Helena Frye
The 1986-87 Fleer Basketball card set is considered one of the most important sports card sets of all time. It includes several legends and Hall of Famers, such as Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, and Michael Jordan, whose cards are highly sought-after by collectors. For example, Jordan's 1986-87 card has been known to sell for around $50,000. The set also includes players with fewer cards in circulation, such as Johnny Moore, whose card has sold for over $10,000 in top condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Cards | One of the most valuable sets of all time |
| 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan Card | Selling for around $50k |
| 1986-87 Fleer Johnny Moore Card | PSA 10 copies have sold for over $10,000 |
| 1986-87 Fleer Larry Bird Card | One of the player's first cards |
| 1986-87 Fleer Mullin Card | Mullin was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame twice |
| 1986-87 Fleer Kareem, Isiah Thomas, and the Checklist Cards | Worth as much or more than the cards listed above |
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What You'll Learn
Michael Jordan cards are valuable
Michael Jordan is a basketball legend, and his trading cards are highly sought-after by collectors. Jordan's cards are valuable because of his iconic status in the sport and his cultural impact, which has created a strong demand for memorabilia associated with him.
The value of Jordan's Fleer cards can range widely, with some selling for a few dollars and others reaching tens of thousands. For example, on eBay, a 1990-91 NBA Hoops Michael Jordan #65 Chicago Bulls card sold for $18.80, while a 1986-87 card sold for around $50,000. The varying conditions of the cards also contribute to the price differences.
The year of issue also affects the value of Jordan's Fleer cards. His rookie cards from 1984 are particularly valuable, as they mark the beginning of his illustrious career. However, cards from other years, such as 1986-87, can also command high prices, as evidenced by the $50,000 sale mentioned earlier.
Additionally, the specific set and rarity of the card play a role in its value. Certain sets may be more desirable to collectors, driving up the prices of individual cards within those sets. The BGS or PSA grades of the cards also influence their worth, with higher grades typically resulting in higher values.
The popularity of basketball card collecting and the limited supply of Jordan's cards, especially his rookie cards, further contribute to their value. As time passes, the demand for Jordan memorabilia is expected to increase, making his cards a good investment. Collectors and enthusiasts recognise the importance of grading and authenticating Jordan cards to ensure their value is accurately assessed and preserved.
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1986-87 Fleer cards are worth a lot
The 1986-87 Fleer basketball cards are worth a lot of money. This is due to the set being one of the most important sports card collections of all time, consisting of several rookie cards of players who would go on to become legends and Hall of Famers. These include Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Patrick Ewing.
Michael Jordan's rookie card is especially popular, with single 9-grade Jordan Fleer rookie cards selling for between $20,000 and $30,000 on eBay. In June 2025, a full set of 1986-87 Fleer hoop cards sold for $26,301 on 39 bids, while in August of the same year, a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan card sold for $27,500 on a single bid.
Other valuable cards in the 1986-87 Fleer set include those of Larry Bird, Clyde Drexler, Julius Erving, Bernard King, Joe Dumars, and Robert Parrish. Even cards of some Hall of Famers in the set, such as Maurice Cheeks, George Gervin, Artis Gilmore, and Jack Sikma, can sell in 9 condition for less than $50.
The 1986-87 Fleer set is also notable for being the first appearance of Chris Mullin on a cardboard card, as well as one of the earliest cards of Larry Bird, making it a highly sought-after set by collectors.
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1992-93 Fleer cards are sought-after
The 1992-93 Fleer basketball cards are sought-after by collectors for several reasons. Firstly, this particular set marked the inaugural year for Fleer Ultra, a more premium offering than traditional Fleer cards, with improved layout, design, and photography. This set is also notable for featuring Shaquille O'Neal, who was part of the next big wave of basketball card hype, and cards featuring him are highly desirable.
The 1992-93 Fleer set also includes cards of other basketball greats, such as Michael Jordan, whose cards tend to increase in value over time. Collectors seek out Jordan's cards from this set as they highlight his impressive achievements during the 1992-93 season, including leading the league in scoring for the seventh consecutive season, tying him with Wilt Chamberlain for the most consecutive scoring titles. Jordan also surpassed the 20,000-point mark during this season, a milestone reached in the fewest games since Chamberlain.
