Everyone wants the 1986 Fleer rookie. It’s the "Holy Grail." If you have $200,000 lying around, go for it. But honestly, most collectors are priced out of that dream. That’s why the michael jordan fleer 87—specifically card #59—is currently the smartest play in the hobby. It’s not just a "second-year" card. It’s a low-pop, condition-sensitive masterpiece that basically captures MJ right as he was becoming the global icon we know today.
The Scarcity Nobody Talks About
You’d think the rookie card would be the rarest, right? Wrong. In many ways, the michael jordan fleer 87 is actually harder to find in a "Perfect 10" than the 1986 version. Look at the numbers. While thousands of the '86 rookies have been graded, Fleer actually pulled back on production in 1987. They had a bunch of unsold 1986 stock sitting in warehouses, so they didn't flood the gates the following year.
D'Orsay Bryant, a legendary set collector, once noted that for every ten 1986 wax boxes you see, you might only find one from 1987. That is a massive gap in supply. When you're looking at the PSA population reports, the "Gem Mint" percentage for the '87 Jordan is often lower than the '86 rookie. It sits around 1.1% to 1.2%. Basically, if you find one that hasn't been chewed up by a bike spoke or faded by the sun, you're holding a rare bird.
Why This Card Is a Grading Nightmare
If you’ve ever held one of these, you know the gray borders are a curse. Unlike the red, white, and blue of the previous year, the 1987 design uses these thin gray horizontal stripes. They show every single microscopic chip. You touch it with a bare thumb? The oils might mess with that matte finish.
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Centering is the other killer. Fleer was notorious for "diamond cuts" or cards shifted so far to the left they looked like they were falling off the edge. Finding a michael jordan fleer 87 with perfect 50/50 centering is like finding a needle in a haystack.
- The Gray Borders: Easily chipped, showing white paper underneath.
- The "Registry" Issues: Colors often bleed or look blurry compared to modern cards.
- Wax Stains: Since these came in wax packs with a stick of gum, the card on the top or bottom often got stained by the adhesive or the gum itself.
Market Value: What It's Actually Worth in 2026
Prices fluctuate, but the trend for high-grade MJ sophomores is aggressive. As of early 2026, a PSA 10 michael jordan fleer 87 is consistently moving for between $25,000 and $35,000. Just a few years ago, you could snag one for a fraction of that.
If you aren't a high roller, don't sweat it. A PSA 9 (Mint) usually settles around $2,000 to $2,500. It looks almost identical to the 10 to the naked eye but costs 90% less. For a "raw" card—one that isn't in a plastic slab—you're looking at maybe $300 to $500 depending on how beat up it is. But be careful. The market is flooded with fakes.
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Spotting a Fake Michael Jordan Fleer 87
Counterfeiters love this card because the design is simple. To the untrained eye, a $5 reprint looks just like a $30,000 original. But there are tells.
First, look at the "Bulls" logo. On a real card, the lines are crisp. On a fake, the red often bleeds into the black lines, making it look muddy. Second, check the "Fleer" logo in the corner. On authentic copies, the yellow is vibrant, and the tiny "Registered" trademark symbol (the little R) is clearly legible under a magnifying glass. If that "R" looks like a solid black blob, run away. It's a reprint.
Also, feel the card stock. Original 1987 Fleer cards have a specific thickness and a slight "tooth" to the paper. Fakes are often too glossy or feel like a modern business card.
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The Sticker Sub-Plot
Don't ignore the sticker. In 1987, every pack came with an insert sticker, and Michael Jordan was card #2 in that 11-card set. These are even more of a nightmare to grade because they were the first thing kids peeled off and stuck on their headboards.
A PSA 10 1987 Fleer Jordan sticker is arguably rarer than the base card. It’s got that classic shot of him in the dunk contest. If you find one of those in a shoe box, you’ve hit a mini-jackpot. Prices for the sticker in a 10 can easily clear $15,000.
Actionable Steps for Collectors
If you're looking to add this card to your portfolio or personal collection, don't just jump at the first eBay listing you see.
- Prioritize Centering: Even if you're buying a lower grade like a PSA 7 or 8, find one that is centered. A well-centered 7 will always sell faster than an off-center 8.
- Verify the Slab: If buying a graded version, use the PSA or BGS app to scan the barcode. Ensure the card in the photo matches the database record.
- Check for "Print Dots": Many 1987 Fleer cards have tiny "fisheye" print defects. While common, the cleanest copies without these spots command the highest premiums.
- Watch the Auction Houses: While eBay is great, major houses like Goldin or Heritage often have the "cleanest" copies that haven't been passed around by flippers.
The michael jordan fleer 87 is no longer the "forgotten" Jordan. It is a cornerstone of the basketball hobby. As the rookie card continues to climb into the stratosphere, this second-year card is the natural landing spot for serious collectors who want a piece of the 80s Fleer era without the six-figure price tag.
Check your local card shows or verified online marketplaces. Look for that distinct gray border and the iconic image of Jordan mid-flight. It’s a piece of history that actually has room to grow.