Michael JORDAN (born in 1963)
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Sport Basketball Textiles Sport equipment Sport cards Sport cards 1942-92 Modern sport cards Olympic Games Kobe Bryant
Chronology : 1998 2008
See also : Sport Basketball Textiles Sport equipment Sport cards Sport cards 1942-92 Modern sport cards Olympic Games Kobe Bryant
Chronology : 1998 2008
Intro
Michael Jordan played college basketball in the NCAA championship for North Carolina Tar Heels for three seasons, from 1981 to 1984, with No. 23. He was named NCAA champion in 1982 and National College Player of the year in 1984. He returned to North Carolina in 1986 to complete his degrees.
A game used jersey from the 1982-1983 season has been photo matched with the cover page of The Sporting News on March 28, 1983 where he was highlighted as Player of the Year, aged 20. It was sold for $ 1.38M by Heritage on May 8, 2021, lot 82169.
Michael Jordan begins his NBA career in 1984 with the Chicago Bulls. From the first weeks, he is considered as one of the greatest basketball players of all time by his success in the basket and his aerial jumps.
Jordan was first equipped in the pre-season with the newly released Nike Air Ship sneakers.
Jordan's success leads to an offer from Nike to design custom sneakers for him. The champion is assisted by the sports agent David Falk, a specialist in trade promotions for NBA players.
From September, Jordan is also equipped with a pair of commercial Nike Air Ship sneakers in the colors of the Bulls, black and red. The NBA bans this non-compliant color scheme on October 18 just before the opening of the season.
An NBA compliant Air Ship pair in white and red was sold for $ 1.47M by Sotheby's on October 24, 2021, lot 23. They are the earliest known NBA game used sneakers of Michael Jordan who presented them to a ball boy of the Denver Nuggets after a game on November 1. They are in size 13 while the matching Jordan measurement should be 13.5 for the right foot.
A game used jersey from the 1982-1983 season has been photo matched with the cover page of The Sporting News on March 28, 1983 where he was highlighted as Player of the Year, aged 20. It was sold for $ 1.38M by Heritage on May 8, 2021, lot 82169.
Michael Jordan begins his NBA career in 1984 with the Chicago Bulls. From the first weeks, he is considered as one of the greatest basketball players of all time by his success in the basket and his aerial jumps.
Jordan was first equipped in the pre-season with the newly released Nike Air Ship sneakers.
Jordan's success leads to an offer from Nike to design custom sneakers for him. The champion is assisted by the sports agent David Falk, a specialist in trade promotions for NBA players.
From September, Jordan is also equipped with a pair of commercial Nike Air Ship sneakers in the colors of the Bulls, black and red. The NBA bans this non-compliant color scheme on October 18 just before the opening of the season.
An NBA compliant Air Ship pair in white and red was sold for $ 1.47M by Sotheby's on October 24, 2021, lot 23. They are the earliest known NBA game used sneakers of Michael Jordan who presented them to a ball boy of the Denver Nuggets after a game on November 1. They are in size 13 while the matching Jordan measurement should be 13.5 for the right foot.
1984 Rookie Road Jersey
2025 SOLD for $ 4.2M by Sotheby's
Michael Jordan begins his NBA career in 1984 with the Chicago Bulls.
A road jersey bearing his number 23 was photo-matched by MeiGray with a video footage to the first NBA game played by Jordan, on October 5, 1984.
It also has been photo-matched by SIA to Jordan's 2nd NBA game on October 7, 1984 and by MeiGray to his 3rd NBA game on October 13, 1984. MeiGray stated that they "believe that this is the first jersey Michael Jordan ever wore while playing in the NBA."
It was sold for $ 4.2M by Sotheby's on March 26, 2025, lot 1. It has been signed by Jordan. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
A road jersey bearing his number 23 was photo-matched by MeiGray with a video footage to the first NBA game played by Jordan, on October 5, 1984.
It also has been photo-matched by SIA to Jordan's 2nd NBA game on October 7, 1984 and by MeiGray to his 3rd NBA game on October 13, 1984. MeiGray stated that they "believe that this is the first jersey Michael Jordan ever wore while playing in the NBA."
It was sold for $ 4.2M by Sotheby's on March 26, 2025, lot 1. It has been signed by Jordan. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
1986 Rookie Card
2025 SOLD for $ 2.5M by Joopiter
Despite NBA support, the basketball cards had fallen into disuse. Topps had abandoned this sport after the 1981-82 season. The series released in 1986 for the 1986-87 season by Fleer, the maker of bubble gum, is a resurrection. It consists of 132 cards and 11 stickers. For retail, Fleer offered packs of 12 random-inserted cards and one sticker, not to forget the bubble gum. For wholesale, Fleer assembled boxes of 36 packs and cases of 12 boxes.
Because of this hiatus, many young players had not yet had a regular trading card and their 1986 Fleer is considered by collectors as their rookie card. They include Michael Jordan who had begun his NBA career in 1984.
In 2020 Jordan's fame is at its peak, driven by the success of the television documentary series named The Last Dance. Collectors are flocking to his rookie card, although it is not uncommon including about 300 cards graded Gem Mint.
