If you wanted to start a Michael Jordan collection from scratch where would you begin

[pgisback]

Originally Posted by icollectjordan

I grew up during the Jordan years and idolized him. I had all of his cards not realizing how valuable they would become. I sold most of them off when I was cash poor in college and am now attempting to recreate and surpass my collection. Like you said, I don't think there is anything else worth collecting. All the stuff nowadays is about cut jersey pieces and autos. There is no creativity or focus on creating iconic designs. That's why I love the 90s era basketball cards and Jordan is king. The chart I attached really should be updated (it's missing staples such as Game Jerseys, Hot Shots, etc.) but it is still a solid reference. Although the biggest ones are cost-prohibitive (Green PMG, Essential Credentials Now, Molten Metal Fusion Titanium, UD Game Jerseys Auto) acquiring the bigger ones slowly over time can be done. The hobby is all about enjoying the process and not the destination. Jordan collecting is a fun challenging endeavor that puts emphasis on substance rather than quantity. There really is nothing like searching, finding and acquiring a quality graded card on your Wishlist.


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[icollectjordan]

Originally Posted by pgisback

Thanks for the info. So when you're spending "big" money... and I put that in quotes because big is subjective, but for me anytime I send over $1000, it makes me want to be sure the card is legit. How do you know raw 90s inserts that you're paying $1000s for are not forgeries? I read an article in the NFL forum about how people even fake PSA cards by cracking the case and inserting fakes or cards in worse condition. One example was of a Bird/Magic rc. Seems like an easy way to get yourself in trouble by not knowing the land when it comes to Jordans. Other than vintage baseball, probably the most targeting for fakes?

I only buy BGS from reputable sellers. Their encapsulation methods make it nearly impossible to tamper and they have become very strict in their grading. I have cultivated a pretty solid network of collectors from all around the world via Blowout, eBay, Instagram, Facebook, etc. Most of my "big" purchases have been through these private collectors. For instance, bought my Jambalaya from a guy in Jakarta, Indonesia where many of the Jordan "supercollectors" are located. This also helps to negotiate a fair price rather than letting reckless eBay buyers bid up and stingy eBay sellers list outrageously high BINs.


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[duron]

Here you go. My personal favorite 90's inserts/parallels by year, and again, this isn't meant to be some "must-have" mj list. I think it would be cool to buy starting with '92 and work your way up, just to see how things were changing. I'm leaving out cards that blatantly go over $1,000. A select few of these can get close to that mark even ungraded, though. I'll get to 97-98, 98-99, and 99-00 at another time. (and, yes I have a lot of favorites )

92-93:
-stadium club beam team

93-94:
-finest refractor
-stadium club beam team
-ultra scoring kings
-ultra power in the key

94-95:
-emotion n-tense
-finest refractor

95-96:
-e-xl natural born thrillers
-finest mystery borderless refractor
-flair anticipation
-flair hot numbers
-flair new heights
-hoops number crunchers
-jam session showstoppers
-metal maximum metal
-skybox premium larger than life
-skybox premium meltdown
-skybox premium standouts
-sp all-stars and all-stars gold
-sp holoviews and die-cut holoviews
-sp championship die-cut champions of the court
-stadium club beam team
-stadium club warp speed
-topps mystery finest refractor
-topps power boosters

96-97:
-bowman's best best cuts atomic refractor
-bowman's best honor roll atomic refractor
-chrome refractor
-e-x2000 credentials
-finest bronze refractor
-finest gold refractor
-flair showcase hot shots
-flair showcase row 0
-fleer total "o"
-metal maximum metal
-metal precious metal
-skybox premium golden touch
-skybox premium rubies (normal base and 'point men' subset base)
-spx gold
-stadium club beam team
-stadium club finest reprint refractor
-stadium club fusion
-stadium club special forces foil
-topps holding court refractor
-topps mystery finest bordered refractor
-ud3 winning edge
-ultra scoring kings / scoring kings plus
-z-force slam cam

[moose84]

I also wanna say thanks to everyone who voiced their opinions and gave some examples of cards to collect.

It will help me as well to improve on my Jordan collection!

This thread is officially bookmarked!

[pgisback]

Originally Posted by duron

Here you go. My personal favorite 90's inserts/parallels by year, and again, this isn't meant to be some "must-have" mj list. I think it would be cool to buy starting with '92 and work your way up, just to see how things were changing. I'm leaving out cards that blatantly go over $1,000. A select few of these can get close to that mark even ungraded, though. I'll get to 97-98, 98-99, and 99-00 at another time. (and, yes I have a lot of favorites )

[hychang5]

That's a pretty high budget! I would personally stay away from the 86-87 Fleer, but that's because I am insert/parallel freak. I never got into the rookie card because the goal of that for many people is to get the highest grade possible. For the most part, I bought the card, not the grade. If a card I wanted was being sold in BGS 9.5 and raw, I targeted the raw one unless it looked like it had been chewed on. Being on a limited budget, I'd rather spend that extra 20-30% premium on another card.

