Historical Record: Michael Jordan Card Reaches $2.7 Million
A 1986 Michael Jordan rookie card from the Fleer brand, “aftermarket” signed, has reached a record price of $2.7 million in a private sale managed by Goldin Auctions. This price marks a milestone for an “aftermarket” signed card.
Signed “aftermarket” cards are those that have been autographed outside of the standard card production process. This may include direct signatures on the card surface, signatures on a holographic sticker that is then adhered to the card, or cut signatures 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 an exclusive agreement between Jordan and Upper Deck, Jordan’s signed rookie cards were difficult to find for decades, apart from 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 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 athletes considered the best 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.
