The Value of a Basketball Card in South Beach: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh

By Brett Lewis | Jul 13, 2010

Below are the Top 10 eBay sales for LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh since they formed an alliance in South Beach last week.

LeBron James

03-04 Finest Gold Refractor (PSA 10) - $29,999
03-04 Fleer Ultra Platinum Medallion /100 - $3,800
03-04 SP Authentic Level 1 Rookie Authenitcs Auto /50 - $1,700
08-09 UD Black James/Jordan Dual Patch Auto /15 - $1,175
03-04 Exquisite "Exquisite Patches" Auto /100 - $1,099.99
03-04 SPx Jersey Auto /750 (SGC 96) - $1,025
03-04 SP Authentic Rookie Authentics Auto /500 (BGS 9) - $909
03-04 SP Authentic Rookie Authentics Auto /500 (BGS 9) - $898
08-09 Exquisite Emblems Of Endorsement Auto /10 - $875
03-04 Upper Deck Honor Roll Jersey Auto /25 - $830

Dwyane Wade

03-04 Ultimate Collection "Ultimate Rookie" Auto (BGS 9.5) - $500
03-04 SP Signature Edition SP Rookie Logo Auto /25 - $500
03-04 SP Authentic Level Rookie Authentics Auto /500 (BGS 9.5) - $495
03-04 SP Authentic Level Rookie Authentics Auto /500 (BGS 9) - $399.95
03-04 Topps Chrome Black Refractor (PSA 10) - $350
03-04 SP Game Used Rookie Exclusives Auto /100 - $347.25
03-04 Bowman Signature Edition Gold Auto /99 - $299.95
03-04 Topps Chrome X-Fractor (BGS 9.5) - $298
09-10 Timeless Treasures Heat Logo Auto 1/1 - $280
03-04 Bowman Chrome Auto (PSA 9) - $273.95

Chris Bosh

03-04 Bowman Chrome X-Fractor Auto /25 - $506.88
03-04 Exquisite "Noble Nameplates" Patch Auto /25 - $427.50
03-04 SPx Spectrum Jersey Auto /25 - $350
03-04 SPx Jersey Auto /750 (BGS 10) - $305
03-04 SP Signature Edition Rookie Exclusives Auto (PSA 10) - $250
09-10 SP Game Used NBA "Logo Men" Patch /7 - $250
03-04 Ultimate Collection Auto /250 (BGS 9.5) - $250
03-04 Ultimate Collection Auto /250 (BGS 9.5) - $239.99
03-04 Bowman Chrome Refractor Auto - $235
03-04 Bowman Chrome Refractor Auto - $235

Wade, James, Bosh

(5) 03-04 Topps Matrix James/Wade/Bosh RC- $327.22
03-04 Topps Matrix James/Wade/Bosh RC - $142.50
03-04 Topps Matrix James/Wade/Bosh RC - $130
03-04 Topps Matrix James/Wade/Bosh RC (BGS 9) - $125
03-04 Topps Matrix James/Wade/Bosh RC - $119.95

Conclusion:

Chris Bosh is hands down the biggest hobby winner of the recent "South Beach Signings". Dwyane Wade's cards also saw a fairly substantial boost in interest in in the secondary market, the interesting part is that LeBron's cards seem to have gone on a "South Beach Diet" since joining Wade and Bosh in Miami. Some will point to the so called "betrayal" as the sole reason behind the slight down turn in card value, but I think it has more to do with the perception that LeBron's scoring average will likely decline as a result of playing with Wade and Bosh. Fortunately for LeBron collectors, averaging a triple-double or winning an NBA Title would make the scoring concerns disappear into the heat of the night.

In Topps Matrix news, the "2003-04 Topps Matrix James/Wade/Bosh RC" has gone from being one of the worst "true rookies" for each player to being one of the best. The card once known as the "one without Carmelo Anthony" has sky-rocketed from $10 to a $100 since the signing! Here's the good part, an insane amount of this card were produced, which means there should be plenty mixed into a "$10 singles box" at a card store or show near you. Does anyone else think we should call this card "The Matrix Trilogy"?