The Fleer rookie card of Michael Jordan is not rare. It was pulled from 50 cent packs at the time of issue. In May 2021, the grades higher than Mint 9 had been reached by more than 520 cards at Beckett (6 at Pristine 10 and 514 at 9.5), 300 graded 10 at PSA and 20 graded 10 at SGC.
Two cards graded GEM MT 10 by PSA were sold for $ 720K each by Goldin on January 30, 2021, lot 12 and lot 27. Such a high price was not reached again in the next few months on the PSA 10, with two results at $ 600K each at Goldin in February and March 2021.
A card graded Mint 9 by PSA with a flawless autograph graded Gem Mint 10 by PSA/DNA was sold for $ 2.5M from a lower estimate of $ 2M by Joopiter on June 26, 2025, lot 1. It is illustrated in the post sale report shared by ESPN. Two other examples are known to exist in that combination of grades, plus six 10/10 kept in a single collection. The nine had been signed by the champion in 2024 with a blue Sharpie.
On August 6, 2020, Collect Auctions sold a factory sealed case for $ 1.8M, lot 31. The lot therefore contains 5,184 cards and 432 stickers which have not been handled after their packaging. Statistically, bidders can thus hope to find therein in as new condition 39 cards and 39 stickers of the Jordan rookie.
Because of this hiatus, many young players had not yet had a regular trading card and their 1986 Fleer is considered by collectors as their rookie card. They include Michael Jordan who had begun his NBA career in 1984.
In 2020 Jordan's fame is at its peak, driven by the success of the television documentary series named The Last Dance. Collectors are flocking to his rookie card, although it is not uncommon including about 300 cards graded Gem Mint.
The Fleer rookie card of Michael Jordan is not rare. It was pulled from 50 cent packs at the time of issue. In May 2021, the grades higher than Mint 9 had been reached by more than 520 cards at Beckett (6 at Pristine 10 and 514 at 9.5), 300 graded 10 at PSA and 20 graded 10 at SGC.
Two cards graded GEM MT 10 by PSA were sold for $ 720K each by Goldin on January 30, 2021, lot 12 and lot 27. Such a high price was not reached again in the next few months on the PSA 10, with two results at $ 600K each at Goldin in February and March 2021.
A card graded Mint 9 by PSA with a flawless autograph graded Gem Mint 10 by PSA/DNA was sold for $ 2.5M from a lower estimate of $ 2M by Joopiter on June 26, 2025, lot 1. It is illustrated in the post sale report shared by ESPN. Two other examples are known to exist in that combination of grades, plus six 10/10 kept in a single collection. The nine had been signed by the champion in 2024 with a blue Sharpie.
On August 6, 2020, Collect Auctions sold a factory sealed case for $ 1.8M, lot 31. The lot therefore contains 5,184 cards and 432 stickers which have not been handled after their packaging. Statistically, bidders can thus hope to find therein in as new condition 39 cards and 39 stickers of the Jordan rookie.
1992 Olympic Games Jersey
2023 SOLD for $ 3M by Goldin
Amateurism had been the cornerstone of the Olympic Games. Things changed after 1984 as an opposition to the Soviet practice of training full time amateurs. At the Seoul Games in 1988 professionals were authorized to play tennis. Basketball was won by the Soviets amidst the Cold War with the USA achieving a disappointing bronze.
The US basketball was convinced to present a professional team at Barcelona in 1992. 11 players were selected by the NBA and one place was left to an amateur as a reminder to the obsoleted rules.
The NBA had at that time the most talented basketball players in the world. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were selected as co-captains. The Olympic number of Michael Jordan was the 9 instead of his usual 23 within the NBA.
The result was astonishing with all games won in a mean difference of 44 points. The then nicknamed Dream Team was collectively awarded many honors.
The semifinal was won 127-76 against Lithuania. At that time basketball equipment was not considered as sports relics. After the game the 12 jerseys had been thrown on the floor. The wife of Karl Malone, one of the twelve, picked them, simply. The Malones had them signed by the respective player and collected a pair of sneakers from any of them, worn in various other games from the same Olympics.
The whole collection treasured by Malone in plain sight in his car dealership in Utah will be sold by Goldin on May 25, 2023. Nine jerseys are photo-matched. Jordan's jersey was sold for $ 3M, lot 1.
In the same sale, the pair of sneakers game worn by Jordan was sold for $ 420K, lot 2. This specific Nike Air Jordan (Jumpman) pair is photo-matched with the game against Puerto-Rico in the Pre-Olympic Tournament of the Americas. USA won 119-81.
The US basketball was convinced to present a professional team at Barcelona in 1992. 11 players were selected by the NBA and one place was left to an amateur as a reminder to the obsoleted rules.
The NBA had at that time the most talented basketball players in the world. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were selected as co-captains. The Olympic number of Michael Jordan was the 9 instead of his usual 23 within the NBA.
The result was astonishing with all games won in a mean difference of 44 points. The then nicknamed Dream Team was collectively awarded many honors.
The semifinal was won 127-76 against Lithuania. At that time basketball equipment was not considered as sports relics. After the game the 12 jerseys had been thrown on the floor. The wife of Karl Malone, one of the twelve, picked them, simply. The Malones had them signed by the respective player and collected a pair of sneakers from any of them, worn in various other games from the same Olympics.
