Michael Jordan
NBA Hall of Fame Shooting Guard / 6-time Champion · Basketball - NBA
Chicago Bulls
Era
Modern / Retired era (likely late 1990s to mid-2000s)
Item Type
The Jordan Journals Oversized Collector Card
Condition
Good to Very Good; the card shows some edge wear, and the signature is bold albeit slightly interrupted by surface texture.
Rarity
Jordan is a prolific signer but has an exclusive contract with Upper Deck, making authentic non-UDA signatures high-demand.
Overall Assessment
A visually appealing piece on a classic card. Because it lacks a UDA hologram, immediate professional authentication is the priority.
Authenticity Assessment
Uncertain - requires professional authentication. While it mimics stylized characteristics, the ink flow and pressure suggest caution.
Signature Style
Shortened, stylized cursive signature with looped M and a prominent, angular J hook.
Signature Characteristics
Features a large initial M with a compressed 'ichael' and a large J with a horizontal strike through the mid-section.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip marker (likely a Sharpie) on a glossy cardboard stock.
Item Description
Card #11 titled 'The Jordan Journals' featuring Michael Jordan vs. John Starks during the 1993 NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
Estimated Value
$400 - $800 (Unauthenticated); $2,500+ (If authenticated by PSA/DNA or UDA)
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches the 'UDA style' signature of the late 90s, but the fluid motion appears slightly mechanical in certain strokes.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp 'peaks' in the M and the specific way the loop of the J intersects the baseline. Watch for 'shaky' ink flow.
Certification Recommendation
Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) is gold standard; PSA/DNA or James Spence Authentication (JSA) for aftermarket.
Red Flags
The vertical stroke on the J has a slight hesitation mark; the ink sits very flat on the glossy surface.
Provenance Notes
Check for an Upper Deck holographic sticker on the back; without it, provenance from a specific signing event is vital.
Historical Context
The 1993 Eastern Conference Finals represented Jordan's peak dominance over the rival New York Knicks.
Market Trends
Jordan memorabilia remains at an all-time high following 'The Last Dance', with prices stable for 90s-era cards.
Investment Potential
High, provided authenticity is verified. All Michael Jordan autographs are considered blue-chip assets.
Similar Autographs
Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James (Early career signatures).
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected top-loader or acrylic slab to prevent the marker from fading and the card edges from fraying.
Interesting Facts
Michael Jordan rarely signs for fans in public anymore due to his exclusive and lucrative Upper Deck contract.