Aesthetically best cards: Michael Jordan edition
 

A few MJ cards that really catch my eye:

1992 Stadium Club #210
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/ef7rVMR.jpeg[/IMG]

1995 E-XL Natural Born Thrillers
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/lUfJugx.jpeg[/IMG]

1998 Topps Roundball Royalty (do these have greening issues?)
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/89ovFe6.jpeg[/IMG]

1991 Hoops
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/qmB7qeD.jpeg[/IMG]

1995 Topps
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/QEKfarO.jpeg[/IMG]

1987 Fleer sticker
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/S84Ss8M.jpeg[/IMG]

1992 Stadium Club Beam Team
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/5TesuOo.jpeg[/IMG]

1992 Upper Deck #453 (MJ's best dunk? ("kiss the rim"))
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/OfJPVuW.jpeg[/IMG]

1993 Ultra #30
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/kzymujf.jpeg[/IMG]

1998 Upper Deck MJx #135 (image also found on [URL="https://d1w8cc2yygc27j.cloudfront.net/422844605791529340/-7332702385253027961.jpg"]'99/'00 UD #FF12[/URL] "final floor")
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/8KUNshI.jpeg[/IMG]

One of the ones I've always liked best is the 1996-97 metal shredders subset. Not just jordan though, all of them are really cool looking to me.

[QUOTE=GOATcards;17892273]A few MJ cards that really catch my eye:


1998 Topps Roundball Royalty (do these have greening issues?)
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/89ovFe6.jpeg[/IMG]

[/QUOTE]


Sadly yes. But not all 1998-99 Jordan Refractors thankfully they figured it out that year.

I like this one

[IMG]https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcQkYKPQh_CoZWW5xnqCO9gYjmI50OiPdkFIMP95DqJwLnB1wvWEECbOWVOce4eCttcm7wfP4xLDAW2Yv3BoVvVJYHVMB-7zqOraKQ_tmgEN&usqp=CAc[/IMG]

I think 1997 Collector's Choice "Michael's Magic" 387 is my all-around favorite Jordan image. And the entire 97 UD Jordan Tribute "red rays" set (MJ30-60) is a sight to behold.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/9gdpujfl.jpg[/img]

always been in love with this card

[IMG]https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a3aee422aeba594ad56d0d1/1561312976933-SX5AEVK0G97Y9WJU12P8/1992-Upper-Deck-Michael-Jordan.jpeg?format=1000w[/IMG]

big fan of the finite spectrum mjs

[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/90WzQ61.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/3cJOYcV.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=ZionCards;17892644]always been in love with this card

[IMG]https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a3aee422aeba594ad56d0d1/1561312976933-SX5AEVK0G97Y9WJU12P8/1992-Upper-Deck-Michael-Jordan.jpeg?format=1000w[/IMG][/QUOTE]


Agreed


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My favorite looking pickup of 2021

[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/WGjclQkh.jpg[/IMG]

1997 Holojam :)!

[url=https://ibb.co/jbzRbPc][img]https://i.ibb.co/ydpSdcw/1997-Upper-Deck-Holojam-Michael-Jordan.jpg[/img][/url]

This will always be one of my all-time favorites...

[IMG]https://d1w8cc2yygc27j.cloudfront.net/239673394050401327/4135990245527056829.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=Nomad;17892610]And the entire 97 UD Jordan Tribute "red rays" set (MJ30-60) is a sight to behold.[/QUOTE]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/KsjoNjq.jpg[/img]

Gotta have his 90-91 Skybox card in there....that's one of the most iconic set designs ever.....

Favorite bass, great textures. Not Poopini at all.

[IMG]https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/5poAAOSw-6thjSVi/s-l1600.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/KeQAAOSwywZhzRPq/s-l1600.jpg[/IMG]

This one. I thought it was the best looking card I had ever seen from the moment I first saw it.



[URL=https://sportscardalbum.com/card/tzhua5i0/n-a][IMG]https://sportscardalbum.com/c/tzhua5i0.jpeg[/IMG][/URL]

This has always been one of my favorites.
[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220104/6c53b372879da9743c3457c8a955d37f.jpg[/IMG]

Co-sign on the 95 Flair
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/EYAyACd.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=Deanninja;17893440]This one. I thought it was the best looking card I had ever seen from the moment I first saw it.



