1986 psa 9 jordan rc or 2003 james psa 10 topps chrome rc

[kefskala]

Both are similar in price. psa 9 jordan has a pop of 2734, lebron psa 10 has a pop 2034...im selling some cards and want to re invest...

[HoodaBest2k20]

I like the Bron personally as I think he will he considered equal if not greater than MJ when he retires and a PSA 10>PSA9 of two equals.


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[MBMiller25]

Both are similar in price. psa 9 jordan has a pop of 2734, lebron psa 10 has a pop 2034...im selling some cards and want to re invest...

LBJ Topps Chrome PSA 10 and the pop is 1997. I would rather have the 10 over the 9.

[kefskala]

LBJ Topps Chrome PSA 10 and the pop is 1997. I would rather have the 10 over the 9.

yes my bad pop is 1997 on lebron...

[Willikn]

Jordan has one RC card. Can't go wrong there.

LeBron, a ton and the LeChrome RC is one of the most plentiful RC issues he has. Without researching, I'd guess it is the most plentiful in a 9 or 10 slab. Topps paper the only one that gives me pause.

In other words, the LeChrome has competition. Not saying it will happen, but it is possible that the supply portion of the equation hurts it when compared to cards like UD #301. The Topps Finest LeBron RC gives you that same chrome feel, #/999 and so few are 10s. Same price though.

[hauntedcomputer]

I'd be afraid the chrome cards turn completely green in 20 years myself. 86fleer will always be the iconic Jordan card, and indeed one of the most iconic cards in the hobby ever. As stated, there are lots of different Lebron rookies--even the most popular or valuable won't be iconic.

[asujbl]

I'll take the LeBron Topps Chrome PSA 10

I simply don't "need" a Jordan PSA 9 (not that I wouldn't take one obviously)

I need a LeBron 10 for the PC

[heatdawg]

Tough pick, dont think there is a wrong pick here...

Pick who you like more...

I actually like LBJ more but a Jordan RC is more iconic IMO so I would take that.

[kefskala]

I'll take the LeBron Topps Chrome PSA 10

I simply don't "need" a Jordan PSA 9 (not that I wouldn't take one obviously)

I need a LeBron 10 for the PC

right, and i would always choose a 10 over a 9 also, but this is a different case in comparing two of the GOATS and their demand in collecting. both cards have really taken off in value. I grow up as a knicks fan watching Jordan destroy us in the garden during the 90's, so for some reason instead of hating him I grow fond of him, if that makes sence....so im leaning towards the jordan...

[YeahBuddy]

Jordan

[asujbl]

right, and i would always choose a 10 over a 9 also, but this is a different case in comparing two of the GOATS and their demand in collecting. both cards have really taken off in value. I grow up as a knicks fan watching Jordan destroy us in the garden during the 90's, so for some reason instead of hating him I grow fond of him, if that makes sence....so im leaning towards the jordan...

I'm just too OCD about it (and I grew up in the 80's and 90's as well)

My collection is not "complete" without a LeBron James Chrome PSA 10. If I didn't own one I'd always want one.

If I can't buy a Jordan Fleer PSA 10 at some point in my life? I don't really care if I own a PSA 6, 7, 8 or 9. None of them are a 10 so they are all essentially interchangeable to me.

I realize lots of people wouldn't agree but that's how my collection works.

LeBron is still affordable enough (relatively speaking) that I want the 10 if I can get one now.

[mc1]

I'd be afraid the chrome cards turn completely green in 20 years myself. 86fleer will always be the iconic Jordan card, and indeed one of the most iconic cards in the hobby ever. As stated, there are lots of different Lebron rookies--even the most popular or valuable won't be iconic.

Has there ever been a 2003-04 Chrome Lebron that has faded or turned green?

[Willikn]

Has there ever been a 2003-04 Chrome Lebron that has faded or turned green?

I've never seen a 2003, but I have seen 1998-99 hulksters and those are supposed to be green proof.

[asujbl]

I've never seen a 2003, but I have seen 1998-99 hulksters and those are supposed to be green proof.

Why was 1998-99 supposed to be "green proof"

I've never heard that before.

[Willikn]

I'm just too OCD about it (and I grew up in the 80's and 90's as well)

My collection is not "complete" without a LeBron James Chrome PSA 10. If I didn't own one I'd always want one.

