The Michael Jordan Rookie card is without a doubt the world’s most recognisable trading card. And Michael Jordan’s Final Shot in the 1997-98 NBA finals which sealed the Bull’s second three-peat would be the most recognisable sports photograph ever taken.
TL;DR - just show me the Jordans!
The final shot taken by Michael Jordan in the Chicago Bulls featured in basketball cards.
Taken by veteran NBA photographer Fernando Medina, the photograph captures the moment Jordan fires off his last shot as a member of the Bulls NBA team - the shot is sailing towards its destiny in front of a sea of jaw-dropped Jazz fans.
Eerie references to the Bull’s Sixth NBA Ring
The photo is iconic for the moment in history it capture. However there is a series of eerie references to Jordan’s sixth NBA title to come hidden away in the photo. In light of the finale of ‘The Last Dance’ there has been much discussion recently around the series of references to six rings in the photo.
Jordan - the six foot six shooting guard with six letters in his name fires off the shot to seal victory in his sixth NBA title as the game clock reads six point six seconds remaining in game six of the finals played in the sixth month of the year. In the crowd is a young lone Bulls fan saluting Jordan’s final shot staunchly holding six digits (five fingers and a thumb) in the air. Eerie.
Jordan cards featuring the Final Shot
The photograph itself is an amazing print to display alongside any Michael Jordan cards collection. However, there’s no need to stop there - there is a range of Jordan cards which capture this same iconic second in sporting history.
Some even have a piece of the actual floor which hosted game six of the 1997-98 NBA finals. There are also autographed and game used jersey cards available. Let’s take a look at some - a lot of which are still quite undervalued in my opinion.
1998 Upper Deck Michael Jordan MJx Best of Times #135
This foil coated card features Jordan taking his final shot for the Bulls front on.
1998 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Final Floor 22kt Gold
The first to feature a small piece of the floor on which game six of the 1997-98 NBA finals game was played, this card features a 22kt gold coating and a side-on view of the final shot. It was released in a folder direct from Upper Deck.
1999 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Career Final Shot #59
The most affordable of this list is the 99 UD Final Shot card #59. It features a nice front-on shot of Jordan’s final shot.
1999 Upper Deck Michael Jordan MJ’s Farewell Shot Final Floor
This set is likely the most well known of Michael Jordan cards featuring his final appearance as a member of the Bulls. Card number FF12 is dedicated to Jordan’s final shot itself.
The jumbo cards also include a part of the very floor on which game six of the 1997-98 NBA finals was played. As with most swatch cards, there are different colourations available - including a Jazz purple version. Some of the Final Floor cards are also available with autographs by Michael Jordan.
1999 Upper Deck Master Collection Michael Jordan Farewell Shot Game Used Jersey /275
Here is the first card dedicated to Michael Jordan’s farewell shot which features a piece of game used jersey. It is also serial numbered to 275. The card also uses the famous Medina photo which is nice to see (unfortunately the shot clock and boy saluting Jordan with six fingers in the air is cropped).
1999 Upper Deck Century Legends Michael Jordan Memorable Shots #MJ6
The Michael Jordan Memorable Shots #MJ6 is like a combination of the nice foil overlay of the Mix Best of Times coupled with the cool full length photo of the Career Final Shot #59.
1999 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Tribute to Chicago #30
Card #30 in the Tribute to Chicago Upper Deck set commemorates Jordan’s final shot. It’s also a very affordable and available final shot card.
1999 Upper Deck Michael Jordan MJ Master Collection Signature Performances
This is probably my favourite card in this list - it has an elegant design with nice use of subtle foil. Couple that with the bold autograph and famous photo of Jordan’s farewell shot and you have the making of showpiece in your collection.
2000 Upper Deck Legends Michael Jordan Legendary Floor
This card features a similar design to the 99 MJ Master Collection however add a piece of game used floor autographed by Jordan himself.
2000 UDA Michael Jordan Final Shot
This card available direct from UDA features a small pieces of game used floor along with a large autograph. There were 100 autographed cards produced - some signed in gold marker and some in black. There is also a non-autographed version which still does contain a piece of game used floor.
2009-10 Upper Deck Michael Jordan 3D Stars
The most recent offering is the Michael Jordan 3D Stars from 09-10 Upper Deck. This lenticular-styled card is amazing in had and definitely a standout farewell shot card.
