Michael Jordan
NBA Hall of Fame Shooting Guard and 6-time NBA Champion · Basketball - NBA
Chicago Bulls
Era
Modern Era (post-2010)
Item Type
Combination of an Upper Deck card and separate signed medium
Condition
Excellent; the signature is bold with no visible fading, though the ink shows standard porous bleeding into the paper fibers.
Rarity
Common for the signer; Jordan has signed extensively through Upper Deck, but demand always exceeds supply.
Overall Assessment
This appears to be a genuine Michael Jordan signature in his modern, shorthand style. It is a highly desirable piece for any sports collector.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic, though requires physical examination to confirm medium. Standard Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) style signature with high confidence.
Signature Style
Abbreviated 'M-loop' style typical of his high-volume signing era. Highly stylized and fluid.
Signature Characteristics
Strong verticality in the first hump of the 'M', followed by a sharp downward spike and an ascending 'J' that cuts back through the body.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip marker (likely Sharpie) on a white paper or cardstock surface.
Item Description
The image shows a Michael Jordan Upper Deck trading card positioned above a separate signature on white paper/cardstock.
Estimated Value
$1,200 - $2,500 depending on official certification (UDA being the highest premium).
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with 'UDA' session signatures from the 2010s to present where the signature is more compact than his 1980s full-script version.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific '2-step' motion in the 'M', the 'J' hook that often looks like a checkmark, and the high-speed tapering at the end of the stroke.
Certification Recommendation
Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) is the gold standard for Jordan; PSA/DNA or Beckett (BAS) are secondary recommendations.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the flow suggests natural speed without hesitation (tremor) or 'drawing' of the letters.
Provenance Notes
A UDA hologram and matching certificate would be the primary provenance required for maximum value.
Historical Context
Jordan is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time; his partnership with Upper Deck revolutionized the autographed card market.
Market Trends
Jordan autographs remain the blue-chip standard of sports collecting, showing steady appreciation and high liquidity.
Investment Potential
High. Jordan is a 'forever' athlete whose market value resists economic downturns better than most modern players.
Similar Autographs
LeBron James, Kobe Bryant (Upper Deck signers era), and Magic Johnson.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected holder; black marker is sensitive to sunlight and can turn brown or fade over time.
Interesting Facts
Michael Jordan has an exclusive signing contract with Upper Deck, meaning nearly all 'legal' pack-pulled autographs since the 90s bear their provenance.