Michael Jordan
NBA Hall of Fame Shooting Guard and 6-time Champion · Basketball - NBA
Chicago Bulls / Washington Wizards
Era
Modern / Professional Signing Era (2000s - Present)
Item Type
Index Card or Paper Scrap
Condition
Fair; the signature is clear but the medium (plain paper) is low grade and there are overlapping writing instruments and multiple attempts.
Rarity
Prolific signer via Upper Deck, but extremely rare as a street/impromptu signer in recent decades.
Overall Assessment
This appears to be a study or a practice sheet rather than a finished collectible. The shaky execution on the 'M' loops suggests a lack of the 'muscle memory' required for a genuine high-speed Jordan signature.
Authenticity Assessment
Questionable - several concerns noted. While it mimics the general flow, the mechanical stutter in the top loop and the 'J' descent lack the fluid explosive motion found in Upper Deck authenticated examples.
Signature Style
Stylized monogram focusing on the 'M' and 'J' with a distinctive trailing loop at the end of the J-stroke.
Signature Characteristics
Features a sharp 'M' peak and a wide-looped 'J'. The tail of the J shows a sharp upward flick that is characteristic of his late-career speed.
Ink & Medium
Blue permanent marker (likely Sharpie) on plain white paper.
Item Description
A plain white piece of paper containing two attempted signatures, partially obscured by the pens used for scale.
Estimated Value
$50 - $150 (As an unauthenticated practice/study piece); $2,000+ if authentic and certified.
Comparison to Known Examples
The 'M' closely resembles 1990s UDA examples, but the connection to the 'J' appears slightly labored compared to the rapid-fire genuine examples.
Authentication Tips
Look for a smooth 'whipping' motion in the bottom of the J; fake examples often show 'slow spots' or tremors where the forager is thinking about the next turn.
Certification Recommendation
Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) is the gold standard for Jordan; however, for paper scraps, PSA/DNA or JSA would be required.
Red Flags
Multiple attempts on the same page and the presence of the pens in the frame suggest a 'practice sheet' or a forgery attempt rather than a genuine in-person autograph.
Provenance Notes
Without a certificate of authenticity from Upper Deck, Jordan signatures are treated with extreme skepticism due to his exclusive contract.
Historical Context
Jordan is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, making his signature one of the most forged in history.
Market Trends
Jordan autographs remain the blue-chip standard of sport collecting, consistently appreciating over time regardless of economic shifts.
Investment Potential
Low for this specific item due to the lack of provenance and the 'practice' nature of the paper.
Similar Autographs
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson.
Display & Preservation
Keep away from direct sunlight; blue Sharpie on paper is prone to 'haloing' (ink bleed) and fading over time.
Interesting Facts
Jordan has had an exclusive signing contract with Upper Deck since 1992, making almost any item without a UDA holo-sticker suspect.