Off-Center Gems: A Closer Look at the 1980s Fleer Basketball Sticker Sets

A few weeks ago, I highlighted the 1971-72 Topps Basketball Stickers as a high-grade collector’s nightmare. So I thought I’d follow up with a discussion about the basketball card sticker sets that Fleer included as part of the first modern-era basketball sets. Like the ’71 Topps stickers, the 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989 Fleer basketball … Read more

Ten Awesome Oddball Chicago Bulls Team Sets

If you’re a basketball card collector, odds are you’re familiar with the Chicago Bulls’ iconic red and black jerseys and their legendary players like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. But did you know that the Bulls released some great oddball trading card sets through the years? These sets were often used as promotions to entice … Read more

The 1985 Interlake Bulls Michael Jordan Card

It’s not often that there are 6-figure sports cards that collectors haven’t heard of, but the 1985 Interlake bulls Michael Jordan card might be one of them. Collectors often mention the card alongside the 1985 Nike Michael Jordan Promo and the 1985 Prism/Jewel Michael Jordan Stickers card as pre-rookies. Most collectors consider the 1986 Fleer … Read more

A Brief Discussion About 1986 and 1987 Fleer Basketball Print Runs

1986 Fleer basketball cards have become some of the hobbies most popular collectibles, driven by Michael Jordan’s iconic card #57.  But many people don’t realize that the 1986 Fleer basketball set was a bit of a dud on release and was treated as “junk wax” for its first few years. Because of this, many deduce, … Read more

From the Free Throw Line – The 1988 Fleer Michael Jordan All-Star Card

There are certainly more expensive Michael Jordan cards, and it’s hard to argue against his 1986 Fleer Basketball base card being the biggest card in the sport. But my favorite Jordan card is his 1988 Fleer All-Star card.  Jordan was already becoming the face of basketball when the NBA held the 1988 All-Star game. And … Read more

1986 Fleer Basketball Wax Pack Sequencing

The 1986 Fleer set is arguably the most popular basketball set. The cards command huge prices, driven by Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and a slew of other superstars. The complete set in the picture that follows sold for >$150k, for example. The wax packs and boxes are pricey as well. And with those prices comes … Read more

A Look at the Price of a 1986 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan Basketball Card

The 1986 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan card is the most recognizable basketball card today. Jordan is beyond a basketball player; he’s become a brand and cultural icon. So between his popularity as an NBA legend, the NBA’s resurgent popularity, the growth of sports cards as alternative investment vehicles, and macroeconomic factors, this card has exploded … Read more

Six Cards That Mattered When I was a Kid

Like many kids in the 80s and early 90s, I collected sports cards with a relentless passion. I was lucky to live in cities with iconic athletes and a bunch of professional sports teams. I grew up in Baltimore when Cal Ripken was a perennial MLB All-Star. My family then moved to Chicago, where we … Read more