[URL=https://sportscardalbum.com/card/tzhua5i0/n-a][IMG]https://sportscardalbum.com/c/tzhua5i0.jpeg[/IMG][/URL][/QUOTE]


Same photo as on the 91 Hoops I posted! :)

[QUOTE=duron;17893470]Co-sign on the 95 Flair
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/EYAyACd.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]

Looks like a fadeaway jumper? Not nearly enough of those on MJ cards, more interesting than him dunking. ;)

If it's MJ soaring for a dunk, might as well make it the 1996 Skybox Premium:
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/Or2C2Fq.jpeg[/IMG]

If it's MJ soaring for a dunk, this one's pretty good. Not knowing anything else about this card, how would you rate its aesthetics?
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/cOb0UXm.jpeg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=Nomad;17892610]I think 1997 Collector's Choice "Michael's Magic" 387 is my all-around favorite Jordan image.[/QUOTE]

So that would be this one
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/ffx7F9F.jpeg[/IMG]

Looks like it could make a great magazine cover.
This photo's not on a card, but for all-around Jordan close-up images, how do you rate it? (So it lacks the spontaneity of the game-time image....)
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/XwjLTr5.jpeg[/IMG]

not particularly valuable but a very aesthetic card nonetheless:
[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220104/bbae4fe8cea447053a5a31258446f14f.jpg[/IMG]



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I bought these two solely because I thought they looked awesome.
[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220104/487afa4eeb68d7a87d19ecaf3faae677.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220104/6c8781ecf1be1329521d0ee193884716.jpg[/IMG]


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Holo[emoji238]

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[IMG]https://d1htnxwo4o0jhw.cloudfront.net/t/psa-caption-1554076800/352938221/7507c991923da3f8cbfabe0b1425a52e.png[/IMG]

WOW :eek::eek::eek: Is this the only auto that he's used red ink?

Dude pulled it out of a mixed box blaster and sold it for $1900 bucks. [url]https://www.blowoutforums.com/showthread.php?t=539094[/url]

[QUOTE=Deanninja;17893440]This one. I thought it was the best looking card I had ever seen from the moment I first saw it.



[URL=https://sportscardalbum.com/card/tzhua5i0/n-a][IMG]https://sportscardalbum.com/c/tzhua5i0.jpeg[/IMG][/URL][/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=ZionCards;17892644]always been in love with this card

[IMG]https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a3aee422aeba594ad56d0d1/1561312976933-SX5AEVK0G97Y9WJU12P8/1992-Upper-Deck-Michael-Jordan.jpeg?format=1000w[/IMG][/QUOTE]


I was coming to post the same! This is the answer.


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I am also going to put a couple Qwasian cards on the list, pure aesthetics. No value at the current time, but an interesting ecosystem....

11/25/19 Michael Jordan /25
9/11/20 Michael Jordan /25
8/11/21 Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan /10

Oh and an interesting 3/7/15 double-paneled true sketch card.

Oh, and for visual reference:

Oh yes, nice to see Playoff Heroes love.

[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/Ztl0OLqh.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/xOMnanfh.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/ObNGog2.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=GOATcards;17893494]Looks like a fadeaway jumper? Not nearly enough of those on MJ cards, more interesting than him dunking. ;)[/QUOTE]

Would prob be my favorite example, although it looks like it could be a shot to the side
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/S79qCVrh.jpg[/IMG]

And yea, Roundball Royalty refractors also green, just not as commonly as other, earlier sets

Nothing says MJ more then this classic



[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50984372957_a7603e4e7a_z.jpg[/img]

Did they make a Coast to Coast with Jordan and, if so, could someone post it? I am really wondering whom they paired MJ with.

[QUOTE=Cavs16;17896688]Nothing says MJ more then this classic



[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50984372957_a7603e4e7a_z.jpg[/img][/QUOTE]

How would it say MJ as much as or more than, say, a UD "final shot" card?

Many others have won slam dunk contests without anything like 6 Finals MVPs. I'm sure all the slam dunk winners would trade their wins there for a title win. It's more contrived spectacle (in keeping with the All-Star Weekend theme) than meaningful spectacle.

That's my thought when I see that card, anyway. But then again, the original ten cards I posted features a "kiss the rim" card, so try squaring that circle. :p

[QUOTE=GOATcards;17896861]How would it say MJ as much as or more than, say, a UD "final shot" card?