The whole collection treasured by Malone in plain sight in his car dealership in Utah will be sold by Goldin on May 25, 2023. Nine jerseys are photo-matched. Jordan's jersey was sold for $ 3M, lot 1.
In the same sale, the pair of sneakers game worn by Jordan was sold for $ 420K, lot 2. This specific Nike Air Jordan (Jumpman) pair is photo-matched with the game against Puerto-Rico in the Pre-Olympic Tournament of the Americas. USA won 119-81.
The coming of professionalism into the Olympic Games generated new sorts of incidents involving trade marks.
Michael Jordan was the natural leader of the US basketball team, not without reluctance. He did not accept being the captain, for reason of official visibility.
The awarding of the gold medal to the Dream Team made Jordan furious. Reebok was a major sponsor of the Games and required some visibility to their brand as a feedback. The Executive Director of the United States Olympic Committee stated that no medal reception was possible unless the player wore a Reebok jacket during the ceremony. Jordan felt that constraint as a disloyalty against his career long business partner Nike.
Jordan wore the Reebok jacket but used safety pins to hide the Reebok logo. As an additional precaution he draped the right side of the garment in a US flag. After the ceremony he loudly claimed that he did not want the jacket and tossed it to the NBA Public Relations executive, to whom he dedicated and signed it at some time.
Coming from the collection of that NBA officer, the one of a kind Reebok jacket of Michael Jordan was sold for $ 1.5M by Sotheby's on June 28, 2023, lot 1. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
As narrated above, Michael Jordan wrapped a US flag on his right shoulder for hiding the Reebok reference of his jacket during the gold medal ceremony.
This piece of polyester, cotton and nylon 120 x 180 cm has been signed by all the twelve members of the Dream Team.
Photo-matched by MeiGray and by Sports Investors Authenticated, it was sold for $ 1.8M by Sotheby's on November 4, 2024, lot 2.
Michael Jordan was the natural leader of the US basketball team, not without reluctance. He did not accept being the captain, for reason of official visibility.
The awarding of the gold medal to the Dream Team made Jordan furious. Reebok was a major sponsor of the Games and required some visibility to their brand as a feedback. The Executive Director of the United States Olympic Committee stated that no medal reception was possible unless the player wore a Reebok jacket during the ceremony. Jordan felt that constraint as a disloyalty against his career long business partner Nike.
Jordan wore the Reebok jacket but used safety pins to hide the Reebok logo. As an additional precaution he draped the right side of the garment in a US flag. After the ceremony he loudly claimed that he did not want the jacket and tossed it to the NBA Public Relations executive, to whom he dedicated and signed it at some time.
Coming from the collection of that NBA officer, the one of a kind Reebok jacket of Michael Jordan was sold for $ 1.5M by Sotheby's on June 28, 2023, lot 1. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
As narrated above, Michael Jordan wrapped a US flag on his right shoulder for hiding the Reebok reference of his jacket during the gold medal ceremony.
This piece of polyester, cotton and nylon 120 x 180 cm has been signed by all the twelve members of the Dream Team.
Photo-matched by MeiGray and by Sports Investors Authenticated, it was sold for $ 1.8M by Sotheby's on November 4, 2024, lot 2.
1992 Road Uniform
2025 SOLD for $ 2.6M by Heritage
In the 1992-1993 season the Chicago Bulls won their third consecutive NBA Finals. Jordan led the league in scoring for the 7th consecutive year, averaging 32.6 points in 78 games with no game missed.
A game worn red and black road uniform of Michael Jordan with his number 23 of the Bulls has been photo-matched by MeiGray with 11 NBA games for jersey and shorts together, 2 for jersey alone and 4 for shorts alone, from November 1992 to March 1993. It is worn by the player on a cover page of Sports Illustrated.
It was sold for $ 2.6M from a lower estimate of $ 2M by Heritage on May 17, 2025, lot 81953, in a superb state of preservation with extensive game wear. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
After an average 41 points over the 6 games of the finals, Jordan unexpectedly announced his retirement for personal reason.
Response by Grok :
Quote (pre sale)
Heritage Auctions Sports @Heritage_Sport Apr 23 1:11
One of the most significant #MichaelJordan jerseys to ever hit the auction block Current bid: https://sports.ha.com/itm/basketball-collectibles/uniforms/1992-93-michael-jordan-game-worn-chicago-bulls-uniform-photo-matched-to-seventeen-games-and-10-18-1993-sports-illustrated/a/50077-81953.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515#…
A game worn red and black road uniform of Michael Jordan with his number 23 of the Bulls has been photo-matched by MeiGray with 11 NBA games for jersey and shorts together, 2 for jersey alone and 4 for shorts alone, from November 1992 to March 1993. It is worn by the player on a cover page of Sports Illustrated.
It was sold for $ 2.6M from a lower estimate of $ 2M by Heritage on May 17, 2025, lot 81953, in a superb state of preservation with extensive game wear. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
After an average 41 points over the 6 games of the finals, Jordan unexpectedly announced his retirement for personal reason.
