A recently discovered Michael Jordan rookie card just hit the news! It recently sold, in a private transaction, for an incredible $2.7 million. The card, an aftermarket-signed 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, has captured the sports memorabilia market’s imagination like few other cards ever have. The unprecedented sale occurred through Goldin Auctions, which continued to establish the auction house’s legacy for record high-value sales.
This specific card is graded PSA Mint 9 but features a stunning autograph grade of PSA 10. This level of grading reflects its pristine condition and the quality of Jordan’s autograph — both things that play a huge part in the piece’s value. Later in 2024, a private signing event was held where Michael Jordan personally autographed nine of the cards. Only a privileged few experienced this private encounter.
Michael Jordan’s recent decision to do private signings has opened up the world of authenticated signed memorabilia to the average collector. It was during this DC event that we signed our nine cards. Out of the eleven, six of them grade PSA 10, three grade PSA 9, which is a testament to the great quality of items produced in this signing session.
One of the top sales from this collection was a unique card created at that same signing. It eventually sold for $2.5 million via Joopiter at the end of June. Let me quickly underscore that the $2.7 million card is not a resale of the $2.5 million Joopiter card. This distinction makes it a high-water moment for the collectibles market.
Signed Michael Jordan rookie cards have been increasingly difficult to find over the last decade. This lack of availability has been particularly odd since the short limited release during a 2006 promotion. Notable achievements In 2023, Upper Deck proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary. To celebrate the release, they released 23 signed postcards into the wild during a very cool buyback promo. Since then, these cards have become extremely valuable and popular with collectors.
Goldin Auctions heralded the importance of this sale in terms of sports collectibles history.
“Signed rookie cards of greatest-of-all-time athletes, like Michael Jordan, represent the pinnacle of sports collectibles.” – Goldin
Michael Jordan’s longstanding exclusive deal with Upper Deck has ensured that his autographed memorabilia maintains a premium status in the market. And collectors have been clamoring for anything associated with his mythical career. This string of recent sales highlights both the deep market demand for the rarest, best quality sports memorabilia and the opportunity for significant long-term appreciation.
“This record-breaking sale is a testament not only to Jordan’s enduring legacy but also to the recognition of aftermarket-signed cards.” – Goldin
Michael Jordan’s longstanding exclusive deal with Upper Deck has ensured that his autographed memorabilia maintains a premium status in the market. As collectors continue to seek items tied to his legendary career, the recent sales highlight both the demand for high-quality sports memorabilia and the potential for significant investment returns.
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