This article will share with you my personal sentimental favourite top 10 Michael Jordan trading cards. This is a very subjective topic and, as you will see, my list contains cards that most other people wouldn’t feel qualify. You’ll also see how much I appreciate cards and styles of the early 90’s - being my favourite era.
That’s not to say I don’t have a huge appreciation for high end 90’s Jordan’s of course - if you’re interested in seeing my thoughts there check out my Top 10 Early 90’s Michael Jordan cards and my Top 10 Late 90’s Michael Jordan cards lists.
Also take a look at my Top 10 Michael Jordan cards of all time.
Other top 10 Jordan cards posts you'll enjoy
10: 1993-94 SkyBox Base Michael Jordan Card
That’s right - a $3 base card makes an appearance on my top 10! This card is a sentimental favorite of mine. Let me share a quick story with you.
I was 11 or 12 and had become interested in basketball and trading cards. I’d seen packs of cards at the newsagent before but never had enough money in my pocket to buy one. So I saved the few coins I could get my hands on over a couple of weeks and finally had enough money to buy a pack of 93-94 SkyBox (an early favorite). Inside was a John Starks Center Stage and this fantastic Michael Jordan base card! I thought it was the coolest thing ever to pull a Jordan from my first pack of cards - I treasured that card… if only I’d never swapped it away.
Buy 93-94 Michael Jordan Skybox Base Cards
9: 1987-88 Fleer Second Year Michael Jordan
As in the featured card post of the Michael Jordan second year card, I see this card as a piece of historic memorabilia. At a considerably lower price than the rookie of the year before, the second year Jordan card in well centred condition is a must have for serious Jordan collectors.
Buy Michael Jordan second year cards
8: 2007-08 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Die Cut All Star
As you might know, I’m a fan of 1990’s cards and was really into the hobby as a child of the era. In 1993-94 the Upper Deck Die Cut All Stars were spectacular cards that we all wanted to pull. (If you had the Shaq Die Cut All Star your collection was very popular.) Unfortunately there was no Jordan to be had in the 1990’s but there is now. A tried and true design, great looking card and very rare - this is a perfect number eight.
Buy 07-08 Michael Jordan Die Cut All Star
7: 1994-95 Topps Finest Michael Jordan Refractor
Sporting his number 45 jersey, this card is iconic and a rarity. It features a newly returned Michael Jordan wearing his baseball (and his older brother Larry’s basketball) jersey number. Only playing less than half a season in number 45 there is a limited number of cards with him in that jersey. This card was hard to pull and an excellent showpiece.
Buy 94-95 Michael Jordan Refractors
6: 1992-93 Fleer Michael Jordan Total D
At a time when true inserts were in their infancy, Fleer brought out this hard to pull card of Jordan to celebrate his abilities as a defensive player. Most cards feature Jordan flying on the attack so it is refreshing to have some of the rest of his repertoire featured in your collection. This card’s old-school appeal and age mean a mint, well-centered copy is a very nice addition.
Buy 92-93 Fleer Michael Jordan Total D
5: 1993-94 Fleer Ultra Michael Jordan Scoring Kings
I’m a big fan of this card. It has looks, rarity and age. For a full write up and cards for sale to buy see my featured card post on the Michael Jordan Scoring Kings.
4: 2003-04 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Die Cut All Star Buy Back Autograph
As I discussed earlier I am a huge fan of the Upper Deck Die Cut All Stars. Upper Deck bought some of the 2003-04 All Stars back from the secondary market, sent them to Jordan to personally sign, then placed the ability to own one straight into packs. An on-card auto on an already awesome card! You might be interested also in my blog post about Michael Jordan Buy Back Autograph Cards.
Buy the 03-04 Michael Jordan Die Cut All Star
3: 1984-85 Star Michael Jordan XRC
Not widely considered his rookie card even though it preceded the 86-87 Fleer RC by two years (read up on why the 84 Star card isn’t considered Jordan’s rookie in my earlier blog post) the 1984-85 is still an excellent addition to your collection. Now that grading companies are able to grade this card more commonly it is also building up in demand and availability.
2: 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card
Not much needs to be said about the Michael Jordan Rookie Card - it is the holy grail of Michael Jordan cards. A nicely graded copy is needed for all serious Jordan card collections. I also have a blog post on buying a Michael Jordan rookie card online that may interest you.
Buy Michael Jordan Rookie Card
1: 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card Buy Back Autograph
The only card that can beat the Jordan rookie as a must-have card… is a Jordan rookie that Michael Jordan himself held and signed. Upper Deck bought 23 of these from the secondary market and made them available through pack purchases. Spectacular! I just wish they’d been a little more careful about the quality of some of the Jordan RCs they purchased. You might also be interested in my blog post about Michael Jordan Buy Back Autograph Cards.
Buy Michael Jordan Buy Back Autographs