If I can't buy a Jordan Fleer PSA 10 at some point in my life? I don't really care if I own a PSA 6, 7, 8 or 9. None of them are a 10 so they are all essentially interchangeable to me.

I realize lots of people wouldn't agree but that's how my collection works.

LeBron is still affordable enough (relatively speaking) that I want the 10 if I can get one now.

I realize that parallels, auto'd cards and patch cards are no good. I wonder though about XRC. It appears you are okay with those. So I wonder aloud, would the 1985 Nike Jordan in a "10" slab fit your criteria? It isn't pack pulled, but some of your current stuff isn't either. Interlake is another option but not nearly as affordable.

[BLongley]

2003 should be all good , this was a great piece that Deadshot did when he interviewed the creator of the original topps chrome cards and the changes that were then made after 2002 , prior to 02 may green.

https://www.blowoutforums.com/showthread.php?t=1386520

[asujbl]

I realize that parallels, auto'd cards and patch cards are no good. I wonder though about XRC. It appears you are okay with those. So I wonder aloud, would the 1985 Nike Jordan in a "10" slab fit your criteria? It isn't pack pulled, but some of your current stuff isn't either. Interlake is another option but not nearly as affordable.

It would not

The only Jordan that would fit my PC is a Fleer PSA 10. Which I hope to own at some point.

Until that time? I don't care what grade I had if I had one.

Which is why I'd rather spend the money on LeBron to lock that one down now.

[Willikn]

Why was 1998-99 supposed to be "green proof"

I've never heard that before.

Picked that up reading threads here. That seems to be the common school of thought.

I've dumped nearly all of my 93-97 Finest/Chrome/Best stuff that has yet to green and was going to transition to 1998 on.. but when I saw some 1998 in old 10 slabs that was turning, I pulled back. I've shut down all Chrome/Finest purchases unless it is cheap stuff. Error on the side of caution and so forth.

[Gio47]

Jordan all day, more iconic. Also, if LeBron loses this year then I think the talk of him up there with MJ will subside and it'll become LeBron vs Kobe.

[asujbl]

Jordan all day, more iconic. Also, if LeBron loses this year then I think the talk of him up there with MJ will subside and it'll become LeBron vs Kobe.

LeBron is going to retire after this year? That's quite the hot take.

[whoaitsg33]

https://a.espncdn.com/i/infographics/20171107_jordan_lebron/nba_lebronvsjordan_005.png


https://www.thecoli.com/media/stephen-a-smith.10559/full

[kefskala]

Both are similar in price. psa 9 jordan has a pop of 2734, lebron psa 10 has a pop 2034...im selling some cards and want to re invest...

let me throw another card out there which is one of my top five 1980 bird/magic rc psa 9, which also goes for the same amount... decisions decisions like the game of life.....psa 9 pop is 606

[Willikn]

let me throw another card out there which is one of my top five 1980 bird/magic rc psa 9, which also goes for the same amount... decisions decisions like the game of life.....psa 9 pop is 606

If you need investment ideas, as you implied with the original post, put the $10k somewhere safer than cards. If you want to collect legendary cards, and $10k is the cap, maybe don't limit yourself to one card priced at $10k. Grab the Jordan in an 8, the Bird/Magic in an 8, and pocket $2k... or spend the $2k on a different LeBron rookie card.

[mc1]

Why was 1998-99 supposed to be "green proof"

I've never heard that before.

@Willikn
Base chrome? Doubt it. Show me one green Dirk, VC or Paul Pierce.:coffee:

If youre talking about Finest or Chrome inserts then maybe...

[discodanman45]

This is a silly question, the answer is the Jordan and it isn't close. Going by PSA population reports is silly. Isn't anyone taking BGS into consideration??? There are a lot more PSA 9 Topps Chrome Lebron's out there and it isn't close. It was just that the PSA 9 quality cards were graded by Beckett. Pop reports from BGS

2003 Topps Chrome Lebron BGS 9.5 and 10's - 3270
1986 Fleer Jordan BGS 9.5 and 10's - 526

People seem to forget the majority of Lebron's cards were graded back in the day when BGS was more valued as a grader. I think a BGS 9.5 and PSA 9 are similar enough to compare for population. That means

1986 Fleer Jordan - 3260
2003 Topps Chrome Lebron - 5304

Now lets take a look at PSA 9, PSA 10, BGS 9.5, and BGS 10 combined populations.

