This Michael Jordan rookie card isn’t scarce. Not in the true sense of the word. PSA has examined over 17,000 of them alone and when you count Beckett and SGC and the many cards sitting in sets or just left ungraded, it’s clear you don’t have to go far to find one. However, the 1986-87 Fleer Jordan rookie card is clearly the most popular basketball card ever made and prices continue to steadily climb. You can check out a list of the popular Jordan cards on eBay below.
There is plenty of Michael Jordan memorabilia to buy if you’re so inclined and the rookie card is at or near the top of the list.
It’s not ‘rare’ like the T206 Honus Wagner but the story is sort of a modern era equivalent to the Babe Ruth autographed baseball: many exist, but still not enough to satisfy demand.
Investing in Michael Jordan rookie cards
From kids who idolized his ability and are now grown and able to afford one to adults who believe there is more growth to come and are investing in Michael Jordan rookie cards, there is always interest. In 2009 we wrote that high grade Jordan rookie cards still seemed to be a good buy and indeed, dealers have seen semi-explosive growth in the last several years. In short, if you took our advice back then, you’ve made out like a bandit.
A card you could have pulled from a 50-cent pack at the time of issue has proven to be one of sports collecting’s best investments. While the product wasn’t a smash hit at the time, Jordan’s ascension to international superstar and the rise in popularity of basketball cards has helped fuel the growth.
Near Mint Graded Jordan Rookie Cards
From September of 2013 to February 20 of 2014, no Jordan card graded 8.5 (NM/MT+) by PSA sold for over $1,000. Since then, the average price has risen to over $2,300.
Prices for mint Jordans (graded 9) have doubled since 2014. PSA 9s often struggled to reach $2,000 early in 2013 but the average price now stands at nearly $4,000. Even just five years ago, $1,600-$1,700 was the going rate.
Beckett Graded 9.5 Michael Jordan rookie cards are hot, too. Several years ago, a Pristine BGS 10 sold for $100,000, generating some headlines and possibly helping fuel some of the growth for lesser graded Jordan rookies. Now, BGS 9.5 examples average $7,000-$8,000, while BVG 9s, a little more plentiful, still average almost $3,000–up about $1,000 from where they were selling five years ago.
The largest price increases have come with Jordan rookie cards in PSA 10 holders. In the summer of 2015, they were selling for an average of $15,300, again showing a 300% growth rate compared to 2007 levels when the going rate was 
around $5,000. Even in 2012, average selling prices fell between $8,000 and $9,500. Now, however, the PSA 10 Jordan Fleer rookie card has taken up residence in the $20,000 neighborhood. That’s quite a return on investment–even if you bought in just a few years ago. Prices in all grades have dipped a bit from unusually high levels in 2016 but the settled market has once again given investors and collectors a little more confidence.
Part of the reason the appeal and value of Michael Jordan rookie cards may be long-lasting is basketball’s appeal as a worldwide sport. There are basketball collectors all over the worldwho covet a Jordan rookie, which increases already strong demand. Other interest has some from investors who have seen the strong performance of what has become the most popular basketball card of all-time.
The Jordan sticker from that inaugural 1980s Fleer set has also been climbing in price, especially graded examples.
A live list of the ‘most watched’ graded Jordan rookie cards currently up for auction on eBay is below.
Here are some related articles:
- Michael Jordan Rookie Cards Still Strong
- 30 Cool, Cheap Michael Jordan Cards
- Top 100 Most Watched Basketball Cards on eBay
- New Record Price for BGS 9.5 1984-85 Star Company Jordan Rookie
- Upper Deck Renews Autograph Contract with Michael Jordan
Most Watched 1986-87 Michael Jordan Rookie Cards on eBay
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