Top 30 Most Expensive LeBron James Cards Ever Sold
LeBron James is not only one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but his trading cards have also become some of the most sought-after collectibles in the hobby. From his iconic rookie cards to ultra-rare one-of-one inserts, collectors and investors have spent millions acquiring the most valuable LeBron James cards.
Here’s a detailed list of the top 30 most expensive LeBron James cards ever sold, showcasing the pinnacle of basketball card collecting.
1. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph #78 – $5,200,000
- Sale Price: $5.2 million (April 2021)
- Grade: BGS 9 (Mint)
- Why It’s Special: This card is serial numbered 7/23, featuring LeBron’s rookie patch and autograph from the legendary Upper Deck Exquisite Collection. It set a record as the most expensive basketball card ever sold.
2. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph #78 – $2,400,000
- Sale Price: $2.4 million (October 2021)
- Grade: BGS 8.5
- Why It’s Special: Another variation of the Exquisite Rookie Patch Auto, numbered 23/99, making it even more desirable due to LeBron’s jersey number.
3. 2020 Panini Flawless Triple Logoman Patch – $2,400,000
- Sale Price: $2.4 million (June 2022)
- Grade: Raw (Ungraded)
- Why It’s Special: This one-of-one card features game-worn jersey patches from three different teams LeBron played for, making it an ultra-rare collectible.
4. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph #78 – $2,100,000
- Sale Price: $2.1 million (June 2022)
- Grade: BGS 8.5
- Why It’s Special: One of the most iconic rookie cards in basketball history, featuring a unique game-used patch and on-card autograph.
5. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph #78 – $2,029,500
- Sale Price: $2.03 million (August 2021)
- Grade: BGS 9
- Why It’s Special: This specific card is numbered 57/99, further proving the lasting demand for Exquisite RPAs.
6. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph #78 – $1,845,000
- Sale Price: $1.845 million (July 2020)
- Grade: BGS 9.5
- Why It’s Special: A rare high-grade version of LeBron’s Exquisite RPA, making it an elite investment piece.
7. 2006-07 Upper Deck Exquisite All-NBA Access Triple Logoman – $1,680,000
- Sale Price: $1.68 million (August 2022)
- Grade: BGS 9
- Why It’s Special: This one-of-one features game-used Logoman patches from Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant, three of the NBA’s greatest players.
8. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph #78 – $1,680,000
- Sale Price: $1.68 million (April 2021)
- Grade: BGS 9
- Why It’s Special: Another high-end Exquisite RPA with an ultra-premium patch.
9. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph #78 – $1,572,000
- Sale Price: $1.57 million (January 2022)
- Grade: PSA 8.5
- Why It’s Special: A highly coveted rookie patch auto of LeBron James.
10. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph #78 – $1,537,500
- Sale Price: $1.53 million (March 2021)
- Grade: BGS 8.5
- Why It’s Special: The price continues to prove the dominance of Exquisite RPAs in the market.
11-30: More Record-Breaking LeBron James Cards
| Rank | Card | Sale Price | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2003-04 Exquisite RPA #78 | $1,392,000 | BGS 8.5 |
| 12 | 2004-05 Upper Deck Ultimate Signatures Logoman | $1,291,500 | PSA 10 |
| 13 | 2003-04 Exquisite RPA #78 | $1,272,000 | BGS 8.5 |
| 14 | 2003-04 Exquisite RPA #78 | $1,200,000 | BGS 9 |
| 15 | 2003 Topps Chrome Refractor #111 | $1,200,000 | BGS 10 |
| 16 | 2003-04 Exquisite RPA #78 | $1,092,000 | BGS 8.5 |
| 17 | 2003-04 Exquisite RPA #78 | $1,080,000 | BGS 9.5 |
| 18 | 2003-04 Exquisite RPA #78 | $1,062,000 | BGS 9 |
| 19 | 2003-04 Exquisite RPA #78 | $960,000 | BGS 8 |
| 20 | 2003-04 Exquisite RPA #78 | $930,000 | BGS 8 |
| 21 | 2003-04 Exquisite RPA #78 | $912,000 | BGS 8.5 |
| 22 | 2003-04 Exquisite RPA #78 | $900,000 | SGC 9.5 |
| 23 | 2003-04 Exquisite RPA #78 | $885,000 | BGS 8.5 |
| 24 | 2004-05 UD Exquisite Dual Logoman (LeBron/Kobe) | $840,000 | PSA 10 |
| 25 | 2003-04 Exquisite RPA #78 | $720,000 | BGS 8.5 |
| 26 | 2004 Topps Chrome Superfractor | $720,000 | PSA 10 |
| 27 | 2006-07 Ultimate Collection Logoman Auto | $707,250 | BGS 9 |
| 28 | 2012-13 Panini Prizm Gold #1 | $571,200 | BGS 9.5 |
| 29 | 2003-04 Exquisite RPA #78 | $528,000 | BGS 9 |
| 30 | 2003-04 SP Authentic Auto Patch | $500,000 | BGS 9 |
Final Thoughts
LeBron James' impact on basketball is undeniable, and his trading cards reflect his legendary career. As prices continue to rise, these high-end LeBron cards have become status symbols in the collecting world, breaking records year after year.
If you’re a collector or investor, LeBron James cards remain one of the best long-term investments in sports memorabilia.