While Upper Deck’s groundbreaking 2003 Exquisite Collection release helped redefine ultra-modern, high-end collecting that remains a pillar of basketball cards today, it wasn’t the company’s first foray into developing a premium product. In 2000, UD’s Ultimate Collection hit retail shelves with a $100-per-pack price point. The line remained popular with collectors in the following years, leading up to LeBron James’ introduction to the NBA in 2003. Collectors eagerly chased the King’s rookie autos in both Exquisite and Ultimate, including cards such as this beautiful Ultimate Signatures Gold from the latter.
The Signatures Gold parallel featured varying print runs based on a player’s jersey number. Thus, LeBron’s is /23. That number is recognizable in his signature style from his early days, showcased here in a deep, on-card blue strike that earned a 10 grade. The card, hand-numbered 21/23, also earned a Gem Mint BGS 9.5 designation, with none grade higher by the company.
Please note that there is a light crack running along bottom left corner of the BGS holder.
The certification number on this card has been checked against the third-party authenticator's online database and is active as of 07/10/2025.
