Michael Jordan Jump Shot Upper Deck Trading Card
Multi-media decorative display featuring a mass-produced sports trading card and industrial mounting • Upper Deck Company (card manufacturer); Photographer unidentified (likely NBA staff photographer); assembly by a commercial sports memorabilia company
Style & Movement
Contemporary Sports Memorabilia / Commercial Popular Culture
Medium & Technique
Offset lithography on cardstock (card); mounted behind acrylic or glass with metal corner studs on a textured wood or stone-veneer backing
Creation Period
circa 1993-1996 for the trading card; late 20th to early 21st century for the decorative assembly
Dimensions & Format
2.5 x 3.5 inches (standard card size); overall display approximately 12 x 10 inches; portrait orientation
Subject Description
NBA legend Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls performing a signature jump shot against defenders. The composition emphasizes athletic dynamism and the 'higher-than-life' iconography of 1990s sports figures
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (ungraded). The underlying card appears intact within the mount, though the external display shows dust and surface blurring
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD (valuation depends heavily on the specific card series/year, which is obscured)
Auction Estimate
$40 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Mass-market retail sports memorabilia; likely sold through a collector's shop or sports gallery as indicated by the 'Vintage Sports' signage
Art Historical Significance
A representation of the commodification of the 'Athlete as Icon.' This reflects the 1990s boom in trading card culture which redefined sports photography as a collectable fine art form for the masses
Notable Features
Includes a plaque (partially visible) identifying the subject; features a screw-down acrylic slab typical of '90s era hobbyist displays
Condition Issues
Visible surface dust and possible light scratches on the acrylic protective layer; card centering or corner wear cannot be assessed through the permanent mount
Conservation Recommendations
Regular dusting with a microfiber cloth; avoid direct UV light to prevent fading of the lithographic inks; maintain in a climate-controlled environment to prevent warping