Many others have won slam dunk contests without anything like 6 Finals MVPs. I'm sure all the slam dunk winners would trade their wins there for a title win. It's more contrived spectacle (in keeping with the All-Star Weekend theme) than meaningful spectacle.

That's my thought when I see that card, anyway. But then again, the original ten cards I posted features a "kiss the rim" card, so try squaring that circle. :p[/QUOTE]

It's an iconic photo of MJ that was also one of the more popular posters that was on the wall of kids for a decade.

Even though the final shot was more important with respect to winning a title, that MJ free throw image is something else.

[QUOTE=Mattchanman;17894533]WOW :eek::eek::eek: Is this the only auto that he's used red ink?

Dude pulled it out of a mixed box blaster and sold it for $1900 bucks. [url]https://www.blowoutforums.com/showthread.php?t=539094[/url][/QUOTE]

Wow. That was an insane pull. Is that a $10k card now?

[QUOTE=timfsu2k;17896910]Wow. That was an insane pull. Is that a $10k card now?[/QUOTE]

First thought was $100k easy, if its only with red ink.

[QUOTE=hauntedcomputer;17892505]I like this one

[IMG]https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcQkYKPQh_CoZWW5xnqCO9gYjmI50OiPdkFIMP95DqJwLnB1wvWEECbOWVOce4eCttcm7wfP4xLDAW2Yv3BoVvVJYHVMB-7zqOraKQ_tmgEN&usqp=CAc[/IMG][/QUOTE]

My favorite early Jordan card.

[QUOTE=GOATcards;17893505]If it's MJ soaring for a dunk, might as well make it the 1996 Skybox Premium:
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/Or2C2Fq.jpeg[/IMG][/QUOTE]

Love that one. Really let's you see why 1997-98 is SkyBox Metal Universe whereas previously it had been Fleer Metal. They took SkyBox, added space to it, and made the ultimate '90s set.

[QUOTE=PelicanFly;17896069][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/ObNGog2.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]

No MJ card screams "He's a MFing animal!" like that one.

This is my favorite photo on an MJ card. To me, Jordan was an aerial acrobat first and foremost. Very few cards capture that imho, but the '95-96 Topps #1 card nails it:

[IMG]https://www.tcdb.com/Images/Cards/Basketball/2420/2420-1Fr.jpg[/IMG]

I also love the Power Booster (partial) parallel for that year and it definitely kicks this card to a new level:

[IMG]https://www.tcdb.com/Images/Cards/Basketball/2428/2428-3005493Fr.jpg[/IMG]

There's so many good ones. Here are a few of my favorites.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2mVmM5e][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51799656057_2280bf7041_b.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/2mVmM5e]metal universe[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/184385685@N02/]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2mVsfvY][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51800723938_33802b19f9_b.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/2mVsfvY]Premium MJ[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/184385685@N02/]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2mVrBJe][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51800600181_9f70af349b_b.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/2mVrBJe]mjewing2[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/184385685@N02/]

[QUOTE=Tallboy;17897113]No MJ card screams "He's a MFing animal!" like that one.[/QUOTE]

My only quibble/complaint about this card is the lack of photo crispness. (I pulled one of these from a pack shortly after retail release, and even back then wasn't sure it was a "keeper." This would have been shortly after I acquired my first #57....)

[QUOTE=Tallboy;17897118]This is my favorite photo on an MJ card. To me, Jordan was an aerial acrobat first and foremost. Very few cards capture that imho, but the '95-96 Topps #1 card nails it:

[IMG]https://www.tcdb.com/Images/Cards/Basketball/2420/2420-1Fr.jpg[/IMG]
[/QUOTE]

Acrobatics-wise, where does that "kiss the rim" dunk rate?
(On a related note I basically haven't watched the dunk contest since Vince Carter blew everyone away ca. 2000. I guess I figured no one's gonna outdo that. Has someone surpassed Vince as a contest-dunker since then?)
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/Iu7xCZN.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=GOATcards;17899318]Acrobatics-wise, where does that "kiss the rim" dunk rate?
(On a related note I basically haven't watched the dunk contest since Vince Carter blew everyone away ca. 2000. I guess I figured no one's gonna outdo that. Has someone surpassed Vince as a contest-dunker since then?)
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/Iu7xCZN.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]


Go watch the Lavine/Gordon one from a few years ago. I think it's the best overall dunk contest ever.


