into the 10 most expensive LeBron James basketball cards while addressing their significance to the hobby.
Sold in April 2021 for $5.2 million by PWCC Marketplace
Source: Sports Collectors Daily
LeBrons rookie patch autographed parallel card is the most expensive basketball card, matching Mickey Mantles 1952 Topps rookie card for the second most valuable sports card. The iconic BGS 9 graded card is fittingly limited to 23 copies, with a BGS population of 21. According to the BGS population report, only two cards received a higher grade, each obtaining a BGS 9.5. If either of the RPA cards surfaces, LeBron could solely possess the most expensive sports card of all time.
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Sold in March 2021 for $1,291,500 by Goldin Auctions
Source: Goldin Auctions
With a starting bid of $100,000, LeBrons Logoman game-used patch card surpassed seven figures. The limited-edition card graded a PSA/DNA 10 is LeBrons second most valuable card to date. With a serial number 1/1, its no surprise this card is so coveted.
Sold in October 2020 for $720,000 by Heritage Auctions
Imaged by Heritage Auctions, HA.com
2004 Topps Chrome was the inaugural year of the Superfractor, implementing a reflective coating and advanced printing technology to sports cards with an iconic swirl pattern. Superfractor cards are the rarest refractor card, and each is limited to 1/1. Although this Superfractor originated during LeBrons sophomore season, the value of LeBrons PSA 10 2004 Topps Chrome still places it among his most valuable cards.
Sold in April 2021 for $571,200 by Goldin Auctions
Source: Goldin Auctions
On November 28, 2012, LeBron James was the first player of the card checklist in the 2012-13 Panini Prizm debut. Panini issued the set in hobby boxes, arranged in 20 packs of six cards. Collectors obtained two autographed, two inserts, and two Prizm cards in each hobby box. LeBrons Prizms Gold BGS 9.5 parallel card is the rarest variation of the set, limited to /10.
Sold in February 2021 for $480,000 by Heritage Auctions
Imaged by Heritage Auctions, HA.com
Released on February 16, 2004, the 2003 Topps Chrome set featured chromium and refractor cards galore, highlighted by a historic rookie class of Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, and LeBron James. The centerpiece of the set is LeBrons Black Refractor card, limited to /500 copies. With a PSA 10 population of 147, only 20 cards (roughly 14%) earned the coveted PSA 10.
Sold in May 2021 for $360,000 by Goldin Auctions
Source: Goldin Auctions
Upper Deck serial-numbered each card in the 2003-04 Ultimate Collection, including base cards, limited to /750. Hobby boxes were configured in four packs of four cards, containing one game-used jersey patch, one game-used jersey, and one autographed card. LeBrons Ultimate Collection PSA 10 rookie card is limited to /250, ensuring it will remain coveted by collectors.
Sold in May 2021 for $337,200 by Goldin Auctions
Source: Goldin Auctions
Upper Deck issued a monumental card in the 2008-09 Exquisite Collection, starring a dual inscription of the late Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. This treasured card received a BGS 8 for its condition and a BGS 9 for the dual autograph. Upper Deck limited the card to /10, featuring two of the most celebrated basketball players ever to play the game.
Sold in May 2021 for $336,000 by Goldin Auctions
Source: Goldin Auctions
Distributed by Topps on July 24, 2006, LeBrons Superfractor card from 2005-06 Topps Finest is the most significant card of the set. Awarded with a BGS 9, LeBrons Superfractor card is limited to 1/1, ensuring the lone collector of the card with something truly rare.
Sold in October 2016 for $312,000 by Goldin Auctions
Source: PSA
Circulated on April 19, 2004, Upper Decks Ultimate Collection introduced the card collecting world to LeBrons illustrious autographed Logoman rookie card. The highly recognizable limited 1/1 card earned a PSA 9, becoming one of LeBrons most coveted rookie cards.
Sold in March 2021 for $295,200 by Goldin Auctions
Source: Goldin Auctions
Emerging from 2003-04 Topps Finest is LeBrons Gold Refractor rookie card. Topps issued the alluring hobby box in three mini boxes containing six packs of five cards. With Gold Refractor cards limited to /25, this particular LeBron rookie card received a BGS 8.5, cementing this unprecedented card as LeBrons 10th most expensive card.
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