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An “aftermarket” signed 1986 Flier Michael Jordan rookie card has sold for $2.7 million in a private sale through Goldin Auctions. According to the auction house, this is a record paid for an “aftermarket” signed card.
“Aftermarket” signed cards are cards signed outside the chain of production; Physically signed cards are either signed directly on the surface, signed on a hologram sticker that is then placed on the surface of the card, or embedded in the form of cut signatures – autographs cut from documents such as checks.
Due to Jordan’s longtime exclusive deal with Upper Deck, signed Jordan rookie cards were difficult to find for decades, other than the 23 copies signed by Jordan for the 2006 20th Anniversary Buyback Upper Deck promotion. But Jordan has recently begun making personal autographs, including a Fleer rookie card, which is still considered rare.
Goldin Auctions founder and CEO Ken Goldin confirmed through a representative that the card – which is graded PSA Mint 9 with a 10 autograph grade – was one of nine signed by Jordan “in private with witnesses” in 2024.
Another card of that signature (one of three PSA 9s; the remaining six received 10 grades from PSA and, as of June, were not publicly revealed) sold for $2.5 million through Pharrell Williams’ auction house, Jupiter, in late June. Goldin also confirmed to ESPN that this $2.7 million Jordan is not a resale of the $2.5 million Jupiter card.
“Signed rookie cards of all-time great athletes like Michael Jordan represent the pinnacle of sports collectibles,” Goldin said in a statement. “This record-breaking sale is a testament not only to Jordan’s enduring legacy, but also to the recognition of aftermarket-signed cards […],
