Rare Michael Jordan rookie card could surpass MJ’s Exquisite Collection card by $250K

A super rare Michael Jordan rookie card will likely sell for nearly half a million dollars at an auction, per TMZ. MJ's coveted 1986 Fleer rookie card, complete with the Chicago Bulls team set, is expected to fetch around $400,000.

Heritage Auctions will be in charge of the set's sale, and the bidding begins on January 24, 2025.

If Jordan's rookie card sells for that much, it will surpass his Exquisite Collection card, which sold for $136,530 in April 2021 by over $250,000. That'll push back the Bulls legend's Exquisite Collection to the 10th spot among his top 10 most expensive NBA cards.

NBA cards are highly collectible items. Depending on who's on the card, the condition of the card, and when it was printed, these collectibles can sell for a fortune, especially if professional card graders like PSA grade them.

Jordan's card, which sees him grabbing a ball against a defender, is reportedly in "near mint condition," with a PSA grade of 8.5.

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Looking at 10 most expensive Michael Jordan cards

Michael Jordan is one of the most prominent figures in NBA history. His popularity and impact on the basketball world also make him one of the most collectible players around the world. From his shoes to his jerseys, Jordan fans will pay good money to collect any merchandise of his. The same goes for his NBA cards.

In February 2021, MJ's autographed 1997 Upper Deck Game Jersey with a PSA grade of seven sold for $1.44 million. What made the card valuable was Jordan's autograph which came alongside a numbering. Also featured on the card was his 1992 All-Star jersey. So far, this is the only NBA card that sold for at least a million dollars.

In December 2020, Michael Jordan's Green 1997 Metal Universe with a PSA grading of Authentic sold for $915,000. The only other 1997 MJ Metal Universe (Green) that was sold was priced at $350,000 due to its grading being Altered.

The following Michael Jordan NBA cards sold for under $500,000. Here's the full list:

• 1997 MJ Metal Universe #23 (Red) - Sold for $480,000 in February 2021
• 1984 MJ Star #101 - Sold for $174,660 in April 2021
• 1986 MJ Fleer Sticker #8 - Sold for $216,000 in February 2021
• 1987-1988 MJ Fleer #59 - Sold for $50,200 in January 2021
• 1987 MJ Fleer Stickers #2 - Sold for $75,000 in February 2021
• 2003 MJ Exquisite Collection #MJ - Sold for $136,530 in April 2021
• 1998 MJ Skybox Molten Metal #41 - Sold for $198,030 in March 2021

If Jordan's 1986 Fleer rookie card does meet its expected selling price, it will enter this list of his most expensive cards.