2003-04
Toppsbasketball
2003-04 Topps Chrome Basketball Hobby Box
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Other releases of Topps Chrome
Frequently asked
Why is this set so expensive now?
LeBron James' rookie card (#111) is one of the most iconic cards in basketball history. Even base versions command thousands, and refractor and numbered parallels go much higher. The entire rookie class of 2003 (Wade, Carmelo, Bosh) adds depth to the chase.
What are the key rookies in this set?
LeBron James (#111), Dwyane Wade (#115), Carmelo Anthony (#113), and Chris Bosh (#114) are the four biggest names. All have base, refractor, and numbered parallel versions that collectors hunt.
How do the refractor parallels work?
Refractors pull at 1:4 packs and come in multiple tiers: standard refractor, Black Bordered (numbered), Gold Bordered (numbered to 99 for vets, 50 for rookies), and X-Fractor (numbered). Each tier is progressively scarcer.
What's the difference between the numbered parallels?
Black Bordered Refractors are numbered to 500, Gold Bordered Rookies to 50, and Gold Bordered Veterans to 99. X-Fractors are also numbered but the exact print run varies. Lower numbers mean rarer cards.
Do boxes have autographs?
Yes, but they're not guaranteed. On average you'll pull one autograph or relic card per two boxes. ChromoGraphs is the autograph insert subset, and those also come in refractor versions numbered to 25.
How many packs are in a box?
24 packs per box, with 4 cards per pack, so 96 cards total per box. The set has 165 base cards, so you'll see repeats and parallels.
What inserts should I look for besides refractors?
Bonus Coverage, Gametime Gear, Chrome Cuts, and ChromoGraphs are the main insert sets. ChromoGraphs is the autograph subset. All have refractor versions numbered to 25, making them short prints.
What's in a 2003-04 Topps Chrome hobby box?
24 packs per box, 4 cards per pack
Where can I buy 2003-04 Topps Chrome?
We track listings across the major North American card shops and surface the best price up top. The Buy on eBay links go through the eBay Partner Network.
2003-04 Topps Chrome Basketball
The set that launched LeBron James' rookie card (#111), this is the basketball product collectors hunt for refractors and the iconic rookie class of 2003. Expect LeBron, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh rookies in multiple parallel tiers.
Autographs
1 Autograph or relic per 2 boxes on average
On average per hobby box
- 25 Rookie cards (LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and others)
- 6 Refractor parallels (1:4 packs)
- Black Bordered Refractors (numbered)
- Gold Bordered Refractors (numbered to 99 for veterans, 50 for rookies)
- X-Fractor parallels (numbered)
- Bonus Coverage insert cards
- Gametime Gear insert cards
- Chrome Cuts insert cards
- ChromoGraphs insert cards
Inserts to watch
- Refractors 1 in 4 packs The core parallel chase, available on base and rookie cards alike.
- X-Fractor Premium numbered parallel with a distinctly different look from standard refractors.
- Black Bordered Refractors Numbered parallel tier that adds scarcity to the refractor base.
- Gold Bordered Refractors Numbered to 99 for veterans and 50 for rookies, making rookie versions especially scarce.
- Bonus Coverage Insert set with refractor versions numbered to 25.
- ChromoGraphs Autograph insert subset with refractor parallels numbered to 25.
Fast facts
- Box config
- 24 packs per box, 4 cards per pack