Starting my collection was easy because I always knew what I liked. What is your goal? I picked up inserts and parallels mainly first, then autographs, then game used. If you want the absolute best bang for your buck, I'd always go Bulls uniform Upper Deck autographed cards, but mainly the only ones under $1000 are going to be from when he wasn't playing. One preference for me, if I have to choose a nice insert over a sticker auto, the insert wins.

As far your question on a "decent" collection, but not high end, you can make a pretty good one on that budget.

Which cards appeal to you most? Inserts/parallels, autographs, GU cards?

[ThoseBackPages]

man, 1995 really was the last year that his cards are "attainable", eh?

[Litwing]

So many choices out there, just get what are bling to your eyes.

To me MJ on card auto in bulls uniform are the best.

[icollectjordan]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

man, 1995 really was the last year that his cards are "attainable", eh?

Yeah, as soon as the crazy cool diecuts and #'d inserts started coming around all bets were off.


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[mulliganman]

This is a great thread. Would anyone care to actually list out the best refractors and inserts to collect for someone new getting back into the hobby?

[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by mulliganman

This is a great thread. Would anyone care to actually list out the best refractors and inserts to collect for someone new getting back into the hobby?

ALL OF THEM!

[mk6283]

The 1984-1985 Star #101 XRC is MJ's true rookie card and was only a limited print (~4000) and is very condition sensitive so there is no question that is the greatest MJ card to own. In 20 years that will probably stand as the greatest card to own in all of sports card collecting. He is the greatest athlete that has ever lived and his true RC is actually a unicorn. The 1984-1985 Star #26 5x7 FPLC is also a worthy investment since it was his first professionally licensed card (might have been released before the #101 based on my reading). I would much prefer these prized rarities at any grade to a higher grade of the Fleer #57 from his 3rd season in the league, which appear to be available at a surplus and always will be.

MK

[pennywise]

Duron's list is great.

When I read the thread title, I instantly thought of a few cards...

Ultra Scoring Kings
93-94 Finest refractor
95-96 Finest refractor
96 SPX auto
Flair Showcase Hot Shots
Metal Universe Titanium
EX2000 A Cut Above
Skybox Thunder Noyz Boyz

That's where I would start if I had the budget. I know a lot of people would have a different approach but those are my personal favorites. As cool as it would be to own a Star or Fleer RC, those are actually somewhat low on my personal MJ want list.

[Starman101]

Originally Posted by mk6283

The 1984-1985 Star #101 XRC is MJ's true rookie card and was only a limited print (~4000) and is very condition sensitive so there is no question that is the greatest MJ card to own. In 20 years that will probably stand as the greatest card to own in all of sports card collecting. He is the greatest athlete that has ever lived and his true RC is actually a unicorn. The 1984-1985 Star #26 5x7 FPLC is also a worthy investment since it was his first professionally licensed card (might have been released before the #101 based on my reading). I would much prefer these prized rarities at any grade to a higher grade of the Fleer #57 from his 3rd season in the league, which appear to be available at a surplus and always will be.

MK

Amen to that brother!

Well said

[icollectjordan]

Originally Posted by mulliganman

This is a great thread. Would anyone care to actually list out the best refractors and inserts to collect for someone new getting back into the hobby?

There are "obtainable" inserts and then those that are in 5-figure territory (if they ever come up for sale). For the sake of your question I'll list out my favorites most readily available/affordable.

