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The average Lebron James raw rookie card value is $129.11. This is based on 33 different raw cards that have sold over the last 30 days, with the most expensive being his 2003 Topps Chrome base card #111 ($834). Other valuable options include 2003 Topps First Edition #221 ($700 avg value) and 2003 Bowman Signature #56 /1250 ($313). The least expensive is 2003 UD Top Prospects Base #55 ($5.53).
Now, if you’re lucky, you recently found a Lebron James rookie card or want to grab one for your collection—that’s awesome! But with so many card options (and astronomical prices for those in gem mint condition) where do you begin?
The problem is, most of the research around Lebron James’ best rookie cards are going to lead you to list of cards selling for big money, like these below:
- LeBron James 2003 Topps Chrome #111 Gold Refractor /50 BGS 9.5, $261,227.79
- LeBron James 2003 Topps Chrome #111 Black Refractor /500 PSA 10, $101,198
- LeBron James 2003 Topps Chrome #111 X-Fractor /220 BGS 10 Pristine, $97,132.8
- LeBron James 2003 Topps Chrome #111 Refractor BGS 10 Pristine, $51,109.32
- LeBron James 2003 SkyBox E-X #1 Jambalaya PSA 10, $34,200
Prices are average sales values from sales over the last 365 days as reported by Market Movers.
Amazing cards, don’t get me wrong…but well outside of the range of what I and most of us can ever afford. Why? Because they are rare and graded in perfect or near-perfect condition.
But what about all of the others? Topps, Bowman, eTopps, Fleer, Bazooka, and more. There are a number of different options.
Here are the 20 most valuable Lebron James. These are raw cards that have been sold more than once over the last 30 days.
- LeBron James 2003 Topps Chrome #111 Base Raw, $834.41
- LeBron James 2003 Topps #221 First Edition Raw, $700.29
- LeBron James 2003 Bowman Signature #56 Base /1250 Raw, $312.5
- LeBron James 2003 eTopps #43 Base Raw, $246.24
- LeBron James 2003 Bowman #123 Gold Raw, $233.66
- LeBron James 2003 Bowman #123 Chrome Raw, $215.38
- LeBron James 2003 Topps #221 Base Raw, $206.81
- LeBron James 2003 Bowman #123 Base Raw, $173.76
- LeBron James 2003 Fleer Authentix #104 Base /1250 Raw, $173.75
- LeBron James 2003 Fleer Ultra Lucky 13 – Gold Medallion Raw, $127.5
- LeBron James 2003 Topps Pristine #101 Base Raw, $116.75
- LeBron James 2003 Fleer #300 Trio Rookie (w/C. Anthony & D. Wade) Raw, $115.5
- LeBron James 2003 Bazooka #276 Gold Raw, $114.17
- LeBron James 2003 Fleer #261 Base Raw, $91.03
- LeBron James 2003 Bazooka #276 Base Raw, $65.57
- LeBron James 2003 Upper Deck #301 Base Raw, $62.48
- LeBron James 2003 Upper Deck MVP #201 Base Raw, $62.16
- LeBron James 2003 Bazooka #276 Mini Raw, $54.52
- LeBron James 2003 Topps Rookie Matrix Base (w/C. Anthony & D. Wade) Raw, $53.06
- LeBron James 2003 SkyBox LE #16-SL Sky’s the Limit Raw, $41.13
In terms of what’s best for you, it’s really just a matter of preference. Here are some of the differences between each.
Chrome is King
When it comes to rookie cards in any sport, chrome is king. Not only is Lebron’s 2003 Topps Chrome rookie card atop of this list, its many refractor variations command big bucks even in raw form.
If Chrome is the way you want to go, but the Topps Chrome rookie carries too high of a price tag, James’ 2003 Borman Chrome #123 can be had for nearly $600 cheaper, on average. And, while it doesn’t come with the “Chrome” name, the 2003 Topps Pristine comes with the “chrome” finish, and is an even more affordable option than the Bowman Chrome base (with a similar pose) at $117 average.
Topps Paper Has Promise
If paper is more of your speed and you want something that still carries the Topps name, 2003 Topps “paper” #221 is averaging $207 in value over the last 30 days. The Bowman “paper” version of the Chrome card above is averaging $234, while Bowman Signature /1250 is averaging a little more at $313.
Different & Fun Can Be Done
Don’t let the serious facial expressions fool you—Lebron rookie cards can still be fun. Some of the more lighthearted options include 2003 Bazooka, which can be had in three different versions: base ($65.57), gold ($114), and mini ($54.52).
Other options include those from Fleer (Base, Authentix and Ultra), Upper Deck MVP, and SkyBox; not to mention the ultimate trio card featuring James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwayne Wade.
