According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a collectible, by definition, is “an item that some people want to collect as a hobby.” Interestingly, the Cambridge Business English Dictionary added another word towards the end: “or an investment.” Because that is what it is to a lot. What started as simply a hobby for many is now one of the most profitable businesses in the sports industry. While baseball cards rank at the top, basketball isn’t too far behind. And unsurprisingly, Michael Jordan has to be credited for that marketing aspect.

Having turned himself into a global brand, anything and anyone associated with ‘His Airness’ benefitted greatly. That includes cards. Or more to our context, rookie cards. Per NBA Central on X, just “Last week, a Michael Jordan Star rookie sold for over 1 million dollars.” 

MJ has 24 star basketball cards licensed by the NBA and issued from 1984 to 1986. And it just so happens that our $1 million star rookie is the crown jewel of the lot. “These Jordan Star Rookies keep setting new records, as they are much more scarce, especially in high grades, than other early MJ cards,” the X account wrote.

The 1984-85 Star #101 XRC (extended rookie card) was Jordan’s first licensed card as well as the first official Star issue. Needless to say, it is well worth its weight in gold. Given how it’s the Bulls legend’s most valued card, it is also the most counterfeited one. Although, it’s safe to assume that the above Michael Jordan Star Rookie is genuine.

But what about the current icons of the sport? How do they fare against one of the greatest in the field?

17 times when LeBron James and Stephen Curry cards surpassed Michael Jordan

I guess you knew that this was coming, right? After all, they are living legends and the ultimate superstars in their own right. It’s only natural that they would overtake their predecessor. Records are meant to be broken, after all. Well, it can be viewed as a record of some sort, no? And on that note, we will start with the one who tops the list – LeBron James.

1. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs #78 – $5,200,000. One of the most coveted LeBron cards, it was part of the inaugural Exquisite Collection. It features an autograph by James, a patch from his rookie game-worn jersey, and is a limited print run.
2. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs #78 – $2,400,000. Yet another valuable version of the Exquisite Collection, this next one is special because of its serial number – 23/99. A perfect match to his jersey number! Again, it features a game-worn jersey patch, and an autograph, and it is a limited edition.
3. 2020 Panini Flawless Triple Logoman Patch – $2,400,000. The extreme rarity (1/1) of this card meant that it was one of the highly sought-after collectibles. The LeBron James featured Panini Flawless has three game-worn patches of the iconic Logoman, each from his time at Cleveland, Miami, and Los Angeles. Logoman patches are among the most coveted memorabilia and one with three game-worn patches of the ‘Chosen One’? Unmatched!
4. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs #78 – $2,100,000. This one also falls under the Exquisite Collection. But what makes it a standout is the fact that there are only 23 cards issued. Given the value of No. 23, every single card in this collection is bound to fetch huge sums. And our $2.1 million friend here is the 12th card.
5. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs #78 – $1,980,000. While not a 23-run or a 1/1, this 57/99 Rookie Patch Auto still holds significance given Bron’s rookie year and being part of the Exquisite Collection.
6. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs #78 – $1,845,000. Another historic set, the 14/23 card, is another desirable card.

7. 2006-07 Upper Deck Exquisite All-NBA Access Triple Logoman – $1,680,000. A holy grail for the collectors, this 1/1 collectible features three of the elite of the elite – LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant’s game-worn Logoman patches. With the unique combination of rarity, players featured, and the luxury of the high-end Exquisite Collection, owning this is almost like owning a piece of the NBA history.

   PREVIEW: 2006-07 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection All NBA Access Triple Logoman #TL-JJB Michael Jordan/LeBron James/Kobe Bryant Game-Used Logoman Patch Card (#1/1) – PSA Authentic

   ⏰ Bidding opens tonight at 8 PM ET: https://t.co/t7gKlZ5jUB pic.twitter.com/5Z6vtRqGs9

   — Goldin (@GoldinCo) July 20, 2022

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8. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs #78 – $1,572,000 – 30/99.
9. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs #78 – $1,537,500 – 32/99.2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs #78 – $1,392,000 – 17/99.
10. 2004-05 Upper Deck Ultimate Signatures Logos #USL-LJ Signed Logoman Card – $1,291,500 – A slight variation of the Triple Logoman, this 1/1 card features a combination of both James’ signature and patch from his game-worn 2004-05 jersey that features the NBA logo. It naturally heightens the value of the memorabilia.
11.  2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs #78 – $1,200,000 – 78/99.
12. 2003 Topps Chrome #111 – $1,200,000 – This 2003 rookie card is the 4x champion’s first card of the Topps Chrome Set. As the name suggests, it has a chrome finish, with a clean, professional image. It, however, is not numbered, but it has a PSA Gem Mint 10 grade, meaning they are in pristine condition. All the more valuable. Then again, the Topps Chrome series is primarily known for its durability and quality.
13. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs #78 – $1,092,000 – 19/99.
14. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs #78 – $1,062,000  – 36/99.

And Stephen Curry?

1. 2009-10 Panini National Treasures Stephen Curry Rookie Logoman Autograph – It tops the list at a whopping  $5,900,000! The 1/1 rarity features a rookie Steph with the estimable Logoman game-worn patch along with his autograph. Given that it’s the only one of its kind is also part of the allure.

2. 2009-10 Panini National Treasures “Century Platinum” Rookie Patch Autograph – $1,080,000. With just five cards of the collectible issued, this 4/5 item is surely a prized treasure. Or investment, depending on the way you look at it, of course. The Rookie Patch Auto obviously has Steph’s signature and a visually striking part of his rookie game-worn jersey. The “Century Platinum” indicates that it is a high-end variant, using premium materials and designs.

So, we have reached the end. A long list, but an informative one, nonetheless. So, how many of these do you own? Or are looking to get your hands on it? Do let us know in the comments.