Whilst Michael Jordan’s playing days are finished, his collectable cards are continuing to break records. Whether you’re building a collection or just wanting to know the value of his cards, this round-up list will take you through the ones that are worth a fortune.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the different Micheal Jordan cards value, what to look for when buying one and where to buy them.
15 Most Valuable Michael Jordan Cards
As of March 2022, these are 15 of the most valuable cards currently valued or recently sold at auction over $100,000.
Number | Michael Jordan Basketball Card | Grade | Price |
1 | 1997 Michael Jordan Upper Deck Game Jersey (Autograph) #GJ13S | PSA 7 | $1,440,000 |
2 | 1997 Michael Jordan Metal Universe #23 | PSA Authentic | $915,000 |
3 | 1986 Michael Jordan Fleer RC #57 | PSA 10 | $720,000 |
4 | 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan #57 | PSA 10 | $645,000 |
5 | 2000 Upper Deck Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant (Game Jerseys Combo 2) #MJKB-A | Beckett 8.5 | $516,000 |
6 | 1997 Michael Jordan Metal Universe #23 | Beckett 8 | $480,000 |
7 | 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan #57 | 10 Pristine SGC | $420,000 |
8 | 1986 Michael Jordan Fleer Sticker #8 | PSA 10 | $216,000 |
9 | 2002-03 Upper Deck NBA logo Mania Michael Jordan Logoman Autograph #MJ2NBA | Gem Mint 9.5 | $204,000 |
10 | 1998 Michael Jordan Skybox Moltern Metal #41 | Beckett 9 | $198,030 |
11 | 1984-85 Star Co. Michael Jordan Rookie #101 | Beckett 9 | $192,000 |
12 | 1984 Michael Jordan Star #101 | Beckett 8.5 | $174,660 |
13 | 2003 Michael Jordan Exquisite Collection #MJ | Beckett 9 | $136,530 |
14 | Upper Deck Michael Jordan (Game Jersey Autographs) #GJ10A | Beckett 9 | $132,000 |
15 | 2000 Ultimate Collection Michael Jordan Ultimate Signatures Gold #MJ-G | PSA Gem Mint 10 | $102,000 |
1) 1997 Michael Jordan Upper Deck Game Jersey (Autograph)
(Sold February 2021 by Heritage Auctions)
- Price: $1,440,000
- Grade: PSA 7
- Card Number: #GJ13S
Currently the most valuable Michael Jordan card sold to date, this 1997 PSA 7 was sold for over $1.4 million in February 2021.
It features a sizable sample of the jersey MJ wore in the 1992 NBA All-star game played in Orlando, Florida in front of 14,000 fans. Michael led the scoring for the East with 18 points and 5 assists. This was also the last game played by Hall of Famer James Worthy and fellow Laker Magic Johnson.
The card also features an autograph by Jordan in a thin blue marker, graded as PSA/DNA Auto 8.
The card itself is graded PSA NM 7. Only 23 of the cards were produced, with this one being #8 of 23.
2) 1997 Michael Jordan Metal Universe
(Sold December 2020 by Heritage Auctions)
- Price: $915,000
- Grade: PSA Authentic
- Card Number: #23
Sold in December 2020 for $915,000, the 1997 Michael Jordan Metal Universe card in green foil is the second most valuable card to date.
The card was sold shortly after the release of the 10-part Netflix special titled ‘The Last Dance’. The documentary examined the history of MJ and reignited people’s love and appreciation for his career at a time when professional sports were canceled across the world.
The 1997 Metal Universe card represents the first of the metal gems cards, issued alongside the set’s base cards. Only 100 were produced for each player, with 90/100 made with red foil meaning only 10 were tinted green.
Of these 10 cards, 6 were given to PSA to review, with this card 1 of only 2 graded as Authentic.
3) 1986 Michael Jordan Fleer RC
(Sold January 2021 by Goldin Auctions)
- Price: $720,000
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #57
Sold at Auction for $720,000, this Michael Jordan Rookie card features MJ dunking in a red Chicago Bulls jersey.
The fifty-seventh card of the 1986 Fleer Basketball run is one of the most popular basketball cards produced. Condition is the main factor that determines the card’s value, with 315 PSA Gem Mint 10 card examples existing.
This means the card is in perfect condition, with never touched edges and corners and no marks. The perfect 10 PSA score has only been given to less than 2% of all examples validated by PSA, making this example of the card extremely rare.
4) 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan
(Sold February 2021 by Heritage Auctions)
- Price: $645,000
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #57
This is another excellent example of the 1986 Michael Jordan rookie card sold for $720,000 in the number 3 spot.
This card is also graded PSA 10 and was sold for $645,000 in February 2021.
5) 2000 Upper Deck Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant (Game Jerseys Combo 2)
(Sold April 2021 by Heritage Auctions)
- Price: $516,000
- Grade: NM + MT + 8.5
- Card Number: #MJKB-A
Featuring Both Micheal Jordan and Kobe Bryant, two of the most well-known names in basketball, this card sold for $516,000 in April 2021.
