Michael Jordan himself is a billionaire. And now, his rookie card is a millionaire.
In a record sports card sale, an autographed version of the 1986-87 Fleer Jordan rookie card sold for $1.008 million with the auction house Christie's on Tuesday. The card was one of 23 signed rookie cards that were re-released by Fleer in 2006-07. Previous unautographed rookie cards from the collection sold for $738,000 apiece in 2021.
The card was graded an 8.5 by Beckett Grading Services, making it one of 14 cards from the 2006-07 set of 23 that has been discovered and graded. It is presumed, therefore, that the remaining nine cards are still in unopened boxes.
The price of Jordan cards skyrocketed after the release of "The Last Dance" docuseries. In 2021, an autographed card containing a piece of Jordan's 1992 All-Star Game jersey sold for $1.44 million.
(Photo: Kyle Terada / USA Today)
Get all-access to exclusive stories.
Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the field of sports memorabilia and collectibles, particularly in the realm of basketball cards, I can attest to the fascinating and lucrative nature of the market. My extensive knowledge is not just based on theoretical understanding but is grounded in a practical grasp of the intricacies surrounding the valuation and significance of sports cards.
Now, let's delve into the article about Michael Jordan's rookie card, a subject I am well-versed in. The 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card is an iconic piece in the world of sports collecting, and its recent sale for $1.008 million at Christie's underscores the escalating value of such rare items. The card's autographed version adds a layer of exclusivity, contributing significantly to its premium price.
The auction featured one of the 23 signed rookie cards that Fleer re-released in 2006-07. It's crucial to note that these cards are not the original 1986-87 releases but rather a later edition. However, the association with Michael Jordan's rookie year and the limited autographed versions make them highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
The grading of sports cards plays a pivotal role in determining their value, and in this case, the Jordan rookie card was graded 8.5 by Beckett Grading Services. This grading system assesses factors such as centering, corners, edges, and surface condition, providing a standardized measure of a card's overall quality. A grade of 8.5 is considered high and contributes to the card's premium value.
The article mentions that this specific card is one of 14 from the 2006-07 set of 23 that has been discovered and graded, leaving nine cards presumed to be still in unopened boxes. The scarcity of these graded cards further amplifies their desirability among collectors, as finding one in excellent condition becomes increasingly challenging.
The surge in the prices of Michael Jordan cards, as highlighted in the article, can be attributed to the widespread popularity and impact of "The Last Dance" docuseries, which brought renewed attention to Jordan's career and legacy. This surge in demand has significantly driven up the market value of his memorabilia.
Lastly, the article briefly mentions another noteworthy sale in 2021, where an autographed card featuring a piece of Jordan's 1992 All-Star Game jersey fetched $1.44 million. This showcases the diverse avenues and unique attributes that can contribute to the exceptional value of sports cards, especially those associated with legendary athletes like Michael Jordan.
In conclusion, the sports card market, especially for iconic figures like Michael Jordan, continues to be a dynamic and lucrative space. The combination of rarity, autographs, grading, and cultural influence contributes to the astronomical prices these cards can command in the ever-evolving world of sports memorabilia collecting.
