Key Deal Facts
The LeBron James 2004-2005 Exquisite Collection Emblems of Endorsement is considered one of the most significant modern basketball cards featuring one of basketball’s most celebrated and accomplished players of all time, LeBron James. When you think of holy grail type LeBron James cards, this Emblems of Endorsement card is on the short list of must-own.The card received the following grades: BGS Mint 9. Subgrades are 9.5, 8.5, 9, 9. Autograph 10.
Out of serial numbered to 10 produced, this is the highest grade - a Pop 1 BGS 9. The only other serial Emblems LeBron 2004 graded a BGS 8/10.
Emblems of Endorsement is one of Exquisite’s most desirable subsets – extremely rare and iconic, 2003 was the first year, with 15 made of each that year. The 2004 run was more limited – with 10 made of each player included.
Kobe Bryant 2004 Numbered pieces sold via Goldin Auction in 2020 include a BGS 8.5 8.5/10 for $173,430 and a BGS 7/10 for $136,530 in December 2020. LeBron James cards tend to sell at a premium to Kobe Bryant, all else equal. In addition, a LeBron James 2004 Auto Patch 1/1 sold in July 2020 for $240,000. LeBron James cards are up 50-100% in some cases since then.
A LeBron James Rookie Patch Auto Parallel numbered to 23 and graded BGS 9 sold for a record breaking $5.2 million, the highest price for a basketball card ever.
The consignor is retaining $100,000 of equity in the offering.