This dual-swatch autograph card was the first one signed by both MJ and Bryant, making it a valuable addition to any collection. The death of Bryant in 2020 coupled with the Netflix documentary examining MJ’s illustrious career only further increased the card’s value.
The 2000-01 UD Game Jersey Edition is graded as NM + MT + 8.5 and Autograph 10, with only 2 examples appearing in the Beckett collections.
6) 1997 Michael Jordan Metal Universe
(Sold February 2021 by Heritage Auctions)
- Price: $480,000
- Grade: NM + MT + 8
- Card Number: #23
Precious Metal Gems cards are highly sought after. Only 100 of each card were produced, with only 90 of them having the red foil background.
This Michael Jordan card was sold for $480,000 in February 2021 and is graded as NM + MT + 8.
Only 31 of these cards have been presented to Beckett for grading, making them highly desirable to collectors.
7) 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan
(Sold August 2020 by Heritage Auctions)
- Price: $420,000
- Grade: 10 Pristine
- Card Number: #57
This 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card is the only SGC gold label example out of more than 2000 submissions, with a ‘Pristine 10’ label.
The card features MJ dunking with his tongue out and is the last example of a collectible standard issue card before overproduction started to reduce card values.
8) 1986 Michael Jordan Fleer Sticker
(Sold February 2021 by Heritage Auctions)
- Price: $216,000
- Grade: PSA 10
- Card Number: #8
This 1986 Fleer card in pristine condition is extremely hard to find. Out of 13,000 PSA submissions, only 119 managed to achieve PSA 10.
Substantially fewer examples of this card exist compared with the #57 higher profile cards.
This was reflected well when the card sold for $216,000 in February 2021, making it one of the most valuable cards sold.
9) 2002-03 Upper Deck NBA Logo Mania Michael Jordan Logoman Autograph
(Sold February 2021 by Heritage Auctions)
- Price: $204,000
- Grade: Gem Mint 9.5
- Card Number: #MJ2NBA
Upper Deck Basketball Card packs produced in 2002-03 randomly contained 1 of 3 Michael Jordan Logoman cards. Each card features an autograph, NBA game jersey logo patch, and a handwritten 1/1 designation.
With only 9 Logoman cards scattered throughout packs, this one sold for $204,000 in February 2021.
The card has a Gem Mint 9.5 grade and a perfect 10 for the autograph, making it a great addition to any collection.
10) 1998 Michael Jordan Skybox Molten Metal
(Sold March 2021 by Heritage Auctions)
- Price: $198,030
- Grade: Beckett 9
- Card Number: #41
This Michael Jordan card is unique. It features pinpoint-sized, die cuts forming a unique, shadow illustration of MJ, making it very aesthetically appealing in gold color. The limited edition card is serial numbered 19/40 and features MJ performing a jump shot.
The card is graded 9 by Beckett and was sold for $198,030 in March 2021.
11) 1984-85 Star Co. Michael Jordan Rookie
(Sold February 2021 by Heritage Auctions)
- Price: $192,000
- Grade: Beckett 9
- Card Number: #101
Sold for $192,000 in February 2021, this card pre-dates the 1986 rookie card and shows MJ in the early stages of his professional career.
Due to the lack of playing data at that time, the card features MJ’s college stats on the back. Whilst approximately 5000 of these cards exist, only 3 have been rated higher by Beckett.
The cards were originally distributed in sealed team bags with Jordan at the top. This particular card is graded BGS Mint 9 by the Beckett grading system.
12) 1984 Michael Jordan Star #101
(Sold April 2021 by Goldin Auctions)
- Price: $174,660
- Grade: Beckett 8.5
- Card Number: #101
Featuring Jordan aggressively grabbing a rebound, this card is recognized as MJ’s first NBA-licensed rookie card.
Due to no professional statistics available at the time, the card features stats from his time with the Tarheels. Only 5000 of these cards were produced, with 900 presented to Beckett for grading.
The card is graded by Beckett as 8.5 and sold for $174,660 in April 2021.
13) 2003 Michael Jordan Exquisite Collection
(Sold April 2021 by Goldin Auctions)
- Price: $136,530
- Grade: Beckett 9
- Card Number: #MJ
This Upper Deck ‘Exquisite Collection’ Limited Logos Collectable Card features a game-used Patch from an NBA jersey worn by Jordan and a blue ink signature underneath.
The card was graded as Gem Mint 9.5 by BGS and 10 for the autograph.
The limited-edition card features the serial number 54/75 and was sold for $136,530 in April 2021,
14) Upper Deck Michael Jordan (Game Jersey Autographs)
(Sold November 2021 by Heritage Auctions)
- Price: $132,000
- Grade: Beckett 9
- Card Number: #GJ10A
This card was issued just after MJ had finished with the Chicago Bulls and was yet to start with the Wizards. The card is a redemption card that was only available via mail.
It features his autograph in blue ink and an NBA game jersey patch. The card has the handwritten serial number 10/23 and is graded as BGS Mint 9 and autograph 10.
The card was sold for $132,000 at auction in November 2021.
