When we made our lists for the most expensive basketball cards ever sold and the top NBA rookie cards, we received incredible feedback. There are some players who transcend the game, and those same players’ cards transcend the hobby. Stars of the game of the past, including Michael Jordan basketball cards, will always be highly collectible. They lacked some of the flair of more modern cards, but their simplicity is part of the allure. We take a more in-depth look at the cards that are most highly-sought by basketball card collectors before focusing in on Michael Jordan cards.
Essential Michael Jordan Cards for Every Collection
There are many Michael Jordan cards that would look good in any collection. But asked to put together a list of the most essential, yielded these gems. We think these stand out based on rarity, aesthetics, trade and resale value, and overall worth to a collection.
The 7 Most Important Michael Jordan Cards
There are many great Michael Jordan cards out there from the 80s through those much more recent.
1997-98 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Game Jerseys Autograph #GJ13S
This is the most valuable MJ card ever sold, and must be the Holy Grail of Jordan cards. There are not a ton of these to be clear, but most of them sold recently are going for huge money. A BGS 8 copy sold for a record $2.7 million in 2021. It features an autograph and game-worn jersey patch from the 1992 All-Star game, limited to just 23 copies. If you are lucky enough to have one of the 23, consider yourself a basketball cards collecting rock star.
2003 Exquisite Collection Michael Jordan Autographed Patch Card #MJ
A BGS 9.5 graded copy of this limited patch auto card sold for $780,000 in 2021, making it one of Jordan’s most coveted modern cards.
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1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan #23 (Green)
One of only 10 green PMG parallels produced, an ungraded “Altered” copy sold for $915,000 in 2020, despite its unique condition. Ten. That’s it. And of the 10 made, only 6 have been graded, meaning there are some collectors out there sitting on some insane value.
1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan #23 (Red)
The red PMG parallel, limited to 90 copies, had a PSA 9 example sell for $480,000 in 2021.
1986 Fleer Michael Jordan #57 Rookie Card
Jordan’s iconic rookie card is a key to any collection. A PSA 10 gem mint copy fetched $720,000 in 2021.
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Exquisite Collection Jordan/LeBron/Kobe Triple Logoman Card
This ultra-rare 1-of-1 card with patches from all three stars sold for $1.68 million in 2021, despite being “Authentic” rather than graded.
1984 Star Michael Jordan #101 Rookie Card
Considered Jordan’s true rookie, a PSA 10 example of this scarce card sold for $174,660 in 2021.
Other Notable Michael Jordan Cards
Other notable expensive Jordan cards include the 1997 Flair Showcase Hot Shots, 1998 Skybox Molten Metal, and 1986-87 Fleer Sticker issues.
ALSO READ: Michael Jordan Photo Sets An INSANE Price!
