Late Summer Auction SESSION 2 CLOSING SEPT 21 10PM EASTERN FOR INITIAL BIDS
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/21/2020
Offered here is one of the most dramatically styled and physically impressive LeBron James cards ever minted. This phenomenal depiction is his one-of-a-kind, signed rookie piece from Upper Deck’s 2003/04 "LeBron James Box Set" production. This is the only entry from its limited edition for which the serial number corresponds to James' jersey number, "23."
Significantly, the unique card presented here is serial-numbered "23/23," making it "jersey-numbered." (LeBron wears #23 for the Cavs, just as he did when he was a rookie). Collectors of serial-numbered, limited-edition cards, such as this one, esteem the jersey-numbered card above others, since only one of the cards in the series can match the player's jersey number. Simply, the jersey-numbered card is clearly the most desired/coveted card in its series, and it is regarded as a "1/1" example by experienced collectors.
Encapsulated and graded NM-MT+ 8.5 by BGS, with signature graded "10" by Beckett. Rookie Card. The obverse of this ultra-premium collectible displays the extraordinary sight of a flowing and vivid, blue ink signature penned by LeBron James. This is a beautiful, rich and complete scripting, in which LeBron displays his full name. LeBron only signed in this manner for certain premium cards from his 2003/04 rookie season. He didn't sign this way on most of his rookie cards, and he stopped using this style completely after his rookie season. (He later moved to an abbreviated signature, essentially penning just his initials.)
The card's BGS condition report: Centering: 9.5, Corners: 8.5, Edges: 9, Surface: 8. A congratulatory statement from Upper Deck appears on the card's reverse side; this declaration attests to the signature's authenticity, and serves as the COA for the subject item. The limited-edition piece is serial-numbered "23/23." This is a stunning and important LeBron James rookie card collectible, reflecting fundamentally untouched Near Mint to Mint-plus condition.