Michael Jordan
NBA Hall of Famer and 6-time Champion · Basketball - NBA
Chicago Bulls
Era
Modern Era (circa 1990s to early 2000s)
Item Type
Trading Card
Condition
Excellent; the card has sharp corners and the signature is bold, though placed somewhat low on the card face.
Rarity
Moderately rare on this specific subset, though Jordan has signed thousands of items via Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA).
Overall Assessment
A visually striking piece that displays well. However, due to the high volume of Jordan forgeries, professional third-party authentication is mandatory to realize full market value.
Authenticity Assessment
Uncertain - requires professional authentication. While it mimics Jordan's loop-style 'M' and 'J', the flow appears slightly hesitant.
Signature Style
Stylized script with large loops for the first and last name initials, followed by more horizontal, illegible flow.
Signature Characteristics
Features a prominent, high-arched 'M' and a sweeping 'J' that descends below the baseline, typical of Jordan's post-1990 style.
Ink & Medium
Blue permanent felt-tip marker (Sharpie-style) on glossy card stock. Ink appears dark with no significant fading.
Item Description
Upper Deck 'The Jordan Championship' card depicting Jordan in a 1991 NBA Finals dunks against the Lakers.
Estimated Value
$1,500 - $3,500 (if authenticated); $100 - $300 (unauthenticated/raw)
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches the general 'M-loopy-J' structure of 1990s Upper Deck autographs, though the spacing between letters is tighter than some exemplars.
Authentication Tips
Look for a fluid, 'whipping' motion in the loops; forgeries often show 'start-stop' points or ink pooling where the forger hesitates.
Certification Recommendation
Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) is the gold standard for Jordan; otherwise PSA/DNA or Beckett (BAS).
Red Flags
The overlapping of the signature onto the 'CHAMPIONSHIP' text makes it harder to assess flow; lack of a UDA holographic sticker is a major security concern for Jordan items.
Provenance Notes
Essential to determine if this was a pack-pulled autograph or an 'in-person' signing, as Jordan rarely signs for fans in public.
Historical Context
This card commemorates Jordan's first NBA title in 1991, a pivotal moment in sports history.
Market Trends
Jordan autographs remain the most stable and appreciating assets in the sports memorabilia market.
Investment Potential
High; legitimate Michael Jordan signatures on licensed Upper Deck products are blue-chip investments.
Similar Autographs
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Scottie Pippen autographs are common companions for this collection tier.
Display & Preservation
Store in a UV-protected magnetic one-touch holder to prevent the blue ink from fading or 'bleeding' into the plastic.
Interesting Facts
Jordan has an exclusive signing contract with Upper Deck, making non-UDA certified signatures highly scrutinized.