1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Red /100 (/90)
1997-98 SkyBox E-X2001 Essential Credentials Future /72 (/81)
1997-98 Molten Metal Fusion Titanium /250
1997-98 NBA Hoops Slam Bams /250
1996-97 Upper Deck Diamond Dimensions /100
1997-98 SkyBox E-X2001 Jambalaya Diecut
1998-99 SkyBox Thunder Noyz Boyz Diecut
1996-97 Flair Showcase Hot Shots Diecut
1997-98 Fleer Ultra Star Power Supreme Diecut
1997-98 Topps Stadium Club Triumvirate Illuminator Edition Diecut
1998-99 Flair Showcase TakeIt2.Net /100
1997-98 SkyBox Thunder Rave /150
1997-98 NBA Hoops High Voltage 500 Watts Edition /500
1997-98 SkyBox Premium Golden Touch Diecut
1998-99 SkyBox Metal Universe Linchpins Diecut
1997-98 SkyBox Metal Universe Championship Preview Hardware
1996-97 Fleer Ultra Exclamation Points
1997-98 SkyBox Metal Universe Platinum Portraits
1997-98 Metal Universe Titanium Diecut/Acetate
1997-98 E-X Century Dunk 'N Go-Nuts Acetate
1997-98 SkyBox Z-Force Big Men On Court Z-Peat Edition Diecut
1997-98 SkyBox Z-Force Rave Review Refractor
1998-98 SkyBox Premium Players
1997-98 Fleer Thrill Seekers
1998-99 SkyBox Metal Universe Planet Metal Diecut
1997-98 Metal Universe Planet Metal
1996-97 SkyBox Metal Universe Netrageous Diecut
1997-98 Fleer Ultra Star Power Plus Diecut
1997-98 Topps Finest Masters Gold Embossed Diecut
1997-98 Topps Rock Stars Diecut Refractor
1995-96 SkyBox Hoops SkyView
1998-99 Skybox Premium Soul of the Game
1997-98 Topps East/West w/ Kobe Bryant Refract
1997-98 SkyBox Premium Competitive Advantage Diecut
1995-96 SkyBox E-XL Natural Born Thrillers
1993-94 Fleer Ultra Scoring Kings
1997-98 Hoops Frequent Flyer Upgrade
1998-99 Fleer Electrifying Refractor
1995-96 Flair Hot Numbers
1997-98 Fleer Ultra Ultrabilities Showstopper
1996-97 Skybox Premium Larger Than Life
1996-97 SkyBox E-X2000 Net Assets Diecut
1997-98 SkyBox Premium Silky Smooth Acetate
1995-96 SkyBox Metal Slick Silver Acetate
1996-97 Hoops Hot List Acetate
1996-97 Stadium Club Beam Team
1992-93 Stadium Club Beam Team
1994-95 Emotion N-Tense



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[duron]

Wonder what boo-boo OP made to get suspended.

[pennywise]

Almost forgot about the 97 triumvirate illuminator. Super card.

[ThirtyPercent]

I like the die cuts the most personally. The edges and centering on most are hard to find with high sub-grades.

[drobfan8]

Does anyone have any thoughts on why a Jordan Hot Numbers sells for more than a Topps Rock Stars Refractor?

HN 1:36
RS 1:144

Is it a matter of Flair being more high end or a design thing?

[duron]

Originally Posted by drobfan8

Does anyone have any thoughts on why a Jordan Hot Numbers sells for more than a Topps Rock Stars Refractor?

HN 1:36
RS 1:144

Is it a matter of Flair being more high end or a design thing?

Ya, HN were 1 per 2 boxes, RS 1 per 4. Plus there were 5 more cards in the Rock Stars set.

Reminds me of the Dunk N' Go Nuts discussion on here recently, same lack of logic. The whole "Flair was a higher end set" still doesn't justify it. I guess Hot Numbers is just seen as a more iconic insert. I love them both for the record.

[ThoseBackPages]

Well, the MJ "bubble" can bust now. i popped my Star Jordan cherry tonight. No, dont have the wallet for a 101, so i went with an '84 Court Kings Cant wait for it to arrive!

[DajuanWagner]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

Well, the MJ "bubble" can bust now. i popped my Star Jordan cherry tonight. No, dont have the wallet for a 101, so i went with an '84 Court Kings Cant wait for it to arrive!

I have yet to pop my cherry, but someday............

[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by icollectjordan

First, and foremost, understand what you're getting yourself into. Jordan collecting is one of the toughest and most expensive endeavors in the hobby.

Second, You have to fully think out and plan your purchases. Have a set strategy for what you really want to acquire. Here is a graphic of the most sought after inserts. Start at the bottom right and strive to work left and up.



Start with the core 90s inserts, and continually roll-up and trade to higher-end/rare/serial numbers from '97-'99. This will allow you to maximize your resources and create value on resale/trade.

Hope this helps.


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Was thinking about this earlier... How many of these are NOT parallels of other cards?

PMG Red and Green are rare and fantastic looking, but they are also the same card as his base card.

i know that Jumbolya and Big Man On Court dont have base equivalents, but what are the others?

[duron]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

Was thinking about this earlier... How many of these are NOT parallels of other cards?

PMG Red and Green are rare and fantastic looking, but they are also the same card as his base card.

i know that Jumbolya and Big Man On Court dont have base equivalents, but what are the others?

Pretty sure the only others aside from those 2 are the Golden Touch, Playmakers Theatre, Cut Above, Noyz Boyz, and Platinum Portraits.

I guess the only other would be the Exquisite base, if you even want to count that.

[Chain]

Originally Posted by duron

Pretty sure the only others aside from those 2 are the Golden Touch, Playmakers Theatre, Cut Above, Noyz Boyz, and Platinum Portraits.

I guess the only other would be the Exquisite base, if you even want to count that.

The BMOC is a Z-Peat parallel though. And the Exquisite seems to be the gold parallel as well. So I think it's just the 2 Jambalayas and the 5 duron listed. There are other nice Jordan inserts that are not parallels that are in the same league as the Noyz Boyz and Platinum Portraits though; 96-97 Thrill Seekers, 96-97 Hot Shots, 97-98 Big Men on Court, and 98-99 Linchpins to name a few.