Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has a rich legacy of basketball cards, many of which hold immense value and historical significance. A special subset of his cards, the Star cards issued from 1984 to 1986, are particularly intriguing due to their limited production, quality, and early placement in Jordan’s career. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Michael Jordan’s Star cards and why they’re highly sought after by collectors.

Understanding the Importance of the Star Company

The Star Company had the exclusive rights to produce NBA cards during the mid-1980s, hence they had the opportunity to release some of the earliest cards for many NBA players, including Michael Jordan. These Star cards, distinguished by their bagged sets, have gained recognition over time for their unique designs, limited print runs, and the exclusive NBA licensing.

The Debut of Michael Jordan Star Cards

Jordan’s Star card series is especially fascinating due to its early release in his career. One of the most noteworthy cards is the 1984-85 Star #101 Michael Jordan XRC (Extended Rookie Card), which predates his official Fleer Rookie Card by two years. This card, featuring Jordan in a slam dunk action shot, is one of the rarest and most sought-after cards by collectors. The scarcity of this card and its early issuance in Jordan’s career elevate its value and appeal significantly.

Check prices of 1984 Star Michael Jordan XRC on eBay 

Diving into the 1985-86 Star Collection

The 1985-86 Star collection continued to commemorate Jordan’s exciting early career. This collection featured cards like the Star #117 Michael Jordan card, a part of the Bulls team bagged set, and the Star #2 Michael Jordan card from the Court Kings subset. These cards captured Jordan’s prowess on the court and his growing influence in the sport.

Check prices of 1985 Star Michael Jordan XRC on eBay 

The 1986 Star Cards and Their Significance

The final year of the Star Company’s run, 1986, featured the Star Best of the New/Best of the Old subset. This subset is particularly notable for featuring a card of Michael Jordan (#18), which showcased him alongside NBA legend Larry Bird. The combination of Jordan and Bird on the same card adds an extra layer of historical value and makes it an intriguing addition to any sports card collection.

Check prices of 1986 Star Michael Jordan XRC on eBay

Authenticating Michael Jordan Star Cards

An essential aspect of collecting Michael Jordan Star cards is ensuring their authenticity. There have been several counterfeit versions circulating in the market. Therefore, it’s crucial to purchase these cards from reliable sources and have them graded by trusted sports card grading companies to verify their authenticity and condition.

Challenges with Counterfeits and Authentication

One of the significant challenges that collectors face when hunting for Jordan Star cards is the prevalence of counterfeits in the market. Due to the high value and demand for these cards, they have unfortunately become a popular target for forgery. Counterfeit Star cards can often be difficult to distinguish from the authentic ones, especially for less experienced collectors. Moreover, the Star Company’s packaging methods, which didn’t involve sealing or hologramming the cards, have made it easier for counterfeiters to produce and distribute fake cards. This issue with fakes has led to debates among collectors and professionals regarding the authenticity of many Star cards. It’s of paramount importance that potential buyers exercise caution when purchasing these cards. It is always recommended to acquire these cards from trustworthy sellers, have them authenticated by professional grading services, and consult expert opinions to ensure what you’re adding to your collection is a genuine piece of basketball history.

The Enduring Legacy of Michael Jordan Star Cards

In the world of basketball card collecting, the Jordan Star cards from 1984 to 1986 hold a unique place. They offer a glimpse into the early career of a basketball icon, and their limited production makes them a valuable asset for collectors. Despite the controversy surrounding their authentication, their historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and connection to Michael Jordan’s basketball journey continue to captivate collectors worldwide.

Michael Jordan Star Cards as Investment Pieces

The Michael Jordan Star cards, despite the potential challenges in authentication, remain an attractive investment for many collectors. As with any sports card, their value depends on several factors such as condition, rarity, and demand. Given Jordan’s legendary status and the limited production run of these cards, they are often in high demand, pushing their prices upwards. Therefore, they can be a valuable addition to an investment portfolio, particularly for those interested in sports memorabilia. However, it’s critical to perform diligent research and perhaps seek professional advice before making substantial investments.

Evolution of Star Cards’ Recognition in the Hobby

Over the years, the recognition of Star cards in the hobby has significantly evolved. Initially, they were somewhat overlooked by collectors due to their limited distribution and the lack of universal recognition as official NBA cards. However, as the hobby grew and evolved, and as collectors started to appreciate the historical significance of these cards, their popularity and recognition increased. Now, they are considered some of the most significant basketball cards from the mid-1980s.

Michael Jordan Star Cards in Pop Culture

The influence of Jordan Star cards extends beyond the realm of card collecting. They have permeated pop culture, partly due to Jordan’s own influence as a basketball icon and cultural figure. These cards have appeared in everything from TV shows to music videos, further solidifying their status as iconic pieces of memorabilia. They serve as nostalgic tokens of an era when Jordan was emerging as one of the greatest basketball players, reflecting not just the history of the sport, but also the culture of the time. They can also be seen as the true rookie cards of Air Jordan, and some of the more popular collectibles in history.

Unique Design Aspects of Michael Jordan Star Cards

Michael Jordan Star cards are also notable for their unique design aspects. Star Co. used a distinctive full-bleed photo design for their cards, which was a break from the traditional borders used by other card companies at the time. This design gave the cards a more modern look and allowed the action shots of the players to take center stage. The design aspects, combined with the quality of the card stock and the vivid colors, add to the aesthetic appeal of these cards and make them stand out in any collection.

Final Word

Collecting Star Jordan cards is a journey that blends the thrill of collecting, and a touch of detective work due to the authentication issues. It’s a venture that requires passion, patience, and perseverance. 

Alternative valuable basketball cards include the Jordan Fleer RC, in a set that includes the likes of Magic Johnson. Star Basketball cards are an underrated original issue, even if there is the possibility of counterfeit cards. Star Co. Jordan rookie cards have been forged in later years, so it might be a good idea to stick with graded copies.

MJ is one of the most collectible athletes in history, with an enormous demand for his Chicago Bulls cards. Despite some authenticity concerns, it’s hard to think of a more underrated option in the current card market. Check recent auction sales for a better idea of prices for 1984-85 Star Basketball sets and cards.