1986 Fleer Jordan - 3572
2003 Topps Chrome Lebron - 7301

How can we even compare these two cards? Once Lebron retires and new collectors enter the market, the Jordan will reign supreme once again. Plus a PSA 9 Jordan can be considered a PSA 10 Lebron because there are hardly any PSA 10 Jordan's out there. This is not even a debate.

[Willikn]

@Willikn
Base chrome? Doubt it. Show me one green Dirk, VC or Paul Pierce.:coffee:

If youre talking about Finest or Chrome inserts then maybe...Yeah, those I saw were Finest. Refractors at that. I don't have the answers. I just know that the Topps greening was not solved for 1998 products. I can't trust any of them man. Doesn't mean you shouldn't.

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[asujbl]

This is a silly question, the answer is the Jordan and it isn't close. Going by PSA population reports is silly. Isn't anyone taking BGS into consideration??? There are a lot more PSA 9 Topps Chrome Lebron's out there and it isn't close. It was just that the PSA 9 quality cards were graded by Beckett. Pop reports from BGS

2003 Topps Chrome Lebron BGS 9.5 and 10's - 3270
1986 Fleer Jordan BGS 9.5 and 10's - 526

People seem to forget the majority of Lebron's cards were graded back in the day when BGS was more valued as a grader. I think a BGS 9.5 and PSA 9 are similar enough to compare for population. That means

1986 Fleer Jordan - 3260
2003 Topps Chrome Lebron - 5304

Now lets take a look at PSA 9, PSA 10, BGS 9.5, and BGS 10 combined populations.

1986 Fleer Jordan - 3572
2003 Topps Chrome Lebron - 7301

How can we even compare these two cards? Once Lebron retires and new collectors enter the market, the Jordan will reign supreme once again. Plus a PSA 9 Jordan can be considered a PSA 10 Lebron because there are hardly any PSA 10 Jordan's out there. This is not even a debate.

Except it literally is a debate as evidenced by this thread

[ninjacookies]

Think I'd toss out the numerical grade disparity in this particular case.

You're talking about a card released during the shoebox/bicycle spoke era...grading and meticulous care were not mainstream considerations back then. That's why psa 3 and 4's are commonplace.


I view a 9 Jordan as more impressive solely from that perspective. The percentage of 9's vs. the actual amount that were created I'd guess would favor the MJ heavily.


Don't think there's a wrong answer, but I'd take the MJ.

[zephyr]

Buy the card, not the grade!

[asujbl]

Buy the card, not the grade!

#hottake

[razorsharp]

The Jordan. LeBron has too many other rookies to choose from.

And the Chrome while super popular still isn't LeBron's best rookie. In fact, it's not even top 4. The Exquisite, Ultimate, SP Authentic and SPX are all better.

[asujbl]

The Jordan. LeBron has too many other rookies to choose from.

And the Chrome while super popular still isn't LeBron's best rookie. In fact, it's not even top 4. The Exquisite, Ultimate, SP Authentic and SPX are all better.

Unless you don’t care about autographs...

Since that’s all you listed

Does he have a better base card? Since that’s driving the market...

[razorsharp]

Unless you don’t care about autographs...

Since that’s all you listed

Does he have a better base card? Since that’s driving the market...

I mean all the cards I listed are true rookies just like the Topps Chrome.

[asujbl]

I mean all the cards I listed are true rookies just like the Topps Chrome.

Absolutely agree

They are also autographs

Lots of people don’t give a crap about autographs of people younger than them.

Base vs Base. If we had a Jordan Fleer Autograph I’m sure the base would be knocked down a few rungs.

[asujbl]

If also much rather have TC over SPX if we’re combining everything. SPX is gross.

I’ll give you the million dollar card and the other 2

[kingofsnake]

I choose the MJ also, provided it hasn't been trimmed or otherwise messed with.

[6celtics33]

Jordan all day, more iconic. Also, if LeBron loses this year then I think the talk of him up there with MJ will subside and it'll become LeBron vs Kobe.

