Rare Michael Jordan Rookie Card Stolen in Sports Memorabilia Burglary Caught on Video
June 9, 2022
A rare Michael Jordan rookie card was among the items stolen from a memorabilia shop.
Per TMZ Sports, the Chicago-based shop was burglarized on May 31 when police said a "male suspect removed metal bars from the business and broke in through a back window."
The suspect fled on foot with several items. The store's owner, Ronnie Holloway, released video of the theft and told TMZ the Jordan card that was stolen is worth $25,000.
In addition to the Jordan card, Holloway noted the suspect also took rare cards featuring Babe Ruth, Larry Bird, Jackie Robinson and Walter Payton.
The total value of all the merchandise taken, according to Holloway, is over $100,000.
"These are high-end cards," Holloway said. "Trying to replace it is gonna be hard—vintage cards can't be replaced."
Police are still investigating and don't have anyone in custody. Holloway has offered a $10,000 reward for "an arrest or conviction of this person."
It's unclear which Jordan card was stolen. Rich Mueller of Sports Collector Daily noted in May 2021 that the 1986-87 Jordan Fleer rookie card with a Beckett Grade of 9.5 has been selling for an average of $70,000.
Per Gold Card Auctions, the 1986-87 Fleer rookie card is the most valuable Jordan card available.
Jordan remains one of the most valuable names in sports. The Jordan Brand hit $5 billion in sales for Nike for the fiscal year ending in June 2021.
Jordan spent the first 13 seasons of his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls. He led the franchise to six NBA titles in an eight-season span from 1990-91 to to 1997-98.
After a three-year retirement, Jordan returned to the court for two seasons with the Washington Wizards from 2001-02 to 2002-03. He has been the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets since March 2010.