Response by Grok :
Quote (pre sale)
Heritage Auctions Sports @Heritage_Sport Apr 23 1:11
One of the most significant #MichaelJordan jerseys to ever hit the auction block Current bid: https://sports.ha.com/itm/basketball-collectibles/uniforms/1992-93-michael-jordan-game-worn-chicago-bulls-uniform-photo-matched-to-seventeen-games-and-10-18-1993-sports-illustrated/a/50077-81953.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515#…
- The X post from Heritage Auctions Sports highlights a significant piece of sports memorabilia: a Chicago Bulls jersey worn by Michael Jordan during the 1992-93 season, which was part of the team's first three-peat (three consecutive NBA championships). This jersey is notable because it is photo-matched to 17 games, including appearances on the 1993 cover of Sports Illustrated, and is considered the only one from that season to be photo-matched, adding to its rarity and value.
- The jersey's historical context is enriched by Jordan's performance during that season; he led the league in scoring for the seventh consecutive year, was named to both the All-NBA First Team and the All-NBA Defensive First Team, and averaged 35.1 points per game in the playoffs. This season was also Jordan's last before his first retirement, making the jersey a unique artifact from a pivotal moment in basketball history.
- The auction of this jersey, which occurred on May 17, 2025, reflects the growing market for sports memorabilia, with previous Jordan items fetching high prices, such as a jersey from Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals selling for $10.1 million in 2022. The jersey's sale for $2.6 million underscores the enduring legacy and commercial value of Michael Jordan's career, supported by the meticulous documentation and authentication by experts at MeiGray and Sports Investors.
1996 Road Jersey
2024 SOLD for $ 4.7M by Sotheby's
Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls in 1995 after a 18 month hiatus. He led that team to championship each year from 1996 to 1998, winning that three Finals MVP awards but losing to Malone the overall 1997 NBA MVP.
A game worn road red jersey of Michael Jordan with the number 23 of the Bulls has been photo-matched by MeiGray with an impressive 17 NBA games in 15 cities from December 1996 to April 1997. He recorded in these games a total of 528 points which is 31 points per game. MeiGray suggest that it has also been used in 3 non-photo-matched games.
Michael's jersey are rare until and including that 1996-97 season due to extensive reuse. Many fakes have surfaced. His game worn jerseys are more common in the next season known as the Last Dance, because the Bulls used to sell these garments for charity purposes.
The example above was sold for $ 4.7M by Sotheby's on November 4, 2024, lot 1.
A game worn road red jersey of Michael Jordan with the number 23 of the Bulls has been photo-matched by MeiGray with an impressive 17 NBA games in 15 cities from December 1996 to April 1997. He recorded in these games a total of 528 points which is 31 points per game. MeiGray suggest that it has also been used in 3 non-photo-matched games.
Michael's jersey are rare until and including that 1996-97 season due to extensive reuse. Many fakes have surfaced. His game worn jerseys are more common in the next season known as the Last Dance, because the Bulls used to sell these garments for charity purposes.
The example above was sold for $ 4.7M by Sotheby's on November 4, 2024, lot 1.
Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls in 1995 after a 18 month hiatus. He led that team to championship each year from 1996 to 1998, winning that three Finals MVP awards but losing to Malone the overall 1997 NBA MVP.
A game worn road red jersey of Michael Jordan with the number 23 of the Bulls has been photo-matched by MeiGray with an impressive 17 NBA games in 15 cities from December 1996 to April 1997. He recorded in these games a total of 528 points which is 31 points per game. MeiGray suggest that it has also been used in 3 non-photo-matched games.
Michael's jersey are rare until and including that 1996-97 season due to extensive reuse. Many fakes have surfaced. His game worn jerseys are more common in the next season known as the Last Dance, because the Bulls used to sell these garments for charity purposes.
The example above was sold for $ 4.7M by Sotheby's on November 4, 2024, lot 1. It will be sold by Heritage on May 17, 2025, lot 81953.
A game worn road red jersey of Michael Jordan with the number 23 of the Bulls has been photo-matched by MeiGray with an impressive 17 NBA games in 15 cities from December 1996 to April 1997. He recorded in these games a total of 528 points which is 31 points per game. MeiGray suggest that it has also been used in 3 non-photo-matched games.
Michael's jersey are rare until and including that 1996-97 season due to extensive reuse. Many fakes have surfaced. His game worn jerseys are more common in the next season known as the Last Dance, because the Bulls used to sell these garments for charity purposes.
The example above was sold for $ 4.7M by Sotheby's on November 4, 2024, lot 1. It will be sold by Heritage on May 17, 2025, lot 81953.
1998 Finals
1
Game 1 Road Jersey
2022 SOLD for $ 10M by Sotheby's
The 1998 Finals were a key event in NBA history, opposing the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls. Michael Jordan, who had hitherto made his whole NBA career with the Bulls, won the Most Valuable Player award of the Finals and his sixth NBA championship.
The first game was made in Salt Lake City on June 3, in a surrounding ambience hostile to the Bulls. Utah won it by a narrow margin, despite the 33 points scored by Jordan.
The road jersey worn by Michael Jordan in that Game 1 was sold for $ 10M from a lower estimate of $ 3M by Sotheby's on September 15, 2022, lot 1. It has been photo matched in game use by MeiGray.
Game 1 of the 1998 Finals had been lost by the Chicago Bulls against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. Two days later in the same venue, Game 2 was a must win for the Bulls. Utah was so hostile to their visitors that Jordan's kids did not attend. It was won by the Chicago Bulls 93-88, with Jordan scoring 37. The series was thus tied 1-1 at that time.
