Michael Jordan
NBA Hall of Fame Shooting Guard and 6-time Finals MVP · Basketball - NBA
Chicago Bulls
Era
Modern Era - late 1990s to early 2000s style
Item Type
Trading Card Insert or Oversized Card (Upper Deck Jordan Journals)
Condition
Near Mint; the signature is bold and vibrant with no fading, though the item is signed on a separate surface/paper below the card image.
Rarity
Moderate; while Jordan is a prolific signer through Upper Deck, the demand for his signature always exceeds the available supply.
Overall Assessment
High-quality, bold signature on a popular Upper Deck insert. Highly desirable for serious basketball collectors and investors.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic; exhibiting high confidence based on flow and slant consistency with Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) standards.
Signature Style
Stylized 'M' and 'J' with connected middle letters and a sweeping tail on the 'n'. Signature is clean and lacks hesitation.
Signature Characteristics
Fast, rhythmic flow; sharp angle of slant; the 'M' starts with a sharp upward stroke; the 'J' is large and loops back into the base.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie) on white cardstock/paper substrate.
Item Description
Upper Deck 'The Jordan Journals' card featuring Michael Jordan vs. Brian Shaw (Miami Heat) during the 1992 NBA Playoffs.
Estimated Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD (higher if authenticated by UDA/PSA)
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches Upper Deck Authenticated exemplars from the late 90s, specifically the way the 'J' and 'd' are constructed.
Authentication Tips
Look for the fluid loops in the 'M' and the characteristic terminal stroke on the 'n'. Check for a UDA hologram on the back.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA, Beckett Authentication (BAS), or James Spence Authentication (JSA).
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink shows the correct 'pillowing' effect on the edges of the stroke common in authentic markers.
Provenance Notes
A UDA (Upper Deck Authenticated) certificate or matching hologram would be the gold standard for this specific item.
Historical Context
Signed items from the Jordan Journals set commemorate specific iconic games in his career, adding narrative value.
Market Trends
Strong appreciating trend; Michael Jordan autographs have seen a massive surge in value since the 'Last Dance' documentary.
Investment Potential
Excellent; Jordan remains the most liquid and blue-chip investment in the sports memorabilia market.
Similar Autographs
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Magic Johnson.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-resistant acrylic holder or frame to prevent the blue ink from fading into a brownish-yellow hue.
Interesting Facts
Jordan has an exclusive signing contract with Upper Deck, making UDA-marked items significantly more valuable than 'in-person' examples.