Fake Michael Jordan Rookie Cards: How To Spot Them

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The 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card is one of the most iconic and valuable basketball cards of all time. It is also one of the most counterfeited cards in the hobby, with many Fake Michael Jordan Rookie cards circulating in the market. If you are looking to buy or sell a Jordan rookie card, you need to be very careful and know how to spot a fake one. Here are some tips and tricks to help you identify a genuine Jordan rookie card from a counterfeit.

Spotting A Fake Michael Jordan Rookie: The Fleer Logo

Spotting A Fake Michael Jordan Rookie: The Fleer Logo Real 1 gotdemcards home of thehobbyfamily
Example of the Real Michael Jordan Rookie Fleer Logo
Example of the Fake Michael Jordan Rookie Fleer Logo gotdemcards home of thehobbyfamily
Example of the Fake Michael Jordan Rookie Fleer Logo

The Fleer logo in the upper right corner of the card is one of the easiest ways to spot a fake Jordan rookie card. On an authentic card, the yellow arrow below the Fleer logo should be a darker shade of yellow, almost a golden color12On many fakes, the arrow is the same color as the yellow background of the “Premier” box31Also, on an authentic card, the arrow has a dot-matrix effect that is visible under magnification1On some fakes, the arrow is smooth and solid1.

Another thing to look for in the Fleer logo is the font and shape of the letters. On an authentic card, the letters “FLEER” are crisp and clear, and the letter “R” has a straight leg12On some fakes, the letters are blurry or rounded, and the letter “R” has a curved leg12Also, on an authentic card, the word “Premier” is well-defined and has sharp corners12On some fakes, the word “Premier” is fuzzy or has rounded corners12.

The Bulls Logo

This is an example of the Real Bulls Logo on the Michael Jordan Rookie Card

The Bulls logo in the lower left corner of the card is another key area to examine for authenticity. On an authentic card, the Bulls logo should be clear and bright, with distinct colors and details31On many fakes, the Bulls logo is dull or faded, with blurry or bleeding colors and details31.

One of the most important details to look for in the Bulls logo is the eyes of the bull. On an authentic card, the eyes of the bull are white with black pupils31On many fakes, the eyes of the bull are either solid black or solid white31.

The Scoring Average

Example of the Real score average on the Michael Jordan Rookie card

The scoring average box in the lower right corner of the card contains some useful information to verify authenticity. On an authentic card, the scoring average box should have a white background with black text and numbers31On many fakes, the scoring average box has a gray or yellowish background with faded text and numbers31.

Another thing to look for in the scoring average box is the alignment and spacing of the text and numbers. On an authentic card, the text and numbers should be centered and evenly spaced within the box31On some fakes, the text and numbers are misaligned or unevenly spaced within the box31.

The NBA Logo

Example of the real basketball logo Michael Jordan Rookie Card gotdemcards home of tthehobbyfamily
Example of the real basketball logo Michael Jordan Rookie Card

The NBA logo in the upper left corner of the card can also help you spot a fake Jordan rookie card. On an authentic card, the NBA logo should have clear and vibrant colors, with sharp edges and lines31On many fakes, the NBA logo has dull or washed-out colors, with blurry edges and lines31.

One of the most noticeable features of the NBA logo is the font and shape of the letters “NBA”. On an authentic card, the letters “NBA” are thin and straight, with pointed tips313On some fakes, the letters “NBA” are thick and curved, with rounded tips32^.

The Height And Weight

The height and weight information in the middle left of the card can also reveal some clues about authenticity. On an authentic card, the height and weight should be written as “6-6” and “195 lbs.”3124^. On some fakes, the height and weight are written as “6’6″” and “195 LBS.”31^.

Another thing to look for in the height and weight information is the colons. On an authentic card, the colons should be small and close to the numbers3124^. On some fakes, the colons are large and far from the numbers31^.

The Michael Jordan Lettering

The Michael Jordan Lettering Fake Michael Jordan Rookie Cards: How To Spot Them

The Michael Jordan lettering in the bottom center of the card is another important area to check for authenticity. On an authentic card, the Michael Jordan lettering should be white with a thin blue outline3124^. On many fakes, the Michael Jordan lettering is either solid white or solid blue31^.

Real Michael Jordan lettering is the ghost in the aisle
Fake Michael Jordan lettering is the ghost in the aisle
Fake Michael Jordan lettering is the ghost in the aisle

One of the most distinctive features of the Michael Jordan lettering is the ghost in the aisle. On an authentic card, there should be a faint image of a person walking in the aisle behind Jordan’s head, visible through the letter “A” in “Jordan”3124^. On many fakes, the ghost in the aisle is either missing or too dark31^.

Conclusion

The 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card is a highly coveted and valuable card that attracts many collectors and investors. However, it is also a highly counterfeited rookie card that requires careful examination and verification before buying or selling. By following the tips and tricks in this guide, you can learn how to spot a fake michael jordan rookie and avoid getting scammed. Remember, if you are not sure about the authenticity of a card, always consult an expert or a reputable grading company before making a deal.

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Sources and References for this post
1. cardboardconnection.com 2. allvintagecards.com 3. cardlines.com 4. bbcemporium.com 5. allvintagecards.com

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