Andrew Pace
The 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card is one of the most iconic basketball cards of all time. The card features Michael Jordan in an iconic moment, soaring to the basket with his arm extended for a slam dunk. The card is so iconic that many fakes have emerged, so it can be difficult to identify an original. Firstly, the image on the card is a bit blurry, and the back of the card has a smooth and shiny texture. The cards often have stains due to gum residue from gum included in the packs. The 1986 Fleer stickers are also known for poor centering and cut issues.
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What You'll Learn
The back of an authentic card has a smooth, glossy texture
The 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card is one of the most iconic basketball cards of all time. It is highly sought after by collectors and, as a result, scammers have been trying to sell fake versions of the card for thousands of dollars.
One way to distinguish an authentic Jordan sticker from a fake is by feeling the texture of the card's back. The back of an authentic card has a smooth, glossy texture, almost like many modern Topps/Chrome issues. If you run your finger over the back of the sticker, it should feel smooth. The regular #57 Jordan card, on the other hand, has a rougher texture. This is because the authentic card is a sticker, and the fakes are trying to replicate the texture of the regular card.
It can be difficult to differentiate between an authentic and a fake card by looking at pictures, as the difference in texture is subtle. However, if you have the card in your possession, feeling the smoothness of the back is a reliable way to identify a genuine 1986 Fleer Jordan sticker.
In addition to the texture, you can look for gum stains on the card. The 1986 Fleer Jordan stickers often have stains due to gum residue from the gum included in the packs. If the card has any gum residue or staining, it is likely an authentic card. These stains can be difficult to identify, especially for those new to collecting. However, the presence of gum stains is a commonality among authentic Jordan Fleer stickers.
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The image on the card may appear blurry
When it comes to 1986 Fleer basketball card stickers, it's worth noting that even authentic cards may have blurry images. This was a time when cards were printed with simple images and text on card stock, and the printing process has evolved since then.
While modern cards often include special features like foil and holograms, cards from the 1980s, like the 1986 Fleer set, were printed with more basic technology. This can result in images that appear less crisp and clear compared to modern standards.
Additionally, the 1986 Fleer basketball card stickers are known for issues like poor centering and cut problems. The stickers may vary in size due to slight differences in their original factory cuts. For example, Jabbar's sticker card is known to be a bit shorter on the sides due to its position as the first sticker on the sheet.
It's important to remember that the passage of time can also affect the clarity of the image. As years go by, the ink and paper quality may degrade, causing the image to appear blurrier than when the card was first produced.
However, it's also important to be cautious when examining these cards, as reprints and forgeries do exist. Authentic 1986 Fleer Jordan sticker cards, for instance, have a smooth and glossy feel on the back, while fakes often lack this distinct texture.
In summary, while blurry images on the 1986 Fleer basketball card stickers may be due to printing standards of that time or natural degradation over the years, it's crucial to be vigilant for other signs of authenticity to ensure the cards are not reprints or counterfeits.
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Gum stains are common on the cards
Gum stains are common on the 1986 Fleer basketball cards as the packs included bubble gum. The gum was intended to entice children to buy the packs and also provided a protective layer between the cards, preventing them from sticking together. However, over time, the gum could deteriorate, leaving unsightly sticky residue or stains on the cards, diminishing their value and appearance.
The good news is that gum stains can be removed with the right techniques and tools. One method is to use nylon or dryer sheets to remove the gum residue. This method may work better for removing residue rather than stains. Another option is to use a chemical product like rubber cement thinner with a cotton swab or pad. However, it is important to test this method on a common card of the same series first to ensure it does not damage the card. Additionally, rubber cement thinner is highly flammable, so it should be used and stored in a well-ventilated area.
Another approach to removing gum stains is to use a microfiber cloth or pantyhose. Place the card on a flat, clean, smooth surface and make a light swirling motion over the stained area, working from the inside out. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could damage the card. It is also important to stabilize the card with your free hand to avoid ding card edges or corners. Continue this process until all the gum residue is removed.
It is worth noting that cards with stains that cannot be removed will likely earn a 'ST' (stained) qualifier from PSA. Therefore, it is essential to carefully remove the stains to maintain the value and appearance of the cards.
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Cards may have cut and centring issues
The 1986 Fleer stickers are known for their poor centering and cutting issues. These issues make them difficult to find in high grade. The stickers will vary in size, with some being shorter than others due to their position on the sheet. For example, Jabbar's sticker card is known to be shorter on the sides as it is the first card on the sheet.
When examining the card, you may notice that the top cut isn't straight and appears off-centre. This is a common issue with the 1986 Fleer stickers, and it is not due to trimming. The stickers are also known to have a smoother and glossier feel on the back compared to the regular #57 Jordan card, which has a rougher texture.
To identify a genuine sticker, you can use a loupe to examine the borders and text. A genuine sticker will have sharp borders and text, while a fake one may appear fuzzy. Additionally, the back of a fake card may have a darker, more maroon-like red colour compared to the authentic sticker.
It is important to note that not all fakes have these distinct differences, but some counterfeits may have a different colour yellow nameplate on the front of the card, which can be a strong indicator of a fake.
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The number #57 Jordan card has a rougher texture
The 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card is one of the most iconic basketball cards of all time. The #57 Jordan card is particularly sought-after. However, it can be hard to distinguish an authentic card from a fake.
One way to tell if you have an authentic #57 Jordan card is by feeling the texture of the card. A real #57 Jordan card will have a rougher texture on the back compared to other cards in the set. This is because the #57 card is a sticker, and the back of a sticker will naturally have a different texture to a standard card. If you run your finger over the back of a real sticker, it should feel smooth, almost like many modern Topps/Chrome issues.
The #57 Jordan card is also known for having cut and centering issues. The stickers will vary in size, with some being shorter than others, so if you match a sticker to another and it seems smaller, it might not be a guarantee that it has been trimmed.
Other ways to spot a fake Jordan Fleer card include looking at the image quality. Even on a real card, the image will appear a little blurry and not crystal clear. You should also check for gum stains, as the cards often had residue from the gum included in the packs.
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Frequently asked questions
The original 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan stickers have a smooth and shiny back. The image on the front may also appear blurry. You may also notice gum stains on the stickers.
The 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Card Wax Packs contained 11 cards and 1 sticker. The backs of the sticker cards are printed in blue and red on white card stock. The set numbering of the stickers is alphabetical by the player's name.
The 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Stickers featured 11 players, 8 of whom have been inducted into the NBA's Hall of Fame. The additional players with a 4th sticker are Jordan, Olajuwon, and Thomas.
