LeBron James can claim another record over Michael Jordan after his rookie basketball card sold for a record $5.2 million. The 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection RPA (rookie patch autograph) Parallel card was sold by PWCC Marketplace in a private sale earlier this week. 

Not only is it the most expensive basketball card of all time, eclipsing the $4.6 million paid for Luka Doncic’s 2018-19 National Treasures Auto Logoman card last month, but also tied with Mickey Mantle’s rookie card as the most valuable sports card ever. Not too shabby for a piece of laminated card. 

The sought after card was given an overall grade of nine by Beckett Grading Services, which is insane. Not only is it in near mint condition, but the signature was given a perfect 10, making it only the third card to achieve this according to ESPN. 

Taking to Instagram to reveal the sale, PWCC Marketplace wrote:

“At the heart of every collector in 2003, was the hope of pulling the ultra-rare Lebron James Rookie Patch Auto Parallel numbered to 23 copies. With so few ever becoming available and demand increasing by the day, this card is quickly becoming the crown jewel of all sports card investing. We’re pleased to have privately brokered the deal for the most valuable basketball card ever sold.”

 

   
   
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A post shared by PWCC Marketplace (@pwccmarketplace)

With the collectible card business continuing to rise, it’s only a matter of time before another card breaks this record.

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