CSG Grades Another Prized LeBron James Rookie Card

Nearly a year ago, Certified Sports Guaranty® (CSG®) entered the world of sports card grading with a slam dunk by certifying a #111 LeBron James from the 2003-04 Topps Chrome Refractor set. Now, CSG has graded a second example of this extremely valuable rookie card.

Click images to enlarge.

The card received a grade of CSG 9 overall, with sub-grades of 8.5 for Centering, 9.5 for Corners, 10 for Edges and 9 for Surface. A card in this grade would likely sell for well over $10,000.

James, an Akron, Ohio native, joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 after he was drafted first overall that year. He was selected as the NBA Rookie of the Year, and went on to earn four NBA MVP Awards and four NBA Finals MVP Awards as he helped three different teams win the championship title. Now in his 19th season, James has established himself as one of the game’s greatest players of all time.

This particular card shows James shooting over Ben Wallace of the Detroit Pistons. The reflective Chrome surface of the card displays various colors depending on how it is held in the light. Topps limited the print run of these cards to about one per every 12 packs. The value of this card has risen significantly in a short time, and there is plenty of room for them to go higher as James is under contract with the Los Angeles Lakers through 2023.

“We are proud that collectors trust CSG’s expert certification for this and other examples of the greatest sports cards,” said Westin Reeves, CSG Modern Sports Card Grading Finalizer. “We look forward to seeing more rarities like this one in 2022 and beyond.”

CSG has now graded more than 600,000 sports cards and is continuing to expand its team. To explore career opportunities with CSG and the other affiliates of the Certified Collectibles Group, go to collectiblesgroup.com/careers.

Related Links

• CSG's First Card Graded Is a Phenomenal Topps Chrome Refractor LeBron James Rookie Card
• CSG Registry: LeBron James Player Sets

Learn more about the most expensive sports cards ever sold, including a LeBron James Rookie Card that sold for more than $5 millon!