The current model of the Nike Air Jordan sneakers was the number XIII, featuring a holographic eye and an outsole resembling a panther paw in a reference to the agility of a cat.
The size 13 black and red pair worn by Jordan in the second half of Game 2 was silver signed on both toes by him in the locker room and gifted to the ball boy as a reward for having retrieved a jacket. They are the only pair worn by Jordan in the 1998 NBA Finals that have been photo-matched by MeiGray Group. It was sold for $ 2.24M by Sotheby's on April 11, 2023, lot 1.
After Game 5 the Bulls were leading 3-2 and Utah could expect a tie as the home team in Game 6. The game was tied 83-83 with one minute left. Utah scored with 43 seconds left and Jordan brought the victory of Game 6 and the Finals to the Bulls at 87-86 with 5 seconds and a timeout left. Jordan had scored 45 points in Game 6 where he wore a similar red and black road jersey as in Game 1.
That win was also the end of an era for the Bulls plagued by tension between manager and coach. Jordan announced his retirement but made a come back as NBA player with the Washington Wizards in 2001 after the September 11 attack.
In 2020 The Last Dance raised a worldwide attention to Michael Jordan as an all sport Greatest Of All Time. This 10-part TV documentary relied on 500 hour footage of candid film of the Bulls in that highly successful 1997-1998 season, made by an entertainment crew for use in a documentary. The project had been delayed until Jordan gave his permission.
A home jersey game used by Michael Jordan during the same 1997-1998 season was sold for $ 700K by Sotheby's on February 9, 2023, lot 4.
The first game was made in Salt Lake City on June 3, in a surrounding ambience hostile to the Bulls. Utah won it by a narrow margin, despite the 33 points scored by Jordan.
The road jersey worn by Michael Jordan in that Game 1 was sold for $ 10M from a lower estimate of $ 3M by Sotheby's on September 15, 2022, lot 1. It has been photo matched in game use by MeiGray.
Game 1 of the 1998 Finals had been lost by the Chicago Bulls against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. Two days later in the same venue, Game 2 was a must win for the Bulls. Utah was so hostile to their visitors that Jordan's kids did not attend. It was won by the Chicago Bulls 93-88, with Jordan scoring 37. The series was thus tied 1-1 at that time.
The current model of the Nike Air Jordan sneakers was the number XIII, featuring a holographic eye and an outsole resembling a panther paw in a reference to the agility of a cat.
The size 13 black and red pair worn by Jordan in the second half of Game 2 was silver signed on both toes by him in the locker room and gifted to the ball boy as a reward for having retrieved a jacket. They are the only pair worn by Jordan in the 1998 NBA Finals that have been photo-matched by MeiGray Group. It was sold for $ 2.24M by Sotheby's on April 11, 2023, lot 1.
After Game 5 the Bulls were leading 3-2 and Utah could expect a tie as the home team in Game 6. The game was tied 83-83 with one minute left. Utah scored with 43 seconds left and Jordan brought the victory of Game 6 and the Finals to the Bulls at 87-86 with 5 seconds and a timeout left. Jordan had scored 45 points in Game 6 where he wore a similar red and black road jersey as in Game 1.
That win was also the end of an era for the Bulls plagued by tension between manager and coach. Jordan announced his retirement but made a come back as NBA player with the Washington Wizards in 2001 after the September 11 attack.
In 2020 The Last Dance raised a worldwide attention to Michael Jordan as an all sport Greatest Of All Time. This 10-part TV documentary relied on 500 hour footage of candid film of the Bulls in that highly successful 1997-1998 season, made by an entertainment crew for use in a documentary. The project had been delayed until Jordan gave his permission.
A home jersey game used by Michael Jordan during the same 1997-1998 season was sold for $ 700K by Sotheby's on February 9, 2023, lot 4.
2
1991-1998 NBA Finals Sneakers
2024 SOLD for $ 8M by Sotheby's
The Chicago Bulls entered and won their first NBA finals in 1991 with Michael Jordan elected Most Valuable Player of the event. Prior to the match a Public relations executive of the club had asked the champion for an individual game worn sneaker should the Bulls be victorious. So did Jordan.
The same wins happened again in 1992. An amused Jordan considered that his gift should become a tradition and presented a game worn shoe from that final to the same club officer. A photo was made of the smiling champion with one shoe missing.
The story was repeated in 1993. After a two year gap the Bulls had three further finals wins, in 1996, 1997 and 1998, with Jordan each time elected the MVP. New presentations of shoes were made.
The full set of six sneakers is made of Nike Air Jordan VI, VII, VIII, XI, XII and XIV, one of each. It was sold for $ 8M by Sotheby's on February 2, 2024, lot 4. It is accompanied by the 1/1 of the 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1998 photos.
The same wins happened again in 1992. An amused Jordan considered that his gift should become a tradition and presented a game worn shoe from that final to the same club officer. A photo was made of the smiling champion with one shoe missing.
The story was repeated in 1993. After a two year gap the Bulls had three further finals wins, in 1996, 1997 and 1998, with Jordan each time elected the MVP. New presentations of shoes were made.
