LeBron James & Michael Jordan 2009-10 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Number Pieces Dual Autographs 05/23 #ED-JJ PSA Authentic | Game-Used Patches | On-Card Autographs

The two greatest to ever play, in one breathtaking offering.

In 2010, the Exquisite Collection raised up once more from deep and found nothing but net with a supreme product that closed the chapter on the most storied set in collecting history. On display here are the two greatest to ever grace the court: LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

Originally introduced with LeBron’s entrance into the league in 2003, the Exquisite Collection catapulted the hobby into a new stratosphere and has established the standard for ultra-high end collecting. The set is a result of years of overproduction and firmly embraces the value of limited, high-end checklists with pieces that inherently connect to the subjects. This card, a dual patch, dual autograph beauty, is in many ways the culmination of Exquisite’s impact on the world of high-end collectibles. Number pieces have proved popular both for the quality of the patches, as can be seen here with multi-color memorabilia, as well as the consistency of the serialization with the number being featured. Originally introduced in the 2005-06 set, these have become a favorite for collectors. As LeBron and Michael have shared the number 23, this card perfectly encapsulates what has drawn the two together over the last two decades as well as highlights what makes them unique.

The card features two multi-color game-worn patches as well as an on-card autograph from the two greats. This piece commemorates LeBron’s third season in the league, when he took home his first All-NBA First Team honors and set a lasting career high averaging 31.4 points per game.

LeBron also made his NBA playoff debut in 2006, where his Cavaliers defeated the Washington Wizards in the first round before falling to the back-to-back defending Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons in seven games. James averaged 30.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in his maiden playoff voyage and at the time of cataloging, nearly two decades later, he holds career playoff records in a variety of areas including points, steals, games, minutes, and wins. With the 2005-06 season, LeBron left NBA fans with no doubt about his superstar status. Before the next season, NBA GMs picked James as the runaway favorite for MVP ahead of Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, and his rival for the title of best player in basketball, Kobe Bryant.

Meanwhile, after enjoying his last true retirement from playing professionally in 2003, Jordan would return to the NBA in the summer of 2006 as minority owner and the head of basketball operations for the then-Charlotte Bobcats. This would kick off his 17-year tenure with Charlotte and allow him to compete with James, albeit from courtside.

This card has been authenticated by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). The front of the card features two on-card autographs and two multi-color patches certified by Upper Deck as having been used in an official NBA game. At the time of cataloging, it is one of only three that have been authenticated by PSA. The "05/23" stamp signifies its place in the limited print run.