How do you measure greatness in sports? It could be by points made, games won, records broken or, in this case, all of the above, plus another major factor: the money that your paraphernalia pulls in.
Today’s featured listings have one great thing in common: Michael Jordan. In Kevin Glew’s article, Michael Jordan: Still the Best Ever, published in the Professional Sports Authenticator newsletter, the reporter makes his case for Air Jordan:
- Six NBA championship rings
- A career record for most points per game during the regular season (30.12)
- A career record for most points per game during playoffs (33.45)
- Five-time NBA MVP
- Fourteen-time all-star
- Two Olympic gold medals (1984, 1992)
- Ten NBA scoring titles
Glew adds, “Not bad for a player that couldn’t crack his high school team as a sophomore.”
Now Jordan has another honor to add to this list—two stellar trading cards on eBay, both featuring his visage and each garnering high numbers of bids and sky-high bids.
The first auction is for this 2011-12 Fleer Retro Michael Jordan Precious Metal Gems Green #4/10 PMG Rare:
The listing gives a glimpse into how on earth this card has inspired Jordan fans and sports memorabilia collectors to ratchet the price to a high of $21,000.
“2011-12 Upper Deck Fleer Retro Michael Jordan Precious Metal Gems Green #4/10. Card is Near Mint or better, see scans for condition. Don’t miss your chance to own one of the rarest Jordan inserts ever made!”
The magic combination of pristine condition and rarity certainly works in this item’s favor.
If that auction has your head spinning, this next one is going to be a three-pointer. It’s for a MICHAEL JORDAN 1997-98 E-X EX Jambalaya AUTO 1/1 Fleer RETRO Bulls Exquisite SP!
Currently with 37 bids, the price is at $24,099. In this case rarity is truly prized, as this item is one of one. The seller found the need to emphasize this point in the listing, stating, “Yes, Only 1 in the world, Autograph is signed directly on card by Mr. Jordan.”
One fan asked how the card could possibly be worth this much, even with the next-to-nothing edition size. The seller responded, “1) Jambalaya is one of the most sought after MJ inserts ever, 2) We never had Jordan Buyback Auto signed on this high value piece, 3) UD lost NBA licence years back, and being UD exclusives, Jordan does not sign for other company and UD can only issue MJ Auto card with college uniform. We believe we can only get MJ Auto in Bulls uniform from past, and this is the only way we can get him in bulls now.”
Another fan jumps into the debate, offering $12K and adding that no Jordan BuyBack has sold for over $10K. The seller shoots back, “Hello, thank you for your offer but it seems like auction has reached over your offer already…We truly understand none of MJ 1/1 buyback sold for 10K, but none of the base were more than few dollar cards. This is original 97-98 Jambalaya, and hope you see the difference. We are watching record breaking transaction here and hope to have you in the mix! Best!”
It only seems suitable that these cards would break sales records, considering the athletic career of Michael Jordan. What remains to be seen is how high these prices can fly.
When Michael Jordan was playing with the Chicago Bulls in their heyday seasons, lots of people who wouldn’t normally dream of sitting down and watching an NBA game on TV would do so. He was that explosive and entertaining to watch. The finals games were better than most super bowls. Kobe Bryant and others have great talent but nobody has approached Michael’s sheer marketing draw for the NBA, which might as well have changed its name to the MBA back then.
THE MOST DRAMATIC FLAIR OF SHOWMANSHIP,BALL CONTROL,AND THE ABILITY TO( FLY),WITH GRACE, TO THE NET,THAN ANY OTHER PLAYER, I HAVE EVER SEEN. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER (AIR) JORDAN. LONG LIVE THE KING OF HOOPS.
that was a awesome video ty
When I was a kid a thought I was an NBA fan. That highlight film reminds me, I was actually just a Michael Jordan fan. Its amazing to be reminded how many of his best moments were against some of the best defenders of his day or any day. What a great time to be a spectator, I can’t imagine how special those memories are to Michael and those that played with him. What a great time.
a while back Avon put out a set of 4 gold trimmed Michael Jordan cards. I wonder if they are worth anything???
When mike gets to 11 Rings have him give me a call. Bill R. (Boston)
When mike gets a few thousand more points have him give me a call, oh and I forgot, 1 MORE MVP. Kareem A. (LA)
When mike is the all time leader in 2 top stats have him give me a call. Jon S. (Utah)
Was he the most marketed ever, yes,most popular due to Nike, yes.
Aside from that what can you say, in between the painted lines.
He is not:
All time scoring champ, steals leader,assist leader,3pt leader, MVPs leader,championships won leader.
Most popular yes, best ever, No. The facts speak for themselves