Michael Jordan
NBA Hall of Fame Shooting Guard / widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time · Basketball - NBA
Chicago Bulls / Washington Wizards
Era
Late Career / Post-Retirement period - circa late 1990s through mid-2000s
Item Type
Upper Deck 'Memorable Moments' Trading Card Insert
Condition
Excellent - The signature is bold and blue with no significant fading; the item surface appears clean with minor edge wear visible.
Rarity
Moderate - While Jordan is a prolific signer through his exclusive contract with Upper Deck, his autographs are in perpetually high demand and command premium prices.
Overall Assessment
A visually appealing example that captures the essence of a modern Jordan signature, but must be treated as a potential forgery until certified by UDA or a top-tier TPA due to the sheer volume of high-quality Jordan fakes.
Authenticity Assessment
Uncertain - requires professional authentication. While the signature mimics many characteristics of Jordan's authenticated hand, the ink application appears somewhat hesitant and the letter 'J' closure is atypically sharp.
Signature Style
Stylized full name with iconic loop-style 'M' and a sweeping, abbreviated 'Jordan'. Includes characteristic high-set 'i' dot.
Signature Characteristics
Features a large, three-hump 'M', a disconnected 'J', and a final tail that slants upward to the right. The 'i' dot is placed high above the 'M'.
Ink & Medium
Blue permanent marker (felt tip) on the border/bottom portion of a trading card or insert.
Item Description
Promotional or insert card produced by Upper Deck, depicting Jordan's famous mid-air layup against the Lakers on 6/5/91. The signature is placed in the lower margin area.
Estimated Value
$1,500 - $3,500 if authenticated (highly dependent on the specific card rarity); $0 - $200 if unauthenticated due to high forgery rates.
Comparison to Known Examples
Closely matches Late-90s examples, but the 'J' loop is more angular than typical examples, which usually feature a rounder, more bulbous base.
Authentication Tips
Look for the natural 'flow' and speed; Jordan is known for a very fast, fluid signature. Forgers often show 'shake' or hesitation in the long loops of the 'M' and the 'J'.
Certification Recommendation
Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) is the gold standard for Jordan; alternatively, PSA/DNA, JSA, or Beckett (BAS).
Red Flags
The signature shows slight 'ink pooling' at the start and end of strokes, which can indicate a slow-speed tracing or a non-spontaneous signing motion.
Provenance Notes
Look for an Upper Deck holographic sticker and matching COA; without these, a Jordan signature on an Upper Deck product is viewed with extreme skepticism.
Historical Context
Signed items depicting the 1991 Finals are particularly significant as they represent Jordan's first NBA Championship.
Market Trends
Jordan memorabilia is currently at an all-time high following 'The Last Dance' documentary, with prices for signed cards seeing significant appreciation.
Investment Potential
High - Authentic Jordan signatures are considered 'blue chip' investments in the sports memorabilia world.
Similar Autographs
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson.
Display & Preservation
Store in a UV-protected magnetic card holder or a graded slab to prevent ink fading from sunlight exposure.
Interesting Facts
Michael Jordan has had an exclusive signing contract with Upper Deck since 1992, meaning almost all legitimate signed cards from that point onward must have UDA certification.