The full set of six sneakers is made of Nike Air Jordan VI, VII, VIII, XI, XII and XIV, one of each. It was sold for $ 8M by Sotheby's on February 2, 2024, lot 4. It is accompanied by the 1/1 of the 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1998 photos.
2003 Upper Deck Jordan-Bryant Dual Logoman
2025 SOLD for $ 3.2M by Heritage
A 1/1 Upper Deck Dual Logoman featuring together Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant is the first of its kind for this players' pairing. Graded EX-MT 6 by PSA, it was sold for $ 3.2M by Heritage on December 19, 2025, lot 81569.
Pre sale Grok thoughts :
Quote :
Heritage Auctions Sports
@Heritage_Sport Nov 25
The inaugural 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite issue was also the first appearance of the Dual Logoman This is the Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant 1/1 Dual Logoman from that historic issue, and it just hit the auction block Current Bid: $812,500 https://sports.ha.com/itm/basketball-cards/singles-1980-now-/2003-upper-deck-exquisite-collection-dual-logoman-all-nba-access-pass-patches-michael-jordan-and-kobe-bryant-nba-jb-psa-ex-mt-6-d/a/50081-81569.s?Type=social-sports-twitter-2003MJKobeLogoman-112525…
Asking Grok : Relying on that lot and on a single Logoman Jordan card sold by Goldin on June 1, 2024, lot 2, remind how such releases of 1/1 cards by UD were considered in period by the sport card collecting world.
Contemporary Views on Upper Deck's 1/1 Card Releases in the Exquisite Collection
The 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Basketball set, which introduced the inaugural Dual Logoman design (featuring game-worn patches from NBA All-Star floor logos), represented a seismic shift in the sports card collecting world. At the time, the hobby was transitioning from mass-produced wax packs to premium, limited-edition products, but Exquisite pushed boundaries in ways that sparked intense debate among collectors, dealers, and industry insiders. Relying on the Heritage Auctions lot (the unsigned 2003 Exquisite 1/1 Dual Logoman Jordan-Bryant patch card, PSA EX-MT 6, currently bidding over $800K as of late November 2025) and the June 1, 2024, Goldin auction of the signed 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Michael Jordan Logoman Autograph 1/1 (sold for $2.928M, PSA Authentic/10 Auto, featuring a Bulls jersey patch previously thought "long lost"), here's a recap of how these ultra-rare 1/1 releases were perceived during their era (circa 2003-2004). Perceptions were drawn from early forum discussions, hobby media previews, and dealer allocations, as social media like X/Twitter didn't exist yet—word spread via message boards (e.g., Collectors Universe), hobby magazines, and word-of-mouth at card shows.
1. Shock and Skepticism Over Pricing and Exclusivity
Pre sale Grok thoughts :
Quote :
Heritage Auctions Sports
@Heritage_Sport Nov 25
The inaugural 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite issue was also the first appearance of the Dual Logoman This is the Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant 1/1 Dual Logoman from that historic issue, and it just hit the auction block Current Bid: $812,500 https://sports.ha.com/itm/basketball-cards/singles-1980-now-/2003-upper-deck-exquisite-collection-dual-logoman-all-nba-access-pass-patches-michael-jordan-and-kobe-bryant-nba-jb-psa-ex-mt-6-d/a/50081-81569.s?Type=social-sports-twitter-2003MJKobeLogoman-112525…
- This X post from Heritage Auctions promotes the auction of a rare 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite 1/1 Dual Logoman card featuring Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant patches, marking the debut of the Dual Logoman design in trading cards, accompanied by a dramatic video showcasing the slabbed PSA EX-MT 6 graded item.
- The card's patches derive from NBA All-Star game floor logos, a premium feature that elevates its collectibility; unlike the signed 2007-08 version that sold for a record $12.9 million in August 2025, this unsigned inaugural piece highlights early innovation in high-end basketball memorabilia.
- As of November 25, 2025, bidding stands at $812,500 via Heritage's platform, reflecting sustained demand post the recent blockbuster sale, with the auction likely to draw collectors seeking foundational pieces in the Jordan-Bryant crossover market.
Asking Grok : Relying on that lot and on a single Logoman Jordan card sold by Goldin on June 1, 2024, lot 2, remind how such releases of 1/1 cards by UD were considered in period by the sport card collecting world.
Contemporary Views on Upper Deck's 1/1 Card Releases in the Exquisite Collection
The 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Basketball set, which introduced the inaugural Dual Logoman design (featuring game-worn patches from NBA All-Star floor logos), represented a seismic shift in the sports card collecting world. At the time, the hobby was transitioning from mass-produced wax packs to premium, limited-edition products, but Exquisite pushed boundaries in ways that sparked intense debate among collectors, dealers, and industry insiders. Relying on the Heritage Auctions lot (the unsigned 2003 Exquisite 1/1 Dual Logoman Jordan-Bryant patch card, PSA EX-MT 6, currently bidding over $800K as of late November 2025) and the June 1, 2024, Goldin auction of the signed 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Michael Jordan Logoman Autograph 1/1 (sold for $2.928M, PSA Authentic/10 Auto, featuring a Bulls jersey patch previously thought "long lost"), here's a recap of how these ultra-rare 1/1 releases were perceived during their era (circa 2003-2004). Perceptions were drawn from early forum discussions, hobby media previews, and dealer allocations, as social media like X/Twitter didn't exist yet—word spread via message boards (e.g., Collectors Universe), hobby magazines, and word-of-mouth at card shows.
