A copy of Michael Jordan’s legendary 1986 Fleer rookie card, featuring an aftermarket signature, has made headlines by selling for a staggering $2.7 million at Goldin Auctions. This sale sets a new benchmark in the sports collectibles market, particularly for items associated with the NBA legend, who has an exclusive partnership with Upper Deck for authenticated signed memorabilia. The value of signed Jordan rookie cards has surged, making them highly sought-after by collectors and investors alike.
The particular card that fetched the record price was graded as a PSA Mint 9 and boasted a flawless 10 autograph grade. It is one of a select nine cards that were signed by Jordan privately with witnesses during an event in 2024, adding to its rarity and desirability.
Ken Goldin, the founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, emphasized the significance of such sales in the sports memorabilia realm. “Signed rookie cards of greatest-of-all-time athletes, like Michael Jordan, represent the pinnacle of sports collectibles,” he noted. This record-breaking sale underscores not only the continued fascination with Jordan as a sports icon but also the growing acceptance and value of aftermarket-signed cards.
Earlier in the year, another remarkable sale involved a dual autograph card featuring both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, which sold for an astounding $12.9 million at auction. This one-of-a-kind card, notable for its incorporation of NBA logos, images of both legends, and on-card signatures, is considered the ultimate prize among basketball collectibles. The auction for this card concluded in August during Heritage Auctions’ Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction, with the identity of the buyer remaining undisclosed.
Chris Ivy, Heritage’s director of sports auctions, expressed the immense demand for such rare collectibles, remarking, “The demand for this card is astronomical.” He highlighted its unique attributes, which further elevate its status in the marketplace. The pre-auction estimate for the card was $6 million, showcasing the competitive bidding environment that exists for collectible assets of this nature.
The rapidly evolving landscape for sports memorabilia suggests a bright future for collectors and investors. As record sales continue to emerge, the intersection of sports history, nostalgia, and investment opportunity thrives, ensuring that the stories behind these collectibles resonate for years to come.