1984-85 #101 Michael Jordan Extended Rookie Card

BGS Certificate Number: 0010172327

Subgrades: Centering 9, Corners 9, Edges 9, Surface 9

Graded a BGS 9, this Michael Jordan Star #101 card presents exceptional quality across all four subgrade categories—Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface—each receiving a strong 9. It is exceedingly rare for a Michael Jordan Star Rookie Card to achieve uniform 9 subgrades at this level, underscoring the overall eye appeal and preservation of this example. The centering is well-balanced, the corners remain sharp, the edges are clean, and the surface is remarkably well-preserved. Given the card’s red borders and thin card stock—both of which make it highly condition-sensitive—this example stands out as a true Mint specimen.

The 1984–85 Star #101 is widely regarded as Michael Jordan’s true rookie card, representing the earliest NBA-licensed basketball card of his career. Often referred to as his “XRC” (Extended Rookie Card), it was issued during Jordan’s rookie season 1984-85, two years prior to his 1986–87 Fleer release. The Star issue is significantly rarer than the Fleer card, further enhancing its desirability among collectors. As of March 25, 2026, a total of 1,266 examples of this card have been graded by Beckett Grading Service (BGS). Of those, only 73 have achieved a grade of 9, with just 3 graded higher.

The card features an iconic image of Michael Jordan elevating for a rebound over New Jersey Nets guard Kevin McKenna. He is shown wearing the Chicago Bulls jersey with the cursive “Chicago” script— a style worn exclusively during the 1984–85 season, his rookie year—adding an additional layer of historical significance to this already important card.

The Star Company produced NBA-licensed basketball cards during the 1983–84, 1984–85, and 1985–86 seasons, serving as the sole licensed manufacturer during that period. Prior to Star’s involvement, Topps produced basketball cards but ceased production after the 1981–82 season, resulting in no basketball cards being issued for 1982–83. Star subsequently filled that gap, creating cards for the following three seasons before production transitioned to Fleer in 1986–87.

Star cards are notably rare and were distributed in a unique format. Rather than traditional wax packs, they were issued in team bags and distributed primarily to dealers, who then shipped them to customers nationwide. This method of packaging and distribution made the cards particularly condition-sensitive, contributing to their rarity in high grade today.