1. Shock and Skepticism Over Pricing and Exclusivity
- The $500 suggested retail price per "pack" (actually a single five-card box in an engraved wooden case) was revolutionary—and divisive. Collectors gasped at the cost, which was nearly double the prior high-end benchmark (e.g., 2000-01 Ultimate Collection at ~$100/pack). Forum threads from March-April 2004 on Collectors Universe captured the era's raw reactions: one user quipped, "If you want to buy these basketball cards, mortgage the house," while another predicted resale boxes hitting $800 due to severe allocation (only ~3,600 packs produced total, or 1,200 cases). Dealers like Blowout Cards echoed this, noting presales at $450/box and Upper Deck limiting orders to one case per retailer despite demand—leading to frustration like, "Those #%$@'s at Upper Deck are only letting me get one case... $#@% $&#@!!!!!".
- For 1/1s like the Dual Logoman (debuting in Exquisite as unsigned patch cards, later evolving to signed autos in Ultimate Collection), the scarcity amplified the sticker shock. The concept of a "1/1 masterpiece" from floor-logo patches was novel, but many viewed it as elitist gatekeeping. Hobby media (e.g., Sports Collectors Digest previews) described it as "unheard-of," with collectors debating if it commoditized the hobby—turning cards into luxury investments rather than accessible fun. One 2004 forum post summed it up: "This isn't collecting; it's for whales who can afford to chase unicorns."
- Despite the backlash, Exquisite's innovations—thicker stock, on-card hard-signed autos, and relic patches (including the first Logoman-style embeds)—earned it "Mount Rushmore" status even in previews. Upper Deck's Jason Cheung (product manager) emphasized creating an "experience," not just cards, with every pull feeling premium. Early buzz on boards highlighted the rookie class (LeBron, Wade, Anthony, Bosh) as a jackpot, but 1/1s like the Jordan-Bryant Dual Logoman were hailed as "stop-you-dead" hits for their beauty and rarity. A 2004 Blowout Cards breakdown praised the low print run (e.g., only 3600 packs vs. 750K+ for mainstream sets), calling it "severely allocated" and a "strong product" that would "go to war" among set builders.
- The Goldin 2003 Ultimate Jordan Logoman (a direct evolution of Exquisite's patch tech, adding a signed Bulls jersey swatch) was similarly buzzed in 2004 previews as the "first Jordan Logoman in Bulls colors," positioning it as a foundational "chase" card. Collectors on forums geeked out over the patch sourcing (game-used All-Star floors), seeing it as Upper Deck's bid to elevate relics beyond basic jersey swatches.
- Budget-conscious collectors (the hobby's majority then) felt alienated, with reactions like "Not for everyone—dream and drool from afar" in Cardboard Connection retrospectives echoing 2003-04 sentiments. Message boards were rife with envy over allocations, as hobby shops got limited stock, fueling gray-market flips at 50-100% markups. Yet, high-end enthusiasts (e.g., those targeting RPAs for obscure rookies like Luke Walton /4) saw it as a smart bet, predicting scarcity would drive values—prophetic, given today's $40K+ unopened boxes.
- For 1/1s specifically, the period vibe was "holy grail hunting": Exquisite's hand-packed nature (ensuring rares like Loganans circulated) created lottery-like thrill, but also FOMO. A 2004 Upper Deck blog preview noted "message boards... at a fledgling state," but word-of-mouth hype built fast, with collectors planning yearly budgets around the June 8 release. The Dual Logoman's debut as an unsigned "foundational piece" (per Heritage's lot description) was seen as innovative groundwork for later signed mega-hits, though some griped it teased affordability without delivering.
- While the query focuses on the period, the Goldin sale's 2024 hype (Ken Goldin calling it "the single best... most sought-after" Jordan card) underscores how 2003-04 views aged into reverence. Contemporary doubters who "baulked at $500" now lament missing bargains, as Exquisite paved the way for Logoman mania—evident in the Heritage lot's sustained bidding post the $12.9M 2007 signed dual sale. Forums today still romanticize it as "the set that changed everything," validating early excitement over skepticism.
2003-2004 Upper Deck Logoman Patch card
2024 SOLD for $ 2.9M by Goldin
Established in 1988, Upper Deck modernized the sport cards. In 1990, the player's autograph signature is added to some prestige UD series, in necessarily limited quantities. The first trading card autographed by Michael Jordan is a 1996 Upper Deck in the SPx series.
In 1997 the new impulse for special effects appeals their competitors including Fleer and the ephemeral Metal Universe. Upper Deck creates another goodies : the jersey fragment inlaid on the card.
The first series that displays pieces from a Jordan jersey in the Game Jersey edition of Upper Deck for the 1997-98 season, with a 1998 double copyright to the publisher and to the NBA.
This card is serialized out of a high figure of 23 which corresponds to the player's number but does not mean that this quantity has been entirely produced. Jersey and photos relate to a prestigious event, the 1992 NBA All-Star Game in which Jordan scored 18 points in 31 minutes of play.
