Michael Jordan
6-time NBA Champion, 5-time MVP, and Basketball Hall of Famer · Basketball - NBA
Chicago Bulls / Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA)
Era
Modern Era - circa late 1990s to early 2000s
Item Type
Upper Deck Commemorative Card / Large Format Card
Condition
Excellent - The signature is bold with no visible fading or 'bleeding'. The item itself shows crisp edges, though some surface texture is visible in the highlight areas.
Rarity
Moderate - While Jordan is a prolific signer through his exclusive contract with Upper Deck, his autographs remain in high demand and the supply is tightly controlled.
Overall Assessment
A very strong example of a Michael Jordan autograph on a visually striking Upper Deck piece. It carries the aesthetic hallmarks of an authentic, high-quality signature from the greatest of all time.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic - This signature displays the characteristic flow, letter formation, and speed consistent with a verified Michael Jordan autograph from his later playing days or early retirement period.
Signature Style
Highly stylized professional signature featuring the iconic looped 'M' and 'J' with a distinctive trailing horizontal stroke on the 'n' in Jordan.
Signature Characteristics
Fast execution with consistent pen pressure; the 'M' starts with a downward stroke and loops high; the 'J' is large and often overshadows the rest of the last name; the final 'n' ends in a long, confident horizontal pull-off.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip marker (Sharpie style) on a standard semi-gloss cardstock or photograph surface.
Item Description
An Upper Deck branded 'The Jordan Champion' piece depicting Michael Jordan dunking over Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway during the 1996 NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
Estimated Value
$1,000 - $2,500 USD (depending on the presence of a matching UDA hologram and certificate of authenticity).
Comparison to Known Examples
This example matches UDA-witnessed signatures from the late 90s, exhibiting the 'standard' Jordan loop that collectors look for in high-end memorabilia.
Authentication Tips
Look for the fluid 'M' that often resembles a '2' or '3' at the start, and the 'J' which should have a high loop connecting into a series of peaks representing 'ordan'.
Certification Recommendation
Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) is the primary source; PSA/DNA or James Spence Authentication (JSA) for third-party verification.
Red Flags
No significant red flags visible in this image. The signature shows natural speed and lacks 'shaky' lines associated with slow-moving forgeries.
Provenance Notes
This item likely originated from an Upper Deck retail product or an Upper Deck Authenticated signing session. Look for a holographic serial number on the back or on the item itself.
Historical Context
The image depicts the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals, a pivotal moment in Jordan's second three-peak run and the Bulls' 72-10 historic season.
Market Trends
The market for Michael Jordan autographs remains the gold standard in sports collecting, with values consistently increasing over the last decade, particularly following 'The Last Dance' documentary.
Investment Potential
High - Jordan is arguably the most collectible athlete in history; his autographs are blue-chip assets that typically withstand market volatility.
Similar Autographs
Collectors also frequent autographs from Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Magic Johnson to round out a 'Greatest of All Time' basketball collection.
Display & Preservation
Recommend UV-protected acrylic framing and keeping out of direct sunlight to prevent the black ink from fading to a brownish-yellow hue over time.
Interesting Facts
Jordan has had an exclusive signing contract with Upper Deck since 1992, making almost all authentic modern Jordan autographs tied to their brand in some way.