BREAKING: A signed 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card has shattered records, selling for an astounding $2.7 million in a private sale through Goldin Auctions. This sale marks the highest price ever paid for a card with an “aftermarket” signature, confirming the athlete’s immense value in the sports collectibles market.
The auction house announced this urgent development, highlighting the rarity of such signed cards. Historically, these “aftermarket” signatures are autographs obtained outside of the card’s production chain, which includes cards signed directly on the surface or through hologram stickers. Due to Jordan’s long-standing exclusive contract with Upper Deck, signed rookie cards have been incredibly scarce—until now.
Recently, Jordan has begun conducting private signings, including on the coveted Fleer rookie card. The card sold by Goldin Auctions is graded a PSA Mint 9 and boasts a perfect 10 autograph grade, making it one of only nine cards signed by Jordan during a private signing event with witnesses in June 2024.
This record-breaking sale underscores Jordan’s lasting legacy in the world of sports collectibles. Goldin Auctions founder and CEO Ken Goldin stated, “Signed rookie cards of greatest-of-all-time athletes, like Michael Jordan, represent the pinnacle of sports collectibles. This record-breaking sale is a testament not only to Jordan’s enduring legacy but also to the recognition of aftermarket-signed cards.”
Just weeks before this sale, another card from the same signing—one of only three PSA 9s—was sold through Joopiter, the auction house owned by Pharell Williams, for $2.5 million. Goldin confirmed to ESPN that the recent $2.7 million sale does not involve the previously sold Joopiter card, further emphasizing the distinct value of this newly sold collectible.
As interest in sports memorabilia surges, collectors are increasingly recognizing the worth of authenticated signed cards. This latest transaction not only highlights Michael Jordan’s unparalleled status in sports history but also reflects a growing trend in the collectibles market, where aftermarket signatures are gaining traction.
With the sports memorabilia market continuing to evolve, collectors and fans alike are left wondering what record-breaking sales may come next. The excitement surrounding Michael Jordan’s legacy remains vibrant, and this sale is a clear indicator of his lasting impact on the world of sports collectibles.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and other significant sales in the collectibles market.