Introduction
Michael Jordan’s rookie cards are some of the most coveted collectibles in the sports card world. The legendary basketball icon has a massive fanbase, and his cards hold significant value, making them prime targets for counterfeiters. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, understanding how to spot a fake Michael Jordan rookie card is essential to protect your investment.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key characteristics to look for when examining a potential Michael Jordan rookie card, specifically the iconic 1986 Fleer #57, and give you some tips on avoiding scams.
1. Examine the Card’s Printing and Quality
The first step to spotting a fake Michael Jordan rookie card is to assess the overall quality of the card. Authentic 1986 Fleer cards have distinct printing patterns and high-quality stock. A fake card may feel thinner, have uneven printing, or exhibit blurry details.
Key indicators:
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Texture and Feel: Authentic cards from 1986 Fleer have a slightly glossy finish with a robust, sturdy feel. Fake cards often feel more flimsy and may lack the glossiness of the original.
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Print Patterns: The printing on real Fleer cards uses a dot-matrix style. If you examine the card closely under magnification, you should be able to see tiny dots that make up the image. Counterfeit cards often have smoother, less-defined print patterns.
2. Check the Card’s Corners and Edges
The corners and edges of an authentic card should be sharp and well-defined. Over time, natural wear will round the corners slightly, but they should not be soft or excessively worn. A fake Jordan rookie card may have rounded or irregular corners, and the edges may appear fuzzy or uneven.
Key indicators:
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Sharpness of the Corners: Real Fleer cards have clean, sharp corners when in mint condition. Fake cards often have corners that are rounded, chipped, or too smooth.
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Edge Fraying: A fake card may show signs of edge fraying or splitting, while real cards have neatly cut edges.
3. Inspect the Printing on the Back
The back of the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card is as important as the front. A fake card may have slight color discrepancies or the wrong font. One of the easiest ways to tell a fake from an authentic card is by closely inspecting the text on the back of the card.
Key indicators:
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Font and Text Alignment: The font on an authentic Jordan rookie card should be bold, crisp, and evenly spaced. Fake cards may have poorly aligned text or inconsistent font sizes.
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Color of the Text: The color on the back of authentic 1986 Fleer cards should be a rich black or dark gray. Counterfeit cards may have faded or unusually dark text.
4. The “Laser” Test: Use a Blacklight
One of the most reliable methods for detecting a fake card is the blacklight test. Authentic 1986 Fleer cards have a distinctive fluorescent coating that is invisible under normal light but will glow under UV light.
How to do the blacklight test:
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Turn off the lights and shine a blacklight (UV light) over the card.
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If the card is authentic, the edges or certain parts of the card will emit a subtle glow.
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Counterfeit cards typically do not have this glow or may exhibit a different fluorescent reaction.
5. Review the Centering and Borders
Centering is critical when evaluating a Michael Jordan rookie card. Fleer cards from 1986 often show slight off-centering due to the mass production process, but the variation should be minor and consistent. Fake cards often have disproportionate borders or off-center images that don’t match authentic production patterns.
Key indicators:
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Border Width: The top and bottom borders of authentic cards are typically slightly smaller than the left and right borders. Fake cards may have uneven or incorrectly sized borders.
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Image Alignment: Check to ensure the image of Jordan is aligned correctly within the borders. A misaligned image could be a sign of a counterfeit.
6. Use a Magnifying Glass: Check for the “Rough” Surface
One additional method for detecting counterfeit cards is to use a magnifying glass or jewelers’ loupe to closely examine the surface of the card. Real 1986 Fleer cards often have a "rough" texture that comes from the printing process, especially noticeable on the edges.
Key indicators:
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Surface Texture: Authentic cards have a slightly rough texture due to the printing press used in production. Fake cards often have smoother surfaces with less texture.
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Dots of Ink: If you examine the image closely under magnification, authentic Fleer cards should have visible ink dots. Fakes typically lack this effect.
7. Compare with a Certified Authentic Card
If you have doubts about the authenticity of your Michael Jordan rookie card, one of the best ways to verify it is to compare it with a certified authentic card. You can do this by visiting reputable dealers or referencing images of known authentic cards online.
Alternatively, consider sending the card to a professional grading service such as PSA, Beckett, or SGC. These services will authenticate and grade your card based on condition, helping you determine whether it’s real or fake.
8. Know the Market Value
Understanding the current market value of a Michael Jordan rookie card is crucial. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. While rare cards may fetch prices in the thousands, many counterfeits are sold at much lower prices. Always be cautious if the price seems unusually low for a genuine, high-grade Jordan rookie card.
Conclusion
Spotting a fake Michael Jordan rookie card requires careful attention to detail. By examining the card’s texture, printing, centering, and edges, and using tools like blacklight and magnification, you can significantly reduce the risk of buying a counterfeit. Always make sure to work with reputable dealers, and when in doubt, consider professional authentication to ensure your investment is protected.
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, knowing how to spot a fake Jordan rookie card is an essential skill for any serious collector. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to protecting your collection.