Historical Record: Signed Michael Jordan Card Reaches $2.7 Million
A 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, “aftermarket” signed, sold in a private auction through Goldin Auctions for a staggering $2.7 million. This deal sets a new record for a card with an “aftermarket” signature, according to the auction house.
Signed “aftermarket” cards are those that were autographed outside the card production process. This may involve direct signatures on the surface of the card, on a holographic sticker that is then attached to the card, or as signatures cut from documents such as checks.The 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card was one of nine signed by Jordan “privately with witnesses” in a 2024 signing session.
Due to Jordan’s exclusive agreement with Upper Deck for many years, Jordan’s signed rookie cards were difficult to find outside of the 23 copies that Jordan signed for an Upper Deck promotion in 2006 for the 20th anniversary. However, Jordan has recently begun to hold private signing sessions, including Fleer rookie cards, which are still considered rare.
Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, confirmed through a representative that the card, with a PSA Mint 9 rating and an autograph rating of 10, was one of nine signed by Jordan “privately with witnesses” in a 2024 signing session.
Another card from that signing session (one of three with a PSA 9 grade; the remaining six received PSA 10 grades and, as of June, have 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.
