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Permalink Reply by Rich on November 12, 2015 at 11:37pm

To the best of my knowledge, that company is a nobody in the hobby and their "authentication" (if that's what it even is) is irrelevant. You can always ask for opinions here if you'd like to post an image (I myself am not an expert in his signature, but many others here do have some good knowledge)

I don't think you should spend $1000 on a signed Jordan card authenticated by any company, unless it's 1) undoubtedly authentic and 2) some unusual rarity. Here's the general rule of thumb if you're looking for a Jordan - go with Upper Deck. It's insanely expensive but just about the safest possible bet short of getting it yourself. Jordan seems to be a strong candidate for the most forged autograph in recent history. I'd actually be shocked if he wasn't. Forgeries - very good ones - have been rampant for the past 20 - 25 years. The source is incredibly important for MJ. His signature is not very hard to mimic, and many forgers seem to have done a good job over the years.

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Permalink Reply by Scott C. Geary on November 13, 2015 at 4:25am

Well the reason why is because it's a Michael Jordan autographed rookie card. Hope you can see the picture I attached. What's your opinion?

Attachments: No photo uploads here

• image.png, 1.1 MB

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Permalink Reply by Rich on November 13, 2015 at 6:18am

Ah, I see. That would make the most sense as far as cards go!

Most Jordans are a shrug for me, because I was never a big fan and he seems to be an easy autograph to forge. 

If it was me, I wouldn't give it a second look. The COA is entirely worthless and holds about as much weight as me making up a company and printing my own COA out right now. We don't even know if they're a real company - regardless, they aren't cited as an authority in Jordan's autograph (or any other autograph for that matter).

If someone with a stranglehold on Jordan can nail this down definitely, then maybe consider it. I'll post it below for members to see.

I know the next thought is why anyone might even consider forging a Jordan rookie card. Actually, that's the next question - is the card even real? There have been fake Jordan rookie cards circulated in the past, and I believe big companies like Shop at Home were among the culprits. 

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Permalink Reply by Null on November 13, 2015 at 6:27am

Likely a forged reprint IMHO. With Jordan it is best to go directly through Upper Deck. No ifs/ands/or buts... especially for that type of cash.

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Permalink Reply by Taylor Williams on November 13, 2015 at 7:58pm

Scott,From what I have seen on a number of auctions, "World Class Autographs" is associated with a large percentage of non-authentic autographs. I would not risk a dime for it.

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Permalink Reply by TradeGeek on January 3, 2016 at 7:20pm

I can't speak to the authenticity of the autograph, but I'd be very suspect of the card itself for several reasons. The 86 Fleer Jordan is the 52 Mantle of basketball cards. It's on just about every card collectors bucket list. Authentic examples sell quickly in just about all conditions. High grade copies (PSA or BGS) sell for 5 figures +. I would never buy an 86 Jordan online unless it was graded. Not simply so you know the condition, but to be sure it is real. It's a frequently counterfeited card. Easy to spot with a magnifing glass or loop, but not so easy to spot with even a high resolution photo. Even a mid grade example would sell faster and for a higher price if it were graded.

Second issue, no experienced card collector would have their 86 Jordan signed. With any high dollar rookie card condition is everything. Condition is dependent on the card being in its original condition. A signature (even if authentic) alters the card. As far as the grade of the card is concerned, an autograph might as well be a phone number. It instantly makes the card worth the value of the autograph. I can't see anybody but a novice chasing down Jordan to sign his multi thousand dollar rookie card. Not impossible, but unlikely. That said, Jordan is one of a handful of athletes which transcends the hobbies. There are allot of people who own Jordan memorabilia who are not serious collectors. It is why Upper Deck can charge what they do for Jordan, Gretsky and Tiger Woods. Most of those high dollar items end up in the waiting room at some lawyers office rather than in a serious collection. So maybe some inexperienced collector would choose to deface his Jordan rookie rather than have him sign a ball or jersey. Makes no sense to me. But possible.

I'd stay away from any ungraded 86 Jordan's. If the card and the autograph were authentic, any experienced dealer would have it slabbed authentic by PSA. The card is no longer gradable on condition, but if it was slabbed you would at least know the card wasn't fake.

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Permalink Reply by Terry G. on January 4, 2016 at 5:48pm

I absolutely agree with tradegeek. 

1) As Jordan was Upper Deck exclusive for autographs, he refused to sign the Fleer card during his active career. I've been in the sportscard hobby for a very, very long time and I've never seen one authentically signed.

2) Unless the autograph is certified, you are ruining a $3000 (minimum) rookie card (depending on condition,etc.) Nobody does that. Jordan has done ZERO private signings outside of Upper Deck, and is one of the most difficult to get to guys for signatures. It just defies common sense that this is authentic.

3) It's not the greatest picture to base an opinion on so I cannot comment. But there are indeed very, very many counterfeits Jordan rookies cards on the market. 

http://www.cardboardconnection.com/how-to-spot-fake-michael-jordan-...

http://bbcemporium.com/1986-fleer-micheal-jordan-counterfeit-guide/

4) The LOA says "signed basketball card". Why wouldn't it say signed ROOKIE card, which would add tremendous value? Seems like the LOA is rather generic, as if someone had a whole bunch of "signed Jordan basketball cards"....

Sorry, none if this adds up. I'd bail on that auction ASAP. 

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