I’ve heard multiple espn pundits after each and every one of Lebron’s many failures say that the argument is dead to them and then it just starts back the next year every time. So no that won’t happen if he loses.

[KhalDrogo]

Always interesting to look at these things in perspective.

[Willikn]

Unless you don’t care about autographs...

Since that’s all you listed

Does he have a better base card? Since that’s driving the market...

We agree that TC is driving the market. We agree that it is the bell cow of LeBron rookies. I offer the below only to answer the question.

Better is up for debate. Comps are difficult on the below as they are rarely if ever up for sale. Using the best comps I can, the below are as expensive, or more expensive in same grade..

Finest
Finite - this one soooo cool
Skybox LE

Glass probably isn't, but for the life of me I can't figure why anyone would pay more for the LeChrome. I'd bet my house that Glass will pass it up at some point before I kick it.

[rats60]

We agree that TC is driving the market. We agree that it is the bell cow of LeBron rookies. I offer the below only to answer the question.

Better is up for debate. Comps are difficult on the below as they are rarely if ever up for sale. Using the best comps I can, the below are as expensive, or more expensive in same grade..

Finest
Finite - this one soooo cool
Skybox LE

Glass probably isn't, but for the life of me I can't figure why anyone would pay more for the LeChrome. I'd bet my house that Glass will pass it up at some point before I kick it.

The Skybox LE/99 is his best non auto RC.

[Willikn]

The Skybox LE/99 is his best non auto RC.

It is muddied a little because there are other versions of the same card, same card #, same image, with different serial numbers. Four parallels I think. The image is absolutely awesome.

Finite would be my pick but that's based on nothing more than personal preference. It too has a gold version. Only three PSA 10s exist (zero of the gold) so a true comp is impossible.

I own neither although I chased that Finite for years. Don't own Glass, Finest, or the LeChrome.

[yaoming]

Jordan fleer RC
Not even close


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[kefskala]

Jordan fleer RC
Not even close


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Thanks for all of your imput.....Jordan PSA 9 it is and PWCC has a nice one going off in a few days....

[kingofsnake]

Thanks for all of your imput.....Jordan PSA 9 it is and PWCC has a nice one going off in a few days....

If it's PWCC and a high-dollar graded card, I encourage you to do ample research regarding card dimensions.

[kefskala]

If it's PWCC and a high-dollar graded card, I encourage you to do ample research regarding card dimensions.

even thou it is a low serial psa number?

[Vinny1984]

For investment purposes, Lebron psa 10 every time. If you are even in the conversation or being one of the greatest ever, you have achieved hobby immortality. IMO, the lebron has so much more room to grow. Neither card will go down in value and both are safe investments.

You will get differing opinions. I was born in 84 so I watched Jordan play but couldn’t comprehend how great he was until I got older. I got to see first hand how great Lebron was from the start. A lot of new collectors/investors that stay will gravitate towards Lebron over Jordan simply because they can relate.

[eastbayak]

We agree that TC is driving the market. We agree that it is the bell cow of LeBron rookies. I offer the below only to answer the question.

Better is up for debate. Comps are difficult on the below as they are rarely if ever up for sale. Using the best comps I can, the below are as expensive, or more expensive in same grade..

Finest
Finite - this one soooo cool
Skybox LE

Glass probably isn't, but for the life of me I can't figure why anyone would pay more for the LeChrome. I'd bet my house that Glass will pass it up at some point before I kick it.

The bolded cards are definitely nice ones to add. Just as a disclaimer, I do own a Finest refractor /250 and the SkyBox LE /99. I regret not adding a non-refractor Finest though as I do place value on the true RCs.

I considered adding the Finite /200 in a recent auction but hesitated because I found better (short-term) value elsewhere. However, I do think the potential for that card is GREAT. It has a simple yet elegant design too.

I'm shocked that the Glass /250 doesn't get much love compared to other LeBron RCs. I considered adding one but there doesn't seem to be as much demand for it as the other ones you listed (and even others non-listed). I wonder if it because's it's not your standard care but a plexiglass one.

The Skybox LE/99 is his best non auto RC.

I'm biased because I own one but I only paid so much for it because it's tied with the Exquisite RPA for being his rarest RC. Years down the road, that will play a huge part in valuation IMO.

