You know that feeling when you're digging through a dusty shoebox and find a card that isn't the "big one" but still makes your heart skip? That’s exactly what happens with the michael jordan season leaders card. For years, everyone obsessed over the 1986 Fleer rookie. We get it. It’s the holy grail. But while collectors were fighting over that six-figure white whale, the "subset" cards—the ones celebrating MJ’s absurd statistical dominance—were quietly sitting there, waiting for their moment.
Honestly, it’s kind of wild how much we overlooked these. These cards literally document the years Jordan was breaking the NBA. They aren't just filler; they are the receipts for the GOAT's resume.
The 1988-89 Fleer #120: The All-Star and Season Leader Hybrid
If you're looking for the heavy hitter in this category, it’s basically the 1988-89 Fleer #120. This card is a bit of a double-threat. It’s technically part of the All-Star subset, but it’s the definitive michael jordan season leaders card of the late 80s because it lists his league-leading scoring average from the '87-88 season.
That season? He averaged 35 points per game. Think about that for a second.
Most players today would give anything for a single 35-point game. Jordan did it as an average for 82 games. The card itself features a classic shot of MJ in the white Bulls home jersey, eyes locked on the rim.
Why the Price Varies So Much
Here is the deal with the market right now. If you have a PSA 10 (Gem Mint) of this card, you are looking at serious money. Recent auction data from early 2026 shows these hitting upwards of $8,400.
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But don't panic if yours isn't perfect. A PSA 9—which looks basically identical to the naked eye—regularly sells for around $400 to $600. If you just want the piece of history for your desk, an ungraded "raw" version might only set you back $50 or $60, depending on how much the previous owner loved it (or let it get dinged).
1989-90 Fleer #21: The Scoring Average King
Then there’s the #21 from the 1989-90 Fleer set. This one is specifically labeled as a "Scoring Average Leader" card. It’s got that very 80s/90s aesthetic with the striped background and the "Scoring Leader" banner across the bottom.
You’ve probably seen this one in local card shops. It’s one of the most accessible michael jordan season leaders card options for a new collector.
- The Look: It features a great action shot of Jordan driving.
- The Stats: It commemorates his 32.5 PPG from the previous year.
- The Market: PSA 10s are currently hovering around $1,500 to $1,800.
- The Reality: There are over 11,000 PSA 9s in existence. Because there are so many, you can snag a beautiful Mint 9 for about $80. It’s a steal for a "junk wax era" card that actually holds its value.
The 1993-94 Upper Deck #166: A Different Vibe
By the time we got to the early 90s, the "Season Leaders" cards started looking a lot sleeker. Upper Deck took over the premium space, and their 1993-94 #166 card is a prime example. This card focuses on his 1992-93 scoring title—his seventh in a row.
Seventh. In. A. Row.
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This michael jordan season leaders card is special because it represents the end of the first three-peat. Shortly after this card was printed, Jordan shocked the world and went to play baseball. For a long time, collectors viewed this as a "sunset" card of sorts, even though he eventually came back.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Cards
People used to call these "filler cards." They’d say, "Oh, it’s just a subset."
That’s a mistake.
In the modern hobby, the "Population Report" is king. If you look at the PSA pop reports for these season leader cards, the numbers are often much lower than the base cards. Why? Because for thirty years, people didn't think they were worth grading. They threw them in rubber bands or left them in shoe boxes.
Finding a michael jordan season leaders card from 1988 or 1989 in a Gem Mint 10 is actually quite difficult. The centering on those old Fleer cards was notoriously terrible. If you find one that is perfectly centered, you’re holding a minor miracle.
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Expert Insights for Collectors
If you're thinking about buying or selling one of these, you've gotta look at the "hidden" details.
- Check the Corners: These cards have colored borders (like the blue and red of '88 Fleer). Any tiny white speck on the corner is going to tank the grade.
- Surface Scratches: Early 90s Upper Deck cards are "glossy." They scratch if you even look at them wrong. Use a microfiber cloth if you're inspecting one.
- The "All-Star" Confusion: Many people list the 1988 Fleer #120 as just an "All-Star" card. It's both. If you're searching for one to buy, search for both terms to find the best deals.
The reality is that Michael Jordan cards are essentially their own currency. They don't really follow the trends of the rest of the market. When the rest of the card market dipped a few years ago, Jordan's "meaningful" cards—like these season leaders—remained remarkably stable.
How to Handle Your Michael Jordan Season Leaders Card
If you just found one in your attic, don't just shove it in a plastic sleeve. Put it in a "penny sleeve" first, then a "top loader." If it looks absolutely perfect—meaning the borders are equal on all sides and the corners are sharp enough to cut paper—it might be worth the $20 to $50 to get it professionally graded by PSA or SGC.
Even if it isn't a 10, a graded michael jordan season leaders card is much easier to sell because the buyer knows exactly what they are getting.
The story of Michael Jordan isn't just about the rings. It’s about the sheer, exhausting dominance he displayed every single night for over a decade. These cards are the physical evidence of that dominance. They might not be the most expensive cards in the world, but they are some of the most honest.
Final Actionable Steps for Collectors
If you're looking to add a michael jordan season leaders card to your collection without breaking the bank, target the 1989-90 Fleer #21 in a PSA 9 grade. It offers the best balance of "iconic look" and "affordability" in today's market. For those with a higher budget, the 1988-89 Fleer #120 is the blue-chip play that has shown the most consistent growth over the last five years. Always verify the certification number on the PSA or SGC website before purchasing to ensure the slab hasn't been tampered with.