2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite LeBron James Rookie Card Sells for Over $190,000

A 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James Rookie Card sold for just under $200,000, topping all sports card sales in Goldin Auctions’ 2019 Holiday Auction.

The final price for the card was $193,200 including the buyers premium.

Serial numbered 51/99, the card carries an overall NM-MT grade of BGS 8 with the signature getting a 10. The sub-grades breakdown to:

• Centering – 9.5
• Edges – 9
• Corners – 8.5
• Surface – 7

The patch, which comes from a photo shoot-worn jersey, has three colors.

The 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite LeBron James has long been considered his top Rookie Card. The set is a landmark release and can be credited for introducing luxury-level lines that are more common now in all sports.

Another modern card also hit six figures in the Goldin Auctions sale. A 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Orange Refractor Mike Trout autograph sold for $150,060. This card has a Gem Mint BGS 9.5 grade and is serial numbered 06/25.

Here’s a breakdown of the ten top selling sports cards from the auction, which closed on December 8, 2019.

Top 10 Sports Card Sales from Goldin Auctions’ 2019 Holiday Auction

All prices include buyers premium.

1. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James RC Auto Patch 51/99 BGS 8/10 – $193,200

2. 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Orange Refractors Mike Trout Autograph 06/25 BGS 9.5/10 – $150,060

3. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle SGC 84 – $98,400

4. 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle RC SGC 88 – $54,000

5. 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection LeBron James RC Autograph 088/250 BGS 9.5/10 – $54,000

6. 2005-06 Upper Deck The Cup Sidney Crosby RC Auto Patch 26/99 BGS 9.5/10 – $44,280

7. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Scripted Swatches LeBron James 07/25 BGS 8/10 – $34,440

8. 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan RC PSA 10 – $31,980

9. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Noble Nameplates LeBron James 06/25 BGS 7.5/10 – $24,600

10. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 2 – $23,370