LeBron James Autographed Cavs Rookie Card Sells for Record Price at Public Auction

A historic LeBron James card sold for a record price on Sunday.

James' 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection signed patch rookie card sold for $2.928 million at Goldin Auctions, marking the highest price paid for a James card at a public auction.

The card is graded GEM MINT 9.5 by BGS and has a 10 autograph grade.

While it's the most expensive James card sold at a public auction, another rookie patch autographed James card was sold for $5.2 million at a private auction in 2021. That is still the record for price paid for a James card.

An Upper Deck Exquisite Collection trading card featuring Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant that was sold in 2025 holds the record for the most expensive card ever.

The James card sold on Sunday will likely only increase in value as time passes.

James has firmly established himself among basketball's upper echelons, having won four titles, four MVPs and countless other accomplishments. The league's all-time scoring leader is also still adding to his lengthy resume as he eyes another season in 2026-27.

The high price point paid on Sunday is not insignificant, and it will almost certainly be a worthwhile investment.