Lebron James Topps Rookie Card

Dear him or hate him, LeBron James Topps Rookie Card have been one of the best savings in the hobby over the last 3 years.

Though he is not as beloved as Michael Jordan was, that shouldn’t stop you from making money.

LeBron James is not only today’s most general NBA player but also arguably the best in recent basketball history (not including MJ).

LeBron James Topps Rookie Card – Top 5 Cards

1. 2003 Exquisite Collection # 78 Autograph / 99

Estimated Value of PSA 10: $ 325,000

This card has made iconic status in the hobby on its way to being one of the most valued basketball cards ever produced. This card, numbered 99 copies is the key to one of the most impressive basketball card sets ever created. Packs of these used to cost $ 500 each when it was first released. Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Carmelo Anthony are among the other big names in the group, but Lebron James is far from the most desired. It’s surprising to think that a modern card could cost so much, but that’s what happens when you combine a player of James’s stature with such an iconic ensemble.

2. 2003 Ultimate Collection Ultimate Logos Signature 1/1

Estimated Value of PSA 9: $ 312,000

In 2016, this card sold for $ 312,000 at auction, and I imagine it will eventually sell for more if it ever goes on sale again. The card is unique in that it was the only version of this card ever produced, as indicated by the “1/1” in ink below the NBA logo. The card structures a great action shot of a young Lebron, a cute autograph, and a large logo patch. PSA rated this card as PSA 9 in perfect condition.

3. 2003 Ultimate Collection # 127 Autograph

Estimated Value of PSA 10: $ 60,000

I’ve always liked the humble design of this card – the images are clean and the autographs sharp. It’s just a solid-looking card overall. Nonetheless, they are by no means even close to being cheap. The perfect examples of these cards will put you in the five-digit range. Numbered up to 250, they are also restricted.

4. 2003 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor No. 111

Estimated Value of PSA 10: $ 35,000

Topps Chrome has continuously been one of the most popular basketball cards, arguably the most desired of all. Totaled to just 50 copies, these gold refractor parallels continue to be in high demand. A great action shot of James disappearing during a jump shot, a gold border, and the “Draft Pick # 1” at the bottom give this card some tremendous visual appeal.

5. 2003 Exquisite Collection # 78 Gold

Estimated Value of PSA 10: $ 30,000

Another key Lebron James card from the 2003 Exquisite Collection series, this non-autograph card, is of extraordinary value. Though it is rarer than the autograph above / patch card, the lack of those two key features reduces its value much lower. But let’s be honest: the price of these cards is still incredibly high.