'86 Fleer vs '84 Star: Which Michael Jordan Card Should You Buy?
A comparison of two Michael Jordan rookie cards evaluates the 1986 Fleer and 1984 Star cards as investments. The speaker recommends avoiding the Fleer card due to oversupply (51,000 graded copies) and its devastating 50% value crash in 2021, instead favoring the much rarer 1984 Star card (fewer than 2,000 graded copies).
Summary
The transcript discusses investment considerations for two iconic Michael Jordan rookie cards. The 1986 Fleer card, while historically significant, is presented as a poor investment choice due to severe market oversupply. With over 51,000 graded copies in circulation and over 340 PSA 10 specimens, the card experienced a catastrophic market correction in 2021. The speaker cites specific pricing data showing the card's dramatic decline: in February 2021, copies sold for over $700,000, but by June 2021—just four months later—the same cards were selling for less than $300,000, representing a loss exceeding 50% of value and approximately $400,000 per card. This crash is attributed directly to oversupply in the market. In contrast, the speaker recommends the 1984 Star card as a superior investment alternative. The key differentiator is scarcity: the 1984 Star card has fewer than 2,000 graded copies compared to the Fleer's 51,000, making it significantly rarer and theoretically more resistant to market crashes caused by oversupply.
Key Insights
- The 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan card lost over $400,000 in value (over 50% decline) in just 4 months between February and June 2021
- Over 51,000 copies of the 1986 Fleer card have been graded, with more than 340 achieving a PSA grade of 10
- The 1986 Fleer card experienced the most brutal crash among cards during 2021 due to oversupply
- The 1984 Star card has fewer than 2,000 graded copies in total, compared to 51,000 for the 1986 Fleer
- The speaker argues that rarity is the primary factor distinguishing the two cards as investments, with one being very common and the other much rarer
Topics
Transcript
[0:00] I wouldn't buy a 1986 Michael Jordan Fleer card right now. This card has a huge offer relative to its price. There are over 51,000 graded copies of the 1986 Michael Jordan Fleer card, and over 340 of them have a PSA grade of 10. It was one of the cards that suffered the most brutal crash during 2021. In February 2021, several [0:30] copies of this card were sold for over $700,000. And just 4 months later, in June 2021, copies of this same card were selling for less than $300,000. This card lost over $400,000 in 4 months, or over 50% of its value due to oversupply, making it the most likely to crash. Don't buy a…
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