Michael Jordan
NBA Hall of Fame Shooting Guard (6-time Champion) · Basketball - NBA
Chicago Bulls / Washington Wizards
Era
Modern Era - Circa 2010s to Present
Item Type
Signed Basketball Jersey (Number 23)
Condition
Excellent - Signature is bold and dark with no visible fading or bleeding. Jersey appears new/mint in plastic packaging.
Rarity
Moderate - While Jordan signs frequently for high-end contractual sessions, the market demand always outweighs supply.
Overall Assessment
A high-quality, bold signature on a desirable jersey style. If accompanied by official Upper Deck paperwork, this is a top-tier collectible for any serious investor.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic - the flow and loop formation align with modern Upper Deck authenticated examples, but professional verification is required due to the high volume of forgeries.
Signature Style
Stylized full name with distinctive looping 'M' and 'J'. Overlapping letters with a high diagonal slant.
Signature Characteristics
Fluid motion with consistent upward trajectory. The 'M' features sharp peaks and the 'J' is large and sweeping, typical of his post-retirement hand.
Ink & Medium
Black Permanent Marker (Sharpie style) on polyester jersey number substrate.
Item Description
Black Chicago Bulls 'Alternate' jersey with red and white tackle twill numbers. Signature is placed diagonally on the number 2.
Estimated Value
$3,500 - $6,000 (Highly dependent on authentication source like Upper Deck Authenticated)
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with UDA-verified holographic examples from the late 2010s signing sessions.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'M' loop that doesn't fully close and the Sharpie 'drag' on the finish of the 'n' in Jordan.
Certification Recommendation
Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) is the gold standard for Jordan; PSA/DNA or Beckett (BAS) are secondary options.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; pen speed suggests natural movement rather than a slow forgery.
Provenance Notes
Jordan's market is unique; without an UDA hologram and matching COA, value can drop by 50% or more.
Historical Context
Jordan is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time; his signature is the most sought-after in modern sports history.
Market Trends
Appreciating - Jordan memorabilia reached record highs following 'The Last Dance' documentary and remains the 'blue chip' of the hobby.
Investment Potential
Excellent - Historically, Jordan's signature on a Bulls jersey is one of the safest long-term investments in memorabilia.
Similar Autographs
Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson
Display & Preservation
Frame in a UV-protected shadowbox with acid-free backing to prevent the black ink from turning brown or fading.
Interesting Facts
Michael Jordan has an exclusive signing contract with Upper Deck, making any authentic non-UDA item very difficult to verify for top-dollar resale.