Michael Jordan
NBA Hall of Fame Shooting Guard and 6-time NBA Champion · Basketball - NBA
Chicago Bulls / Washington Wizards
Era
Modern Era - likely mid-2000s to present
Item Type
Index cell or cut card
Condition
Mint; signature is bold, centered, and the medium shows no signs of peripheral wear or acid staining.
Rarity
Moderate rarity. While Jordan has signed thousands of items under contract with Upper Deck, he is a notoriously difficult 'in-person' signer for fans.
Overall Assessment
This is a premium-quality 'cut' signature. It is an ideal piece for a high-end custom frame project or a 'Grail' addition to a basketball collection. Highly desirable.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic - high confidence. The flow, speed, and specific 'upper shelf' flourish over the 'an' match Jordan's established Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) patterns.
Signature Style
Stylized shorthand 'M-J' with a high-arching loop over the terminal letters; typical of his high-volume/modern era signing style.
Signature Characteristics
Strong upward slant, consistent pressure, fluid 'harking' stroke above the names, and a sharp terminal 'tail' after the letter 'n'.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip marker (Sharpie-style) on white cardstock. Ink looks fresh with no fading.
Item Description
A plain white unlined index card or thick paper stock used for 'cut' signatures, commonly used for custom card inserts or framing.
Estimated Value
$800 - $1,200 (unauthenticated), $1,500 - $2,500 (with UDA or PSA/DNA certification)
Comparison to Known Examples
This example shows the classic 'loopy' Jordan signature consistent with high-grade authenticated memorabilia from the last 20 years.
Authentication Tips
Look for a smooth, single-stroke 'M' that transitions directly into the 'J'. The top loop must be fluid, not jerky, indicating natural speed.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA, JSA (James Spence Authentication), or Beckett Authentication Services (BAS). Upper Deck (UDA) is the gold standard but usually requires being witnessed.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink saturation and speed suggest authenticity rather than a slow-traced forgery.
Provenance Notes
Essential for Jordan items; seek documentation linking this to an Upper Deck signing or a reputable sports memorabilia auction house.
Historical Context
Jordan is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time; his signature is the cornerstone of the sports memorabilia market.
Market Trends
Consistently appreciating. Jordan remains the 'gold standard' for sports collectibles with prices rising sharply since 'The Last Dance' documentary.
Investment Potential
Excellent. Jordan is the rare athlete whose autograph performs better than most traditional stock market investments over a 10-year period.
Similar Autographs
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Magic Johnson autographs are often collected alongside Jordan as 'NBA Mount Rushmore' pieces.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight. Frame with 99% UV-protective glass and acid-free matting to prevent the marker from 'ghosting' into the paper.
Interesting Facts
Jordan has an exclusive signing contract with Upper Deck; nearly 90% of authentic items on the market carry UDA holos or certificates.