Michael Jordan
NBA Hall of Fame Shooting Guard / 6-time NBA Champion · Basketball - NBA
Chicago Bulls
Era
Upper Deck Era - mid-to-late 1990s signature style
Item Type
Trading Card - 1994 Upper Deck Collector's Choice
Condition
Good to Very Good. The card shows surface scratches and edge wear. The signature is bold but displays some ink pooling and potential feathering due to the card surface.
Rarity
Jordan is a prolific signer but under a strict exclusive contract with Upper Deck. Authentic examples on this specific '94 card without a UDA holo are rare.
Overall Assessment
The signature follows the correct pathing for a mid-90s Jordan but requires formal lab testing to rule out a high-quality trace or 'prep' forgery. Desirability is high due to the 'The Collector's Choice' branding.
Authenticity Assessment
Uncertain - requires professional authentication. While it mimics his signature shape, the lack of Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) holograms on a prolific era card requires skepticism.
Signature Style
Stylized full name with high looping 'M' and elongated 'J'. Features the classic downward flourish on the end of 'Jordan'.
Signature Characteristics
Distinctive high-arc 'M' followed by a condensed 'ichael'. The 'J' is large with a sharp descent into a looping 'ordan' that often trails off into a straight line.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip marker / Sharpie on a glossy paper card stock.
Item Description
1994 Upper Deck Collector's Choice Michael Jordan #23 (Art Card). Features illustrations by artist Alan Studt showing Jordan dunking and a portrait profile.
Estimated Value
$1,500 - $3,500 if authenticated; $50 - $100 if sold as-is/unauthenticated due to high forgery rates.
Comparison to Known Examples
The loops of the 'M' and the height of the 'J' align with 1990s exemplars, but the stroke weight is unusually thick for some sections, suggesting a slower signing speed.
Authentication Tips
Look for the 'Upper Deck Authenticated' hologram on the back. Check the 'M' loops for fluid motion rather than jerky stop-starts. Forgers often struggle with the speed of his 'J' hook.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or Beckett Authentication Services (BAS). PSA is the gold standard for Jordan signatures.
Red Flags
Lack of Upper Deck Authentication (UDA) sticker on a card from an era where Jordan almost exclusively signed for UD sessions. The ink shows slight hesitation in the middle of the 'J'.
Provenance Notes
Without a UDA certificate or DNA from a major lab, provenance likely relies on 'in-person' claims which carry little weight for high-value Jordan items.
Historical Context
Signed during the peak of 90s Bulls mania. As Jordan transitioned into his second three-peat, his signature became one of the most forged icons in history.
Market Trends
Michael Jordan memorabilia remains at a historical peak. Signed trading cards are currently outperforming signed balls due to the ease of grading and display.
Investment Potential
Excellent if authenticated. A certified Jordan autograph is considered a 'blue chip' asset in the collectibles world.
Similar Autographs
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Scottie Pippen autographs are common companion pieces for Jordan collectors.
Display & Preservation
Store in a UV-protected magnetic 'One-Touch' holder. Keep away from direct sunlight as blue Sharpie is prone to fading (turning brown/yellow) over time.
Interesting Facts
Michael Jordan has had an exclusive signing contract with Upper Deck since 1992, meaning nearly all authentic post-92 items should bear their specific hologram.