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[QUOTE=Nomad;17896727]Did they make a Coast to Coast with Jordan and, if so, could someone post it? I am really wondering whom they paired MJ with.[/QUOTE]

This is the only MJ Coast to Coast I'm aware of. But it's not a dual player set. You thinking of something else?

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51801105069_0395297dc8_z.jpg[/img][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51808527004_003703e366_z.jpg[/img]

I thought I was thinking of the classic Topps 98-99 C2C. There were a few versions, but I like 98-99 best.

But actually I was thinking of Top Crop, a similar 96-97 TSC silver insert I like much better, (and bonus, actually double sided).

[QUOTE=Nomad;17905509]I thought I was thinking of the classic Topps 98-99 C2C. There were a few versions, but I like 98-99 best.

But actually I was thinking of Top Crop, a similar 96-97 TSC silver insert I like much better, (and bonus, actually double sided).[/QUOTE]

Well here you go........ Mystery's Solved......


[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51808654359_62fd8e6799_z.jpg[/img][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51808340533_4b33f9ca46_z.jpg[/img]

[QUOTE=GOATcards;17899318]Acrobatics-wise, where does that "kiss the rim" dunk rate?
(On a related note I basically haven't watched the dunk contest since Vince Carter blew everyone away ca. 2000. I guess I figured no one's gonna outdo that. Has someone surpassed Vince as a contest-dunker since then?)
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/Iu7xCZN.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]

Doesn't quite check the same box for me. Not that it's not beautiful, but the fact that in the Topps card we're seeing him from above, and we see his limbs extending out in various directions in balance to makes him look less like a basketball player, and more like a bird.

[QUOTE=Tallboy;17905663]Doesn't quite check the same box for me. Not that it's not beautiful, but the fact that in the Topps card we're seeing him from above, and we see his limbs extending out in various directions in balance to makes him look less like a basketball player, and more like a bird.[/QUOTE]


Not exactly the same, but that reminds me of this card.... The unique thing about this card, as was pointed out by a BO member in another thread, you can tell from the shoes this is from the legendary March 8th, 1998 Last Game at MSG.....

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51432906147_c1a7b09ec5_c.jpg[/img]

some amazing cards in here surprised I didn't see this one yet. has been one of my favorites since it was released.

[url=https://chicagobullspc.smugmug.com/Chicago-bulls-PC/i-qXtpnL9/A][img]https://photos.smugmug.com/Chicago-bulls-PC/i-qXtpnL9/0/a67261dc/M/Michael-Jordan-1995-Flair-Anticipation-2-M.jpg[/img][/url]

[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/rS2y0Hqh.jpg[/IMG]

I bought a mint raw of the above before I learned about refractors.

[QUOTE=Cavs16;17896688]Nothing says MJ more then this classic



[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50984372957_a7603e4e7a_z.jpg[/img][/QUOTE]


This right here is iconic

[QUOTE=duron;17906432][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/rS2y0Hqh.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]Seeing as MJ didn't return to the NBA until March of 1995, how does a 1994 set have him in his #45 jersey? [emoji2955]

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[QUOTE=GOATcards;17906886]Seeing as MJ didn't return to the NBA until March of 1995, how does a 1994 set have him in his #45 jersey? [emoji2955]

Sent from my V350C using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

Photoshop. There are even test copies floating around that had him in the 23 jersey.

PSA labels cards using only the first year of the release.

For the 94-95 season:
Finest Series 1 was released in 1994.
Finest Series 2 was released in 1995.

Normal people would label that card as 94-95 Finest.

Theres a handful of other #45 jersey cards with action photos.

[QUOTE=mc1;17907156]

Theres a handful of other #45 jersey cards with action photos.[/QUOTE]

Among them........ No Slouch Aesthetically Speaking IMHO.......

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51376166353_abc31b5d87_z.jpg[/img]

[QUOTE=JimCa;17905729]Not exactly the same, but that reminds me of this card.... The unique thing about this card, as was pointed out by a BO member in another thread, you can tell from the shoes this is from the legendary March 8th, 1998 Last Game at MSG.....

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51432906147_c1a7b09ec5_c.jpg[/img][/QUOTE]

Love it!