The card 21/23, certified by PSA, was sold for $ 2.1M by Goldin on May 22, 2021, lot 3. It is graded 9 for the autograph and NM-MT 8 for the condition. Its game-worn patch relic is a tri-color piece.
The card 8/23 was sold for $ 1.44M by Heritage on February 5, 2021, lot 50196. Its condition is rated NM7 by PSA. The signature, weak and narrow, is graded 8.
In the 2002-2003 season, Upper Deck began to incorporate a guaranteed game worn NBA Logoman patch or a piece of jersey. They were made of a large jersey patch over a small photo of the player.
One of one serialized cards of the Ultimate Collection have in dedicated places the Logoman patch, the signature of the player and a photo of the player in action.
A 2003-2004 1 of 1 Ultimate referred as MJ-L of Michael Jordan in his former Chicago Bulls period was sold for $ 2.9M by Goldin on June 1, 2024, lot 2. The 1/1 serial number is manuscript. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
PSA has guaranteed its authenticity without grading it, which means that it has a major flaw. This case has become frequent due to the increased complexity of the make. The signature in blue ink is graded a perfect GEM MT 10 by PSA/DNA.
In 1997 the new impulse for special effects appeals their competitors including Fleer and the ephemeral Metal Universe. Upper Deck creates another goodies : the jersey fragment inlaid on the card.
The first series that displays pieces from a Jordan jersey in the Game Jersey edition of Upper Deck for the 1997-98 season, with a 1998 double copyright to the publisher and to the NBA.
This card is serialized out of a high figure of 23 which corresponds to the player's number but does not mean that this quantity has been entirely produced. Jersey and photos relate to a prestigious event, the 1992 NBA All-Star Game in which Jordan scored 18 points in 31 minutes of play.
The card 21/23, certified by PSA, was sold for $ 2.1M by Goldin on May 22, 2021, lot 3. It is graded 9 for the autograph and NM-MT 8 for the condition. Its game-worn patch relic is a tri-color piece.
The card 8/23 was sold for $ 1.44M by Heritage on February 5, 2021, lot 50196. Its condition is rated NM7 by PSA. The signature, weak and narrow, is graded 8.
In the 2002-2003 season, Upper Deck began to incorporate a guaranteed game worn NBA Logoman patch or a piece of jersey. They were made of a large jersey patch over a small photo of the player.
One of one serialized cards of the Ultimate Collection have in dedicated places the Logoman patch, the signature of the player and a photo of the player in action.
A 2003-2004 1 of 1 Ultimate referred as MJ-L of Michael Jordan in his former Chicago Bulls period was sold for $ 2.9M by Goldin on June 1, 2024, lot 2. The 1/1 serial number is manuscript. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
PSA has guaranteed its authenticity without grading it, which means that it has a major flaw. This case has become frequent due to the increased complexity of the make. The signature in blue ink is graded a perfect GEM MT 10 by PSA/DNA.
2008 Upper Deck Jordan-Bryant Dual Logoman
2025 SOLD for $ 13M by Heritage
Upper Deck edited from 2004 in their Exquisite collection a Dual Logoman format with the NBA Logoman patch of two players and their autograph.
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are featured together in a unique example. It was issued for the season 2007-2008 and is copyrighted 2008. Jordan's patch is from the 1996-97 season. Both players appear in other pairings.
This 1/1 has been graded EX/MT 6 by PSA. It was sold for $ 13M from a lower estimate of $ 6M by Heritage on August 23, 2025, lot 80063.
Response by Grok :
Quote Heritage Auctions @HeritageAuction Aug 24
New record The only copy that will ever exist of an extraordinary card featuring images, NBA uniform logos, and signatures from two of the greatest players of all time broke the records for the highest price ever paid for a card Saturday in @Heritage_Sport Summer Platinum
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are featured together in a unique example. It was issued for the season 2007-2008 and is copyrighted 2008. Jordan's patch is from the 1996-97 season. Both players appear in other pairings.
This 1/1 has been graded EX/MT 6 by PSA. It was sold for $ 13M from a lower estimate of $ 6M by Heritage on August 23, 2025, lot 80063.
Response by Grok :
Quote Heritage Auctions @HeritageAuction Aug 24
New record The only copy that will ever exist of an extraordinary card featuring images, NBA uniform logos, and signatures from two of the greatest players of all time broke the records for the highest price ever paid for a card Saturday in @Heritage_Sport Summer Platinum
- The 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman card, featuring Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant's signatures and game-worn patches, sold for $12.932 million due to its 1-of-1 rarity, a value supported by a 2023 study from the Journal of Cultural Economics showing unique sports memorabilia can command prices 10-15 times higher than mass-produced items.
- This sale on August 24, 2025, at Heritage Auctions surpassed the $12.6 million record set by a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, reflecting a booming sports collectibles market fueled by investors like Kevin O'Leary, whose syndicate purchase aligns with a 2024 Deloitte report projecting a 12% annual growth in memorabilia value through 2030.
- The card's price challenges the traditional view of sports cards as mere nostalgia, suggesting a shift toward viewing them as alternative assets, a trend backed by a 2022 NBER study indicating collectibles now account for 3% of global alternative investment portfolios.