15) 2000 Ultimate Collection Michael Jordan Ultimate Signatures Gold
(Sold February 2021 by Heritage Auctions)
- Price: $102,000
- Grade: PSA Gem Mint 10
- Card Number: #MJ-G
Last on my list of the most valuable Michael Jordan cards sold at over $100,000 is the 2000 Ultimate Collection MJ Ultimate Signatures Gold card.
Only twenty-five of these cards were placed into upper deck packs which featured MJ, Kobe, and Kevin Garnett.
The card was released the year before MJ played for the Washington Wizards, making it one of the last cards featuring Jordan in a Chicago Bulls uniform.
The card is graded PSA Gem Mint 10 and features Jordan’s signature in blue ink and a 21/25 stamped serial number.
It sold for $102,000 at auction in February 2021.
Why are Michael Jordan Cards so Expensive?
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, earning a record of 6 championship rings, 5 MVP awards, and 10 scoring titles.
After retiring in 1999, MJ became a cultural icon, leaving people in awe of his playing capabilities and records broken during his playing career.
This made him one of the most marketed sports figures ever, with his merchandise and memorabilia highly sought after.
In 2020, Netflix’s ‘The Last Dance’ documentary examined MJ’s career and the Chicago Bull’s rocky 1997 season. This coupled with the cancellation of professional sports games due to the Coronavirus pandemic, reignited people’s interest in MJ collectibles and trading cards.
Michael Jordan Basketball Card Buying Guide
If your looking to buy your own Michael Jordan Basketball card or just what to know what to look out for, make sure to consider these factors
With so many valuable MJ cards now available to buy, it’s common that counterfeit cards also appear. It’s important to have an expert authenticate a card before buying.
Some counterfeit cards are easy to spot whilst others are more difficult, Fake ones often lack a white border and jagged bottom edge. Alongside getting an expert to authenticate the card, consider these factors.
1) Raw vs Graded Cards
Card condition is vital when determining the price. With graded cards, it’s fairly simple to see the condition as the hard work has already been done but there are still some key points to take into account.
With ungraded cards, it can be much harder to determine the condition, especially online.
Michael Jordan cards are commonly graded by 2 companies, Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading System (BGS). When comparing PSA to BGS, equal grades typically go for more when graded by PSA. This is due to the proven success of PSA and the fact they were grading cards first.
Beckett is commonly known to be a tougher grader and their color-coded slabs do look more aesthetically pleasing, but PSA-graded cards still seem to sell for more.
Buying a card raw before getting it graded is becoming increasingly popular. If your card is graded at a high PSA or BGS, you’re likely to earn far more money than buying the card already graded. This requires an element of luck and might not always be a good idea unless you’re an experienced collector.
2) Card Authenticity
As I mentioned earlier, counterfeiting is extremely common, especially with the huge values Michael Jordan cards are now fetching.
You can check for authenticity in many ways, but the most common one is to do a visual inspection. Fake cards often have slightly different colors or can be printed on different types of cards. They may also be less detailed and lack a white border or jagged bottom edge.
If you’re unsure of how to authenticate your card, consult an expert or experienced collector.
3) Overall Market Behaviour
Make sure to consider the market before making a final decision on whether to invest in a Michael Jordan card.
The 2020 Netflix special examining Michael’s playing career titled ‘The Last Dance’ reignited people’s love and appreciation for MJ.
The 2020 Coronavirus pandemic canceled the majority of professional sports games and helped people find new hobbies such as card collecting, further increasing the value of MJ cards.
As the cards mentioned above are no longer being produced, it stands to reason that the cards should keep going up in value as demand keeps outweighing supply.
Where to buy and sell Michael Jordan Cards
There are plenty of places online or offline that frequently buy and sell Michael Jordan cards. Here is a selection of the most popular sites and places.
- Auction (Popular high-end auction sites such as Heritage Auctions and Goldin Auctions seem to be the 2 main players when it comes to the extremely rare and valuable MJ cards
- eBay (One of the best options for selling basketball cards online. eBay gets millions of visitors giving you access to a big customer base and you can set your own prices )
- Local Card Shops (Whilst local card shops aren’t as popular anymore, some still exist. You probably won’t get as high of a price compared with sites such as ebay but if you prefer to do things in person, your local card shop might be a good option.
Conclusion – Most Valuable Michael Jordan Cards
Michael Jordan basketball cards are some of the most expensive sports cards ever sold. His rookie cards seem to be the most valuable but other cards including NBA game jersey patches and autographs also highlight different points in his career, making them extremely valuable.
The 1997 Michael Jordan Upper Deck Game Jersey (Autograph) sold by Heritage auctions reached $1,440,000 and is the most expensive card sold to date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Michael Jordan cards exist?
There are estimated to be around 6000, with 1 collector owning 4000 of them.
Should I get my Jordan Rookie graded?
If your card has 4 good corners and no print marks, it has a good chance of getting a high grade. If you have an ungraded rookie and you’re thinking of selling it, it’s worth getting it graded.
How much does it cost to get a card graded?
Grading by PSA can cost anywhere from $20 – $10,000 depending on the card’s value, age, and how fast you need it graded.
Are reprint cards valuable?
Reprint cards offer an affordable way to collect your dream cards. Whilst the original sets may be worth thousands, reprints are often a fraction of the cost.