Rare LeBron rookie card expected to fetch $1M at auction

A rare autographed LeBron James rookie card will soon hit the auction block.

The LBJ 2003-2004 Upper Deck Exquisite card is being auctioned off by Goldin Auctions, which told TMZ Sports that it expects the piece to sell for over $1 million. The card is one of only 23 produced and has a "gem mint" rating of 9.5.

"The basketball card market is on fire," Goldin said. "We expect this will surpass the record recently set by the $922,500 Mike Trout card to become the most valuable basketball and most valuable modern card of all time."

In addition to James' signature, the card also contains a patch of fabric from a jersey he wore during his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Bidding opens June 22.

(Photo courtesy: Goldin Auctions/TMZ Sports)