Michael Jordan
NBA Hall of Fame Shooting Guard / 6-time NBA Champion · Basketball - NBA
Chicago Bulls
Era
Modern Era - Circa late 1990s to early 2000s
Item Type
Trading Card - Oversized/Promo
Condition
Good to Very Good. The card shows surface scratches and edge wear. The signature is bold but slightly overlapping the darker areas of the artwork.
Rarity
Historically prolific signer via Upper Deck, but exceptionally high demand makes authentic examples rare on the secondary market.
Overall Assessment
While the signature follows the correct general form, the lack of standard Upper Deck authentication and the presence of slight 'ink hesitation' suggests this is likely a high-quality forgery or a souvenir reprint. Professional third-party authentication is mandatory before any transaction.
Authenticity Assessment
Uncertain - requires professional authentication. The signature lacks the fluid speed and specific 'open' letter loops typically seen in authentic Upper Deck examples.
Signature Style
Abbreviated 'M. Jordan' scrawl with typical large loop 'M' and hooked 'J'. Signature appears somewhat constricted by the card borders.
Signature Characteristics
The 'M' has the characteristic high peaks, but the 'J' lacks the fluid downward stroke and the 'dan' portion is unusually tight and tremulous compared to verified exemplars.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie style). The ink shows consistent saturation with some surface pooling typical of glossy card stock.
Item Description
1990s Upper Deck 'The Collector's Choice' Michael Jordan artist rendering card featuring art by Alan Studt.
Estimated Value
$1,500 - $3,000 if authenticated; $50 - $100 as a 'reprint' or unauthenticated novelty.
Comparison to Known Examples
Compared to UDA-verified cards of the same era, this example shows more 'stop-and-start' hesitation and lacks the natural flow of Jordan's elite-level hand speed.
Authentication Tips
Look for the 'Upper Deck Authenticated' (UDA) hologram on the back. Jordan rarely signed cards in-person after 1992-1993, making non-UDA cards highly suspicious.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA (James Spence Authentication). Beckett (BAS) is also acceptable.
Red Flags
Lack of a visible UDA hologram; unnatural hesitation in the 'ord' section of the surname; overly structured 'M' that looks drawn rather than written.
Provenance Notes
Collectors should seek an Upper Deck Certificate of Authenticity (COA) that matches a hologram number on the card itself.
Historical Context
This card dates to the 'The Collector's Choice' era of the mid-90s, coinciding with Jordan's return from his first retirement and the Bulls' second three-peat.
Market Trends
Jordan autographs remain the 'gold standard' of sports memorabilia, with values consistently appreciating for authenticated vintage pieces.
Investment Potential
Extremely high if authenticated by PSA/DNA. Jordan's market is the most stable and liquid in the sports world.
Similar Autographs
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Magic Johnson autographs are often sought by collectors of high-end basketball memorabilia.
Display & Preservation
Store in a PVC-free top-loader or a recessed UV-protected slab to prevent ink fading and surface 'ghosting' against the plastic.
Interesting Facts
Michael Jordan has an exclusive signing contract with Upper Deck, meaning nearly all authentic signed cards will have their specific branding and holographic protection.