It is muddied a little because there are other versions of the same card, same card #, same image, with different serial numbers. Four parallels I think. The image is absolutely awesome.

Finite would be my pick but that's based on nothing more than personal preference. It too has a gold version. Only three PSA 10s exist (zero of the gold) so a true comp is impossible.

I own neither although I chased that Finite for years. Don't own Glass, Finest, or the LeChrome.

I gave that serious consideration when deciding whether to pursue the SkyBox LE /99 or not. I don't think it's as problematic as you perceive anymore. New collectors might not recognize the difference and blindly value the one with the shorter print-run but experienced (and hardcore LeBron) collectors do know the difference. And the latter group of people are the ones likely to attempt to add one in the future. Also, as time passes, new collectors become better informed (through their own research and/or being informed by experienced collectors) and become part of the latter group (much like how you educated me about a bunch of LeBron rookies of which I had little knowledge prior to that exchange in the "Best LeBron rookies to start with" thread).

Another card that was worried to be "muddied" was the 03-04 Ultra card because of variations like the H2 hummer cards. I tracked this card because I was thinking about picking one up. After seeing a bunch of LeBron RCs explode in valuation over recent months, I decided to add a 03-04 LeBron Ultra /500 BGS 8.5 (a week or two ago) because the price was a lot better relative to some of LeBron's other serial-numbered true RCs. And just the other day, an auction for one of the same grade ended for $1850. Approximately 2 months ago, a BGS 9 sold for $950 via best offer.

Basically, I think collectors are becoming better informed, and subsequently, aren't as worried about those "muddied" cards because they've done their due diligence and learned about (or already know) which ones to pick up. These days, we have a lot of great resources readily available to via BO forums, simple key word searches on google, etc (that's how I stumbled upon stuff like: https://www.beckett.com/news/lebron-james-rookie-cards/, "Best LeBron rookies to start with" thread, etc). With how bullish the card market has been, collectors are searching for and digesting information much faster now than before in efforts of identifying what's still undervalued in fear that the window is closing. For that reason, I argue that the "muddiness" factor isn't much of a problem anymore, and it might've even benefited experienced collectors by offering them a larger window for opportunity (e.g., when collectors start looking to find value in LeBron RCs outside of TC, experienced collectors will know which ones to pick up from each set whereas new collectors will be boggled/hesitate due to all the variation for a given set and/or need to ask a number of questions which slow down such efforts).

[Willikn]

To clarify, muddied or not the LE is fairly argued as the #1 non-auto'd RC. The parallels, along with the base, are so scarce that they are all winners.

To Eastbayak, tip of the cap for your honest listing of the Honor Roll.

[discodanman45]

If someone tells you they have a Jordan rookie, you immediately say that 1986 Fleer is an amazing iconic card. If someone tells you they have a Lebron rookie, you immediately say "which one?" Twenty years from now the Jordan PSA 9 will be 10x's the amount of a Lebron Topps Chrome PPSA 10. One is an iconic card and the other is just another Lebron rookie IMO.

[asujbl]

If someone tells you they have a Jordan rookie, you immediately say that 1986 Fleer is an amazing iconic card. If someone tells you they have a Lebron rookie, you immediately say "which one?" Twenty years from now the Jordan PSA 9 will be 10x's the amount of a Lebron Topps Chrome PPSA 10. One is an iconic card and the other is just another Lebron rookie IMO.

I'm super excited to bump this in 20 years.

[brothertona]

I'd say Topps Chrome Lebron just because for a card like the 86 Jordan grade doesn't matter. I'll take a beater Jordan with great eye appeal, I can always find a low grade Jordan rookie, I can't always find a perfect Lebron James rookie.

[eastbayak]

To clarify, muddied or not the LE is fairly argued as the #1 non-auto'd RC. The parallels, along with the base, are so scarce that they are all winners.

To Eastbayak, tip of the cap for your honest listing of the Honor Roll.

Your "muddied" argument is still valid though. I wonder if it's level of impact varies from set-to-set (e.g., some sets being impacted more than others).

Thank you! I still want to own the Honor Roll /499 RC though, just not the exact one that I currently own. Although I don't seek perfection, I don't like how faint the ink of the serial numbering became (which is my absolute fault) and some residue still remains on the front of the card. I rather own a PSA/BGS 7-8.5 without those issues.