Historical Record: Signed Michael Jordan Card Reaches $2.7 Million
A 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, “aftermarket” signed, has fetched a record price of $2.7 million in a private sale through Goldin Auctions. This price represents a milestone for an “aftermarket” signed card, according to the auction house.
Signed “aftermarket” cards are those that are autographed outside of the standard production process. This includes direct signatures on the surface of the card, on a holographic sticker that is then attached to the card, or as cut signatures from documents.The 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card was one of nine signed by Jordan “privately with witnesses” in a signing session in 2024.
Due to Jordan’s exclusive agreement with Upper Deck, Jordan’s signed rookie cards were difficult to find for decades, aside from the 23 copies that Jordan signed for an Upper Deck promotion in 2006. However, Jordan has begun to hold private signing sessions, including Fleer rookie cards, which are still considered rare.
Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, confirmed that the card, graded as PSA Mint 9 with an autograph grade of 10, was one of nine signed by Jordan “privately with witnesses” in a 2024 signing session.
Another card from that session, one of three with a PSA 9 grade (the remaining six received PSA 10 grades and, as of June, had not appeared publicly), sold through Joopiter, Pharell Williams’ auction house, for $2.5 million at the end of June. Goldin also confirmed that this $2.7 million Jordan card is not a resale of the $2.5 million Joopiter card.
Signed rookie cards of the greatest athletes of all time, such as Michael Jordan, represent the pinnacle of sports collectibles. This record sale is a testament not only to Jordan’s enduring legacy, but also to the recognition of “aftermarket” signed cards.