Additionally, the 1992-93 Fleer set features cards of other Hall of Famers who were part of the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team" that won gold in Barcelona. This adds to the collectability of the set, as it celebrates a historic and dominant team. While the iconic Fleer sets of the 1980s tend to overshadow those from the 1990s, the 1992-93 Fleer set remains sought-after due to its significance in basketball history and the inclusion of several notable players.
It's important to note that the value of these cards can vary depending on their condition. Cards in pristine or mint condition tend to be more valuable, especially for highly sought-after players like Michael Jordan. Overall, the 1992-93 Fleer basketball cards hold a special place in the hobby due to their historical significance, the players featured, and the set's overall design and rarity compared to the mass-produced cards of that era.
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Larry Bird's 1986-87 card is popular
Larry Bird's 1986-87 Fleer card is popular for several reasons. Firstly, Larry Bird himself is one of the NBA's all-time greats, achieving every career highlight and award the league has to offer. His popularity among fans, both during his playing career and after his retirement, has contributed to the demand for his trading cards.
The 1986-87 Fleer basketball card set is also a popular collection among collectors. The Larry Bird card from this set is particularly sought-after due to its limited print run. The 1987 Fleer set was printed in significantly lower quantities than the previous year's set, making Bird's card from this set a rare find.
Additionally, the 1987 Fleer #11 Larry Bird card is challenging to find in high-grade condition. As of August 2024, out of 3075 graded cards, only 33 were given a grade of 10, with less than 1% achieving the highest grade of Gem Mt 10. The rarity of high-grade specimens further increases the popularity and value of this card among collectors.
The value of the 1987 Fleer Larry Bird card has fluctuated over the years, with sales prices ranging from $3,300 to $7,500 in 2022 and 2021, respectively. High-grade specimens (grades 9 and 8) have also fetched prices ranging from $260 to $45. While the market for basketball cards has seen surges and dips, the Larry Bird 1986-87 Fleer card remains a popular and valuable item for collectors.
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1986-87 Johnny Moore cards are hard to find
The 1986-87 Fleer basketball card collection is considered one of the most iconic modern basketball card sets. It includes rookie cards of Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, and Hakeem Olajuwon. While Jordan's rookie card is the most valuable offering from the set, the Johnny Moore card is also highly sought after by collectors.
The 1986-87 Fleer set is known for suffering from printing defects and deterioration, making it challenging to find cards in "gem mint" condition, which is the highest grade given by the PSA. According to Rubin, a renowned expert in the field, there are only 65 "gem mint" copies of the Johnny Moore card, making it a rare find.
The scarcity of the Johnny Moore card in pristine condition drives up its value. Enthusiasts have witnessed a significant increase in the card's price over the years, with some selling for five-figure sums. The demand for the 1986-87 Fleer set, combined with the low supply of "gem mint" Johnny Moore cards, contributes to their high worth.
While Johnny Moore's playing career was respectable but unspectacular, his card has gained unexpected prominence in the collecting world. Moore's card placement on "Sheet B" of the uncut sheet of cards may have contributed to its susceptibility to damage, further reducing its availability in perfect condition.
The PSA CardFacts Condition Census provides a list of the finest PSA-graded 1986-87 Johnny Moore cards, offering guidance to buyers and sellers on determining the value of specific cards. However, it is essential to note that the census is a work in progress, and buyers and sellers should conduct their research to establish the importance and value of any particular card.
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Frequently asked questions
The 1986-87 Fleer Basketball card set is considered one of the most important sports card sets of all time. It includes several legends and Hall of Famers, including Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Patrick Ewing. The 1986-87 Fleer Johnny Moore card is also particularly valuable, with PSA 10 copies selling for over $10,000. Additionally, cards featuring Michael Jordan are good to have graded, as their value will likely increase over time.
The value of Fleer basketball cards depends on various factors, including the player featured, the card's rarity, and its condition. Cards of popular players, especially those with notable careers or achievements, tend to be more valuable. Rarity also plays a role, with cards that are harder to find in top condition often commanding higher prices. Finally, the condition of the card is crucial, with prices varying significantly between raw and graded cards.
There are several online resources that provide information about the value of Fleer basketball cards. Websites like Beckett, PSA, and SportsCardsPro offer price guides and databases that list the current values of specific cards. These sites may also provide historical price information and allow users to track their collections or wishlists. Additionally, online communities dedicated to basketball card collecting, such as the r/basketballcards subreddit, can be a valuable source of information and advice.
