The 10 Most Valuable Michael Jordan Cards That Got Banks in Trouble

Mess with the bull and you get the horns – Mess with the most valuable Michael Jackson trading cards and you’ll find a bunch of angry collectors on your doorstep. Michael Jordan is undoubtedly the greatest player in basketball history and he always attracts a crowd when his name appears on an auction listing. While we don’t have six idle figures to get our own, we can admire these pricey cards from afar.

The 10 Most Valuable Michael Jordan Trading Cards Ever Sold

Thanks to Netflix’s hit documentary, last danceMichael Jordan’s career and legacy are once again in the spotlight. Fans old and new flocked to buy and sell his memorabilia with a new energy not seen in years. While game jerseys and signed Air Jordans are among the most expensive MJ-related collectibles to date, you can’t count out these valuable basketball trading cards just yet.

1997/98 Upper Deck “Game Jersey” Michael Jordan #GJ13S: $2.052 million

Recently, a Michael Jordan trading card sold at Goldin Auctions and knocked the same card of slightly lower quality sold at Heritage Auctions from the top spot. This 1997/98 Upper Deck card is graded nearly mint 8 (one point higher than the previous most expensive MJ trading card).

It comes with a signature and a game-worn jersey. This card is numbered 21/25 and is a very rare card. In such good condition, it’s no wonder a card from this seminal season can fetch $2.052 million.

1997/98 Metal Universe Michael Jordan #23: $915,000

The second most expensive Jordan trading card comes from the 1997 Metal Universe series. The card, which features MJ in a dynamic pose against an emerald green background, is considered relatively rare as only 100 were produced. The card was authenticated by industry-standard PSA prior to the auction, which further helped it sell for an impressive $915,000.

1986/87 Fleer Michael Jordan #57: $720,000

There is no doubt that Michael Jordan’s 1986/87 Fleer rookie card is his highest average trading card value. Of course, rare 1/1 card and signed game jersey combos may sell individually for higher prices, but his high-quality Fleer rookies always do well at auction.

For example, one of the new cards, in the coveted immaculate “Gem Mint” condition, sold for $720,000 at a Goldin Auctions auction. These bright cards featuring photos of Michael dunking in games are often sold and always generate a lot of interest.

2000/01 Upper Deck “Game Jersey” Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant #MJKB-A: $516,000

Upper Deck is known for its rare sports trading cards, such as the Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant 2000/01 “Game Jersey” dual cards. Not only do the cards have signatures from Jordan and Kobe, but there are also small scraps of Bulls and Lakers jerseys. With immaculate original autograph grade and near mint condition, this card is destined to perform well.

However, Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter accident in 2020, which undoubtedly affected the value of the card. So, just a year after his death, the card sold through Heritage Auctions for $516,000.

RELATED: The Most Valuable Sports and Trading Cards That Cost Big Money

2003/04 Upper Deck “Exquisite Collection” Michael Jordan Endorsement Pin: $511,200

This premium Upper Deck Michael Jordan card from the 2003/04 season ranks fifth on our list. These cards are from a “beautiful collection” of which only 15 exist. Featuring near-perfect grade, a Beckett Grading System 10 (the highest possible grade) autograph, and two jersey patches, this card is collectible. Of course, a card with so many rare features can fetch $511,200 at auction.

1986/87 Fleer Basketball Sticker Complete Set Including Michael Jordan #8 Rookie: $480,000

Everyone knows about baseball trading cards and the gumball gimmick, but not everyone is aware of the various sticker trading cards that have been released over the years. A complete set of Fleer basketball stickers from the 1986/87 season recently appeared at Goldin Auctions.

Included in the lot is a coveted Michael Jordan No. 8 rookie sticker card. Paired with other great players such as Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the highly desirable lot sold for nearly $500,000, selling for $480,000.

1984/85 Star Michael Jordan “UDA Flight School” Signing Rookie #101: $420,000

Fleer isn’t the only trading card company releasing Michael Jordan rookie cards. Star Co. introduced their own card in the 1984/85 season, which is a very collectible card in its own right. However, one card with a bright blue certified signature stands head and shoulders above the rest. One lucky collector won this near-perfect rookie card at a Goldin auction for $420,000.

1998/99 Upper Deck “Jordan Jersey Autographed” #MJx-GJ: $288,000

Combine a low serial number with a game-worn jersey and an authentic autograph, and you’ve got a trading card that steals the auction. An Upper Deck Michael Jordan trading card from the 1998/99 season came to Goldin’s auction, with all three cards, and the final price was $288,000.

1985 Michael Jordan Rookie of the Year: $228,000

According to Goldin Auctions, Michael Jordan’s 1985 Interlac Rookie Card is an “extremely rare and sparsely distributed” trading card, with only 162 recorded to date. While it doesn’t have any of the bells and whistles that many of the cards on this list have, the immaculate condition and rarity of the rookie are enough to convince someone to shell out $228,000 for it.

2008/09 Skybox Metal Universe Michael Jordan #23: $222,630

SkyBox is one of the many trading card brands in gaming, and they often release highly decorative eSports trading cards. They put together a dynamic card for Michael Jordan’s 2008/09 season. Only 10 of the green background were made, the 8th of which was recently sold at a Goldin auction. Since it’s in perfect condition and produced in such low numbers, that means this late-career trading card could earn an impressive $222,630.

Valuable Features to Look for in Sports Trading Cards

There is no doubt that sports cards are one of the most enduring collectibles of the 20th century. Interest may fade, but the price tag rarely falters. What makes a card stand out and fetch six figures at auction? Well, there are a few key features that you need to look out for.

• Rookie card: Rookie cards of famous players always bring in the highest revenue.
• sign: A certified signature can turn an ordinary card into a record-breaking one.
• Jersey card: Cards containing fragments of game-worn jerseys are extremely rare and highly collectible.
• Low Yield: Most cards are numbered as follows (5/200, 6/20, 1/1, etc.). The lower the last number, the rarer and more valuable the card is.

Cards you want to sit on the sidelines and watch

If you ask anyone to name a basketball player, Michael Jordan is almost always the first one they spit out. He is not considered the original GOAT. Due to his legendary career, his trading cards are the most valuable in the entire category.