Not precisely the same box, but I like being able to identify that the image is from an iconic moment.

Also, I'm a sucker for almost any of the Ultra cursive designs.

[QUOTE=JimCa;17907863]Among them........ No Slouch Aesthetically Speaking IMHO.......

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51376166353_abc31b5d87_z.jpg[/img][/QUOTE]

Great card! Also, I can't say enough how much that red pops, and how much of a lost opportunity it was that they didn't make an entire set with vibrant color matching like that.

[QUOTE=JimCa;17905653]Well here you go........ Mystery's Solved......


[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51808654359_62fd8e6799_z.jpg[/img][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51808340533_4b33f9ca46_z.jpg[/img][/QUOTE]

This has to be one of my favorite non Fleer/Skybox inserts of 90s.

Not an easy pull.

[QUOTE=JimCa;17907863]Among them........ No Slouch Aesthetically Speaking IMHO.......



[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51376166353_abc31b5d87_z.jpg[/img][/QUOTE]Great photo, as much as I prefer #23 ones.

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Exquisite flashback jordan.

[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/ab91f06540c2d2e516eb485dec6e7972.jpg[/IMG]
I don’t own many Jordan cards but here are a few of my faves that I collected when I was younger and still have in my ultra pro 9 pocket sleeves…

Here’s the 1st


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2nd…

[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/a14a9c88123c96d82242e4210aabbbe2.jpg[/IMG]


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3rd…

[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/3f62e454edab35074fad54cf223c0c67.jpg[/IMG]


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[QUOTE=punctilious;17909094]3rd…

[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/3f62e454edab35074fad54cf223c0c67.jpg[/IMG]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]I was thinking, it would look even cooler with his tongue sticking out. And then I thought, did he stick his tongue out much later in his career? Do people look at his 86 Fleer issues and wonder what the tongue is all about? [emoji12]

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[img]https://i.imgur.com/PvDtzCi.jpg[/img]

.....
 

Not much to look at with this pic and my obvious lack of photographic skills but trust me...... in person it's VERY aesthetically pleasing! :)

Mike

[ATTACH]516869[/ATTACH]

[QUOTE=vthobby;17909784]Not much to look at with this pic and my obvious lack of photographic skills but trust me...... in person it's VERY aesthetically pleasing! :)

Mike

[ATTACH]516869[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]

Looks like nice centering w/straight cut and a pretty auto (which would make most anything more aesthetically pleasing ;) ).

It is amazing!
 

[QUOTE=GOATcards;17910029]Looks like nice centering w/straight cut and a pretty auto (which would make most anything more aesthetically pleasing ;) ).[/QUOTE]

I was the the Shriner's show in Mass set up about 4 years ago and it had been slow up to that point.......when a guy walks up with this raw card with UDA cert. I was trying to stay calm. Offered him about 2K which at the time was not a weak offer.

He passed and said he'd walk it around a bit more. I was crushed as he left the table thinking I'd never see him again.

About 20 min later he shows up and says "lets do this"!

I was still in shock when I walked it over to PSA and handed it in for grading.

Was completely ecstatic about 8 weeks later to get this back graded like this.

What I love is that over 11,000 unsigned versions have been slabbed!

Only 47 signed without qualifiers have been slabbed with only 4 graded higher in existence than this one!

I'm thinking with the 9 auto, this card is in "rarified air"!

:)

PS Better pic here!

[ATTACH]516870[/ATTACH]

[QUOTE=vthobby;17910133]I was the the Shriner's show in Mass set up about 4 years ago and it had been slow up to that point.......when a guy walks up with this raw card with UDA cert. I was trying to stay calm. Offered him about 2K which at the time was not a weak offer.

He passed and said he'd walk it around a bit more. I was crushed as he left the table thinking I'd never see him again.

About 20 min later he shows up and says "lets do this"!

I was still in shock when I walked it over to PSA and handed it in for grading.

Was completely ecstatic about 8 weeks later to get this back graded like this.

What I love is that over 11,000 unsigned versions have been slabbed!

Only 47 signed without qualifiers have been slabbed with only 4 graded higher in existence than this one!

I'm thinking with the 9 auto, this card is in "rarified air"!

:)

PS Better pic here!

[ATTACH]516870[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]

Beautiful!
Please let me know if it is for trade, thank you! :)