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A guide to collecting the best Michael Jordan cards
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Cards recommended for new Jordan collectors

Are you new to collecting Michael Jordan cards? Or back from a long stint away from the hobby? This post will give you some ideas for easing into collecting Jordan cards without spending a fortune.
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I get questions from readers from time to time regarding good ways to start (or restart) collecting Michael Jordan cards. There is so much variety these days (and such a variance in card prices) that it can be hard to jump in and start spending money before you know what sorts of cards you really like. So this post will make some suggestions for new and returning Jordan collectors - you won’t have to spend much to add these nice cards to your collection and you’ll learn a lot in the process.

For this post I am assuming you are looking to buy Michael Jordan cards from sites like eBay. If you’re new to buying cards online please make sure you read my post on tips for buying cards from eBay before you jump into the fray.

TL;DR - let's see the Jordans!

A list of Jordan cards perfect for the starter collection.

Old School Michael Jordan Base Cards

Probably the best way to kick off a Jordan collection is by buying late 80’s and early 90’s base cards. These cards are 15 to 20 years old and very easy to track down on eBay in mint condition. You can pick up these pieces of history for between $1 and $5 - a must for all Jordan collectors.

Some examples include the 1989-90 Fleer, 1989-90 Hoops and 1990-91 Fleer all featured below.

We also have a listing of currently available eBay listings: Early Michael Jordan base cards for an easy look at 1980’s Jordan base cards for sale right now.

89-90 Fleer Michael Jordan
89-90 Fleer Michael Jordan
Jordan flies to a nice dunk on this easy to come by base card.
89-90 Hoops Michael Jordan
89-90 Hoops Michael Jordan
Jordan directs the troops in the 1989 Hoops basketball card.
90-91 Fleer Michael Jordan
90-91 Fleer Michael Jordan
One of the greatest uses of photography on a basketball card with this iconic Jordan tongue-out move. This card is also available in a misprint version missing the black line on the back.

Inexpensive but nice Michael Jordan inserts

There are a number of nice looking Michael Jordan inserts that you can typically pick up for less than $15. Check out our Michael Jordan cards price guide for ideas on the general sale price of some cards (it is still a work in progress).

Some examples include:

89-90 Fleer Michael Jordan Sticker
89-90 Fleer Michael Jordan Sticker
Fleer's 1989 All-Stars sticker.
93-94 Michael Jordan Power in the Key
93-94 Michael Jordan Power in the Key
A truly 90's styled insert with its bright, etched foil setting off a deep etched photo.
93-94 Michael Jordan Famous Nicknames
93-94 Michael Jordan Famous Nicknames
Paying homage to the world famous iconic 90's nickname: Air.
93-94 Michael Jordan Living Legends
93-94 Michael Jordan Living Legends
Dual deep etched photos on star burst gold foil and readily available.
95-96 Michael Jordan Total D
95-96 Michael Jordan Total D
A simple design making use of gold foil and bold photography.
95-96 Michael Jordan Hardwood Leader
95-96 Michael Jordan Hardwood Leader
A nice easy addition to your collection from one of the premier sets of the 90's.
95-96 Michael Jordan Double Trouble
95-96 Michael Jordan Double Trouble
A bright insert with nice use of dual photos and readily available for sale.
96-97 Michael Jordan Bowman's Best Shots
96-97 Michael Jordan Bowman's Best Shots
One of the earliest acetate cards featuring Michael Jordan.

Newer Michael Jordan Cards that won’t break the bank

There are also some very nice more recent cards available that won’t cost the earth. Jordan spent some time playing for the Washington Wizards and there are some nice base cards documenting this era.

Some listing of these cards available online include:

Michael Jordan Rookie Reprint Card

While a Michael Jordan rookie card is probably well out of reach of most new collectors (until you get right into collecting Jordans that is) you might like to add a reprint Jordan rookie card to your collection. There are plenty of official reprints which have been produced since the original release.

This card can be picked up very inexpensively and makes a nice show piece in your collection.

Nice Michael Jordan Gold Cards

A couple of months ago I posted an article about the very nice range of Michael Jordan gold cards available - many of which are actually gold coated. These make excellent additions to your collection.

So that sums up my recommendations for new and returning collectors. As you get the hang of what you like I’m sure you will enjoy tracking down some more expensive and rare additions to your collection!

Happy collecting.