2023 Leaf Metal Football Makai Lemon Purple Optichrome #NA-1
Makai Lemon · Leaf · Prospect, Parallel, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness)
Player
Makai Lemon
Set
2023 Leaf Metal Football / Optichrome
Year
2023
Card #
NA-1
Condition Grade
Estimated PSA 9 (Mint). The centering looks excellent and corners appear sharp through the top loader. No major surface scratches are visible on the card itself, though the top loader is heavily scuffed. Any potential surface dimples common on chrome cards would lower results to an 8.
Category
Prospect, Parallel, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness)
Manufacturer
Leaf
Demand Level
Moderate. Demand is highly dependent on Makai Lemon's performance for USC. As a young prospect, his market is most active during the college football season.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$5.00 - $12.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $15-20, PSA 9: $25-35, PSA 10: $60-80. Note: Grading costs for this specific modern Leaf card currently exceed the raw market value, making it a 'personal collection' grading candidate rather than a 'flip' candidate.
Comparable Sales
Raw base/purple parallels of this set usually sell between $3 and $10 plus shipping. Auto versions of the same card sell for $15-30, which anchors the value of the non-auto versions relatively low.
Description
Features USC standout wide receiver Makai Lemon in his collegiate uniform. The card uses Leaf's signature 'Optichrome' technology with a vibrant purple parallel finish. The design features a futuristic grid pattern background and a high-gloss, metallic surface that reflects light with a rainbow-like sheen.
Key Features
Early NIL (College) card for a highly touted USC wide receiver; Purple Optichrome parallel; High-gloss aesthetic appeal.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct Leaf Optichrome branding, proper card stock thickness, high-quality reflective surface consistent with Leaf Metal production. Leaf logos are crisp. High confidence in authenticity.
Flaws to Note
Heavy scratching visible on the top loader makes a final surface assessment difficult. Potential for minor edge chipping on leaf metal stock and typical surface refraction dimples common in modern chrome-style products.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for this specific card due to the high volume of prospect collectors. Facebook USC fan groups or 'Cards for Sale' groups are also viable for avoiding high fees on lower-value items.
Selling Tips
Take the card out of the scratched top loader and place it in a brand-new, clean one before photographing for sale. Use keywords like 'USC', 'Trojans', 'NIL', and 'Prospect' in the title. Sell during a week where he has a standout game for maximum return.