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)
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As a sports memorabilia enthusiast and expert, I bring a wealth of knowledge about the world of collectibles, particularly sports cards. My expertise extends to the valuation and historical significance of iconic items like the Michael Jordan rookie card mentioned in the article.
The 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card holds a special place in the hearts of sports card collectors and enthusiasts. The fact that it recently sold for $1.008 million at Christie's is a testament to the card's enduring popularity and rarity. The autographed version, specifically from the 2006-07 re-release by Fleer, adds an extra layer of uniqueness, contributing to its substantial market value.
One crucial aspect highlighted in the article is the card's grading. The Michael Jordan rookie card in question was graded an 8.5 by Beckett Grading Services. This grading system plays a pivotal role in determining the card's condition and, consequently, its market value. Beckett Grading Services is a well-established authority in the field, and their meticulous grading process ensures a reliable assessment of a card's quality.
The article also mentions that this particular card is one of 23 signed rookie cards re-released by Fleer in 2006-07. The limited quantity of these signed cards significantly enhances their desirability among collectors. The mention of only 14 cards being discovered and graded from this set further emphasizes the scarcity of these autographed rookie cards.
Furthermore, the reference to the remaining nine cards presumed to be still in unopened boxes adds an element of mystery and anticipation to the market. Collectors are always intrigued by the possibility of discovering rare and untouched items, and in this case, the unopened boxes containing potentially valuable Michael Jordan rookie cards add another layer of excitement to the narrative.
The article touches upon the influence of external factors on the card's market value. In this case, the price of Jordan cards experienced a surge after the release of "The Last Dance" docuseries. This highlights how media exposure, especially through documentaries or other forms of popular culture, can significantly impact the demand and subsequently the value of sports memorabilia.
In summary, the Michael Jordan rookie card sale discussed in the article is a fascinating intersection of sports history, collectibles, and market dynamics. The rarity of the card, coupled with its autographed status, grading by Beckett, and external influences like documentaries, collectively contribute to the card's extraordinary market value and its standing as a coveted piece of sports memorabilia.
