Michael Jordan Basketball 1986-87 Fleer Rookie Card
Michael Jordan is undoubtedly one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His impact on the game, both on and off the court, is immeasurable. Jordan's rookie card is highly sought after by collectors and fans alike. The Michael Jordan Basketball 1986-87 Fleer Rookie Card is considered by many to be the holy grail of basketball cards. Let's take a closer look at this iconic piece of sports memorabilia.
History of the Michael Jordan Basketball 1986-87 Fleer Rookie Card
The 1986-87 Fleer set was the first time that Michael Jordan appeared on a mainstream trading card. Fleer was a well-known brand in the sports trading card industry, and the set was highly anticipated by collectors. The Michael Jordan rookie card was card number 57 in the set.
The card features a photo of Jordan dribbling a basketball with his Chicago Bulls jersey on. The image captures Jordan in his early years before he became the global icon that he is today. The back of the card includes a brief bio of Jordan and his stats from his rookie season.
At the time of its release, the Michael Jordan rookie card was not as highly valued as it is today. Collectors were more interested in the rookie cards of players like Hakeem Olajuwon and Charles Barkley. However, as Jordan's career took off, so did the value of his rookie card.
The Value of the Michael Jordan Basketball 1986-87 Fleer Rookie Card
The value of the Michael Jordan rookie card has skyrocketed in recent years. In 2019, a pristine version of the card sold for $350,100 at auction. This was a new record for the card, surpassing the previous record of $240,000 set in 2018.
One of the reasons for the card's high value is its rarity. The 1986-87 Fleer set was not produced in large quantities, and many of the cards were damaged or destroyed over time. Additionally, the Michael Jordan rookie card is the most sought after card in the set, making it even more valuable.
The condition of the card is also a significant factor in its value. Cards that are in mint condition, with no visible flaws or damage, are worth significantly more than cards that are in poor condition. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar for cards that are in excellent condition, as they are harder to find.
How to Authenticate a Michael Jordan Basketball 1986-87 Fleer Rookie Card
With the value of the Michael Jordan rookie card being so high, there are many counterfeit versions of the card on the market. It's important to know how to authenticate a genuine card before making a purchase.
One of the most important things to look for is the hologram on the back of the card. The hologram was added in 1990 to help prevent counterfeiting. The hologram should be a perfect circle, with no visible flaws or damage. If the hologram is not present, or if it appears to be tampered with, the card is likely a fake.
Another thing to look for is the printing quality of the card. The text and images on the card should be crisp and clear, with no smudging or blurring. If the printing quality is poor, or if the colors appear faded or washed out, the card may be a fake.
It's always a good idea to have a reputable third-party authentication service examine the card before making a purchase. These services are trained to identify counterfeit cards and can provide an unbiased opinion on the card's authenticity.
Conclusion
The Michael Jordan Basketball 1986-87 Fleer Rookie Card is a highly sought after piece of sports memorabilia. Its value has continued to increase over the years, making it a valuable addition to any collection. However, it's important to be cautious when purchasing the card, as there are many counterfeit versions on the market. By knowing how to authenticate a genuine card, collectors can ensure that they are investing in a valuable piece of history.