Michael Jordan
NBA Hall of Fame Shooting Guard and 6-time NBA Champion · Basketball - NBA
Chicago Bulls
Era
Modern Era - Circa late 1990s to early 2000s
Item Type
Oversized Upper Deck Commemorative Card / Blow-up Photo
Condition
Excellent to Near Mint. The signature is bold with high contrast against the red background. The item appears flat with sharp corners, though the edges should be inspected for minor silvering.
Rarity
Moderate. While Jordan signed a significant amount for Upper Deck, the demand consistently outstrips supply, especially for items commemorating his first championship.
Overall Assessment
A premium, highly desirable piece of sports history. The signature is classic Jordan, and its association with his first title makes it a cornerstone piece for any serious basketball collection.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic. The signature exhibits the fluid motion, specific letter sizing, and the iconic 'M' and 'J' loops consistent with Jordan's verified Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) examples.
Signature Style
Stylized full name signature. Features the high-arching 'M' that loops into the 'i', and a larger, sweeping 'J' that descends below the baseline. Often referred to as his 'Upper Deck' style signature.
Signature Characteristics
Strong, fast pen speed. The 'M' is tall and lean, followed by a flat line representing the 'ichael'. The 'J' starts high and drops into a sharp, decisive loop. The overall slant is slightly to the right.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie). The ink shows consistent saturation with no signs of drawing tremor or ink pooling, indicating a natural, quick motion.
Item Description
Upper Deck 'The Jordan Championship' commemorative piece featuring the 1991 NBA Finals (Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers). Includes silver foil lettering and the Upper Deck holographic logo.
Estimated Value
$3,000 - $5,500 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
This matches the consistent 'professional' signature Jordan utilized for his exclusive contract with Upper Deck, which is more legible than his rushed 'in-person' signatures.
Authentication Tips
Look for the presence of the Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) hologram on the back or front and a matching Certificate of Authenticity (COA). Authentic Jordans feature a very specific 'loop-back' on the M and a 'teardrop' or 'open loop' on the J.
Certification Recommendation
Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) is the gold standard for Jordan. If the UDA sticker is missing, PSA/DNA or BAS (Beckett) are the preferred third-party alternatives.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The placement is typical for this specific Upper Deck commemorative series and the ink flow matches authentic marker-to-cardstock interaction.
Provenance Notes
The primary value driver for this item is the UDA (Upper Deck Authenticated) hologram. Buyers should verify the hologram number in the UDA online database if applicable.
Historical Context
This item celebrates Jordan's first NBA Championship in 1991, widely considered the moment he transcended from a scoring champion to a winner, beginning the Bulls' 90s dynasty.
Market Trends
Michael Jordan memorabilia remains the most stable and appreciating asset in the sports market. 1991-themed items (his first title) carry a premium due to historical significance.
Investment Potential
High. As the 'Greatest of All Time' in many eyes, Jordan's authenticated items are considered 'blue chip' investments in the hobby.
Similar Autographs
Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James (specifically his Upper Deck era signatures).
Display & Preservation
Should be stored in a UV-protected frame or top-loader. Avoid direct sunlight as the red pigment in the printing and the black ink are both susceptible to fading.
Interesting Facts
Michael Jordan has had an exclusive autograph contract with Upper Deck since 1992, making uncertified Jordan autographs from the last 30 years highly suspicious to collectors.