Rare Michael Jordan rookie card breaks record with massive price at auction

A Michael Jordan rookie card from the 1986/87 NBA season has sold for $2.5 million at auction, trebling the previous record for an MJ rookie card.

The rare collectible was a 1986/87 Fleer Michael Jordan autograph card, one of only nine that he agreed to sign in 2024. The rarity of this particular card is such that it smashes the previous record for a Michael Jordan rookie card.

In 2021 a non-signed Freer Jordan rookie was sold for $840,000. The $2.5 million sale was the third-highest recorded for any card featuring MJ. The record is held by the $2.928 million sale of a 1-of-1 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection autographed Michael Jordan Logoman card.

The Freer rookie card was sold at Joopiter, an auction house hold by legendary producer and artists Pharrell Williams. It was the first sports card ever sold by Joopiter, which began operating in 2022.

“We are excited to debut in the world of sports collectibles, largely in response to enthusiasm from our global community of collectors,” Caitlin Donovan, global head of sales at Joopiter, told ESPN. “With a focus on rare and iconic sports memorabilia, infused with the rich history that make these pieces truly special, we look forward to bringing this community unique and significant pieces of sports history.”

Although Jordan cards frequently fetch enormous prices at auction, even the most expensive MJ falls a long way short of the all-time record for an NBA card. That honor is held by Stephen Curry and his National Treasures Logoman Autograph Rookie card.

The card features a game-used Logoman patch, player signature and a PSA Grade of 8. When the card was sold in a private sale for an eye-watering $5.9 million. Close behind is LeBron James’ 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Parallel, which went for $5.2 million in 2021.

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