1988 Fleer Basketball Super Star Sticker Michael Jordan
If you grew up in the 80s or 90s and were a basketball fan, then chances are you had a Michael Jordan basketball card. And if you were lucky enough to have the 1988 Fleer Basketball Super Star Sticker Michael Jordan card, then you had one of the most iconic sports cards of all time.
The card features a young, fresh-faced Jordan in his Chicago Bulls uniform, dribbling a basketball with his tongue sticking out, a signature move that would later become his trademark. The background is a bright red and yellow, with the words "Super Star Sticker" written in bold letters across the top.
So why is this card so iconic? Let's dive in and take a closer look.
The History of the 1988 Fleer Basketball Super Star Sticker Set
The 1988 Fleer Basketball Super Star Sticker Set was released at the height of the basketball card collecting craze. It featured 11 stickers of some of the biggest stars of the era, including Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and of course, Michael Jordan.
What made this set so unique was that the stickers were designed to be peeled off and stuck on a separate picture album that Fleer also released. Kids could collect and trade the stickers, trying to complete the full set.
The set was an instant hit, and the Michael Jordan sticker was by far the most popular. It's estimated that over 3 million of these cards were printed, but getting your hands on one wasn't easy. The cards were only available in packs of regular Fleer basketball cards, and the Michael Jordan sticker was a rare find.
The Design of the Michael Jordan Card
So what makes the Michael Jordan card so special? It all comes down to the design.
First of all, the photo of Jordan is instantly recognizable. It's a shot from the 1987-88 season, when Jordan was already a superstar but before he had won any championships. The image perfectly captures Jordan's athleticism and competitiveness, with his tongue sticking out and his eyes locked on the ball.
The bright red and yellow background is also a standout feature of the card. It's a bold choice that makes the card pop, and the "Super Star Sticker" text at the top lets you know that this isn't just any ordinary basketball card.
The Value of the Michael Jordan Card
So, how much is the 1988 Fleer Basketball Super Star Sticker Michael Jordan card worth today?
The value of the card has skyrocketed in recent years, thanks in part to the popularity of sports card collecting and the resurgence of interest in Michael Jordan himself. In 2019, a PSA 10 (meaning the card is in near-perfect condition) sold for over $350,000 at auction.
Of course, not all cards are created equal. The value of a Michael Jordan card can vary widely depending on its condition, whether it has been professionally graded, and other factors. But it's safe to say that if you have a 1988 Fleer Basketball Super Star Sticker Michael Jordan card in good condition, you could be sitting on a small fortune.
The Legacy of the Michael Jordan Card
But the value of the card isn't the only reason why it's so beloved. The 1988 Fleer Basketball Super Star Sticker Michael Jordan card has become a piece of sports history, a symbol of one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
For many basketball fans, the card is a prized possession, a reminder of a time when Jordan was just starting to make his mark on the NBA. It's a piece of nostalgia, a tangible link to a bygone era of basketball.
And for collectors, the Michael Jordan card is the ultimate prize. It's a card that represents the pinnacle of sports card collecting, a rare gem that is coveted by collectors all over the world.
Conclusion
The 1988 Fleer Basketball Super Star Sticker Michael Jordan card is more than just a piece of cardboard. It's a symbol of one of the greatest players in basketball history, a reminder of a time when Jordan was just starting to become a household name.
The card's design is iconic, with its bold colors and instantly recognizable image of Jordan. And while the value of the card has skyrocketed in recent years, it will always be more than just a collectible. It's a piece of sports history that will continue to inspire basketball fans for generations to come.