Best "attainable" High End Lebron Rookie card

[Zcardsz]

You have to rule out million dollar cards, like RPA's and Gold refractors.
But Attainable is a variable term. Obviously Topps chrome base is a timeless classic, like an 86 fleer Jordan. But of the middle tier, which I would call attainable to some, I have narrowed down to a top 4 cards I would consider high end and attainable. I would love some dialogue of which is best and why, or, rank them 1-4 in you opinion and why. All of these cards can be obtained in a PSA BGS 8-9 Range for 5k-10k. My order, and reasoning below. Argue away

#1 - 2003 SP Authentic. This is limited to 500 copies, and it is an on card autograph. Enough said. More than 500 copies have been graded, so they are all out there and accounted for. BGS 9/PSA 9 10k or less seems like a bargain.

#2 2002 Finest XRC Refractor. Numbered to 250, and was a redemption card. Technically as first card of a premium brand... some argue XRC is not a RC, but its licensed and first to the market.

#3 2003 Finest Refractor RC. Also numbered to 250, beautiful design.

#4 2003 Chrome refractor. Probably 8X- 10x less rare than any of the above, not auto's or numbered.. but it is Topps Chrome, Iconic, and most recognizable RC like 86 fleer jordan...

[bradjames12]

How have more than 500 copies been graded if there are only the original 500??

[TheFrenzy]

Originally Posted by bradjames12

How have more than 500 copies been graded if there are only the original 500??

I would guess people cracking and re-submitting until they get the grade they want.

The fact that these companies don't keep track of cards' serial numbers is ludicrous.

[bradjames12]

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

I would guess people cracking and re-submitting until they get the grade they want.

The fact that these companies don't keep track of cards' serial numbers is ludicrous.

Yep...

[ninjabum87]

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

I would guess people cracking and re-submitting until they get the grade they want.

The fact that these companies don't keep track of cards' serial numbers is ludicrous.

Yeah there really should be a data hub with every serial number and grading one that already exists triggers a flag in the previous grader's system and they can suspend that cert number.

[KhalDrogo]

PSA 9 SPA. Under $10k and cheaper than in 2019.

[hermanotarjeta]

Originally Posted by Zcardsz

You have to rule out million dollar cards, like RPA's and Gold refractors.
But Attainable is a variable term. Obviously Topps chrome base is a timeless classic, like an 86 fleer Jordan. But of the middle tier, which I would call attainable to some, I have narrowed down to a top 4 cards I would consider high end and attainable. I would love some dialogue of which is best and why, or, rank them 1-4 in you opinion and why. All of these cards can be obtained in a PSA BGS 8-9 Range for 5k-10k. My order, and reasoning below. Argue away

#1 - 2003 SP Authentic. This is limited to 500 copies, and it is an on card autograph. Enough said. More than 500 copies have been graded, so they are all out there and accounted for. BGS 9/PSA 9 10k or less seems like a bargain.

#2 2002 Finest XRC Refractor. Numbered to 250, and was a redemption card. Technically as first card of a premium brand... some argue XRC is not a RC, but its licensed and first to the market.

#3 2003 Finest Refractor RC. Also numbered to 250, beautiful design.

#4 2003 Chrome refractor. Probably 8X- 10x less rare than any of the above, not auto's or numbered.. but it is Topps Chrome, Iconic, and most recognizable RC like 86 fleer jordan...

I think for your list, it’s sp authentic and then the rest don’t matter.

I’d rather have any other of the Lebron upper deck on card rookie autos before finest or chrome.

[JumpshotMcGavin]

For me its 2003 Topps Chrome Refractor. You may be able to get a BGS 9.5 for about 10k but may not be quad 9.5 subs.

[asujbl]

Do you want an autograph or do you not care? Kind of an important detail

[Chris P]

The SP Authentic for sure out of these options..I picked up the 2003-04 Finest refractor BGS 8 for under 3K for reference as far as pricing goes so that might be the "cheapest" out of your list

[GOATcards]

Originally Posted by asujbl

Do you want an autograph or do you not care? Kind of an important detail

OP mentioned aesthetics only about the '03 Finest Refractor, but all things considered I'd go with the auto'd SPA which also looks nice.

I don't get the appeal of the Chrome - overrated product, can hardly make out the subject's face

[hermanotarjeta]

Originally Posted by GOATcards

OP mentioned aesthetics only about the '03 Finest Refractor, but all things considered I'd go with the auto'd SPA which also looks nice.

I don't get the appeal of the Chrome - overrated product, can hardly make out the subject's face

It’s been a pumper flipper card for the poors since the beginning.

Those who couldn’t afford upper deck bought topps chrome.

[Yankees2020]

This one.

https://www.blowoutforums.com/showthread.php?t=1522648

[Asian62150]

Originally Posted by hermanotarjeta

It’s been a pumper flipper card for the poors since the beginning.

Those who couldn’t afford upper deck bought topps chrome.

that Upper Deck #301 is still underrated. Might be forever. Haha.

Waaaaay harder to pull than TC.

[NBAicons]

Always go Exquisite when you can afford it. The extra exquisite jumbo patch Lebron rookie cards are within reach for lower budgets.

[Arianny_Fan]

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

I would guess people cracking and re-submitting until they get the grade they want.

The fact that these companies don't keep track of cards' serial numbers is ludicrous.

PSA doesn't care. The more times you sub the more they will upcharge you for it.

[ninjabum87]

Therein lies the major conflict of interest where grading companies enhancing the process so it's more transparent and easy to see which cards went where would ultimately lose them money so they have a financial interest in keeping it the way things are with muddy waters rife with fraud and obfuscation. Same way they are financially incentivized to not grade too hard on their larger submitters.

[cms11]

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

I would guess people cracking and re-submitting until they get the grade they want.

The fact that these companies don't keep track of cards' serial numbers is ludicrous.

I'm very wary of grade inflation on the card.

[GOATcards]

Originally Posted by ninjabum87

Therein lies the major conflict of interest where grading companies enhancing the process so it's more transparent and easy to see which cards went where would ultimately lose them money so they have a financial interest in keeping it the way things are with muddy waters rife with fraud and obfuscation. Same way they are financially incentivized to not grade too hard on their larger submitters.

I can't retweet (re-X?) this, so I'll reblowout

[ninjacookies]

Subtle nomination for his Tune Squad RPA XXXRC.



Rarer than hair regrowth and features actual animation worn mem.

Prices sure to appreciate once impoverished Disney fanatics in Zimbabwe come into poaching money in 1x-2x years.

[sethc1020]

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

I would guess people cracking and re-submitting until they get the grade they want.

The fact that these companies don't keep track of cards' serial numbers is ludicrous.

I agree that they should but why would they? The more times people grade the same card the more money they make off of it. Keeping track is just bad for business.

But to answer OPs question, Out of the 4 listed I would probably lean SPA due to it being numbered and autoed then TC. But I would take an Ultimate Collection RC Auto over both of those.

[bbcrdrob1]

Surprised no one hasn’t mentioned the SPx Rookie Jersey Auto also numbered. Those are nice looking cards also.


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[colbycolbycolby]

Topps Chrome Refractor easy

[Kingschwab4215]

Contemporary Team Color Red /225.

[Mattchanman]

Originally Posted by Kingschwab4215

Contemporary Team Color Red /225.

+1 One of the best looking RC cards