A LeBron James rookie card has sold for $2.928 million, setting a new record in the public auction market.

On June 29, Beijing time, a LeBron James trading card of great collectible significance achieved a record-high price at auction today.

This 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Autograph Patch card featuring James was sold at Goldin Auctions for $2.928 million (about 19.9 million RMB), establishing a new record for the highest public auction price for a LeBron James card.

The card received a BGS grade of 9.5 for condition and a perfect 10 for its autograph sub-grade.

Although it is the most expensive LeBron James card sold at public auction, another James jersey patch autograph rookie card was sold in a private sale in 2021 for $5.2 million, which remains the overall record for the highest price ever paid for a LeBron James card.

A trading card signed by both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, sold in 2025, holds the all-time record for the most expensive sports card globally ($12.9 million).

The LeBron James card sold today is likely to increase in value over time.

James has long been established among the elite in basketball history, with four championships, four regular-season MVP awards, and countless individual honors. As the NBA's all-time leading scorer, he is widely expected to continue playing in the 2026-27 season, further enriching his career legacy.

U.S. media noted that the astronomical price paid today is not inflated; this collectible is almost certain to become a high-quality investment that retains and grows in value.