Michael Jordan
NBA Hall of Fame Shooting Guard / 6-Time Champion · Basketball - NBA
Chicago Bulls / Washington Wizards
Era
Late Career / Retirement - circa 2000s-2010s
Item Type
Index Card / Paper Scrap
Condition
Excellent; the ink is bold and the paper shows minimal wear or yellowing.
Rarity
Common signer, but heavily forged. Authentic examples not on UDA-licensed products are actually rarer but less trusted.
Overall Assessment
A high-risk item. The signature lacks the fluid speed expected of a Jordan 'rushed' autograph, and the inscription raises questions. Professional authentication is mandatory.
Authenticity Assessment
Questionable - several concerns noted. While it mimics the general movement of a Jordan signature, the stroke hesitation and lack of 'Upper Deck Authenticated' (UDA) verification for such a high-value signer are significant risks.
Signature Style
Stylized 'M' and 'J' with a looped surname flourish. Includes the inscription 'Best wishes'.
Signature Characteristics
The 'M' has a characteristic wide loop, but here it appears slightly laboured. The 'J' finishes with a horizontal dash that is often a focal point for authenticators.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip marker (Sharpie-style) on white textured paper or cardstock.
Item Description
A plain white textured card or piece of heavy paper containing a signature and a short inscription.
Estimated Value
$50 - $150 (as is); $2,000+ if authenticated by a major service.
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches the 'Upper Deck' era style, but the inscription 'Best wishes' is less common for Jordan since the mid-90s due to his exclusive signing contracts.
Authentication Tips
Look for the speed of the 'M' and the sharp descent of the 'J'. Forgeries often show 'shaking' in the long horizontal strokes.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or Beckett Authentication Services (BAS). PSA is the gold standard for Jordan.
Red Flags
The inscription 'Best wishes' contains a lowercase 's' that looks atypical for Jordan's handwriting. There is also a slight tremor in the final horizontal line.
Provenance Notes
Without a UDA hologram or a photo of the signing, the provenance of a Jordan signature on plain paper is difficult to establish.
Historical Context
Jordan is the most collected athlete in history; his signature style changed from a legible 'Michael Jordan' in the early 80s to this abbreviated version by the 90s.
Market Trends
Jordan's market is at an all-time high, but buyers almost exclusively demand third-party authentication due to the volume of fakes.
Investment Potential
High if authentic. If certified, Jordan's value consistently outpaces inflation and most other sports collectibles.
Similar Autographs
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent ink fading. Use UV-protective acrylic if framing.
Interesting Facts
Jordan has an exclusive contract with Upper Deck; any authentic signature without their hologram is usually a 'through-the-mail' or 'in-person' find from many years ago.