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Amazing collection of rare Michael Jordan cards found in Arizona
More than 500 prized Michael Jordan basketball cards have been found in two large shoe boxes inside a home in Tucson, Ariz., a collection valued at more than $100,000.
The rare cards originally belonged to an Arizona collector who embarked on a mission to acquire every Jordan refractor card produced from the 1990s to early 2000s. His dedicated pursuit resulted in an astonishing accumulation of nearly every Jordan Refractor and Atomic Refractor across various brands from 1993 Finest until Jordan’s final years with the Washington Wizards.
“He was very excited [with the cards], but didn't know the true value at first until he started looking the cards up,” said Ryan Jones, director of marketing and public relations for Auction Monthly, which transported the cards to their office in California.
“We were very excited to find this collection with so many rare Jordan insert cards. The cards are very difficult to find with some in very high grade. We sent many of the cards to PSA for grading.
“We were impressed by the amount of rare cards, including cards that you rarely see in person.”
Also See: Top Michael Jordan cards to collect
The highlight of the collection is the impressive selection of rare insert cards, including Precious Metal Gems, Star Rubies and Ultra Gold Stars.
Other highlights include:
• 2001 Topps Chrome Black Refractors /50. Two of only 50 ever produced are in this collection.
• 1996 Flair Showcase Row O Legacy Collection /150.
• 1997 Skybox E-X2001 Jambalaya.
• Multiple East-West Jordan/Kobe Bryant Refactors; and more.
The Jordan collection was first offered to Auction Monthly direct buyers, and then to auction for the remaining cards.
The collection includes some cards graded PSA 10, Jones said.
“Many were high grade, especially considering that many are difficult to grade,” he said.
The 1997 Jambalaya E-X2001 and the 2001 Topps Chrome Black Refractor /50 cards are worth $20,000 to $100,000. Two of the Black Refractor /50 cards are in this collection.
“This is one of the best Michael Jordan finds we have encountered, based on the volume of rare insert Jordan cards,” Jones said. “The original owner was trying to own every Jordan insert. He had very good taste in the cards he was buying.”
For more information on this Jordan collection, visit AuctionMonthly.com.
