This is a 1996-97 Fleer Metal #128 Michael Jordan (Metallized) – the base “Metallized” version from the premium Fleer Metal set. It features the iconic metallic/foil finish with a dramatic action photo of Jordan in his red Chicago Bulls #23 jersey (arms raised in a defensive/rebounding pose against a net/rope background). The back shows a different in-game photo (pin-stripe Bulls uniform) with a long bio paragraph, card number “128,” and standard 1996 Fleer/Skybox copyright. This is not a parallel, insert, or “Metal Shredders” variation—just the standard base Metallized card.
Overall Visual Assessment (BGS/PSA Style)
I examined all six provided images: the full front and back plus targeted close-ups of the corners, edges, foil logo, “METALLIZED” text, and surface details. This is a raw 1996-97 metallic card (nearly 30 years old) with a glossy foil finish that is notoriously prone to micro-scratches and edge wear. The card presents as a strong Near Mint–Mint to Mint example with excellent eye appeal for its age. No creases, dents, stains, or heavy surface damage are visible. The metallic sheen remains vibrant, and the photo printing is sharp.
Crescent Vale Self-Graded Scores
Centering: I scored the centering as a 9 and Grok scored it at a 9.5. I adjusted my score to a 9.5.
Edges: The edges received a 9 subgrade.
Corners: There was light wear on the corners and scored an 8.5.
Surface: There was light wear and received an 8.5.
Crescent Vale Self-Graded Overall Score: 9 Mint
Grok AI Scores
Subgrades (Beckett BGS Style – out of 10)
Centering (Front/Back): 9.5
The front image is perfectly framed within the metallic border; text and logos are evenly aligned. The back text block and photo are also well-centered with no tilt.
Corners: 9.0
Close-ups (bottom-right and angled shots) show crisp, pointed corners with only minimal whitening or softness typical of 1990s foil cards. No chipping or rounding.
Edges: 9.0
The white card-stock edges (visible in multiple close-ups) are clean and uniform. Minor factory texture is present (normal for this set), but no significant chipping, roughness, or discoloration along the borders. The foil layer shows no peeling.
Surface: 8.5–9.0
The metallic finish is glossy with strong reflectivity. The “METALLIZED MICHAEL JORDAN” foil text and Fleer Metal star logo are crisp and defect-free under the provided lighting. No major scratches, scuffs, or fingerprints are visible; however, these cards often reveal faint micro-hairlines under professional loupe/grading lights, which is the most common limiter for high grades in this set.
Grok AI Overall Grade: 9 Mint
BGS Overall: 9.0 (Mint) — Subgrades line up for a solid Mint; a 9.5 is possible if the surface passes loupe inspection with zero micro-marks.
PSA Overall: 8 (Near Mint-Mint) to 9 (Mint) — PSA is strict on 1990s foil cards. This example has the technical quality and eye appeal for a PSA 9, but surface texture on metallic stock often caps it at 8–9.
Condition Discussion & Potential Minor Issues Strengths: Excellent centering, sharp corners/edges, vibrant metallic pop, and clean printing. The foil logo and “METALLIZED” banner show no fading or bubbling—rare for a card this age. No handling wear or storage issues are apparent.
Minor Notes: Metallic cards from this era are sensitive to surface marks; the close-ups show no obvious ones, but grading-room lighting often reveals faint hairlines that drop the surface subgrade. Edges have the expected light factory texture but nothing that would be called “chipped.” The back is pristine. Overall, this is a very clean raw example that has been well cared for.
Please Note: This card is housed in a custom display slab for superior protection and presentation. While the label may include descriptive details, this is not a grade from a third-party professional service (such as PSA, BGS, or SGC). The card is being sold as Raw/Ungraded. Please review the high-resolution photos provided to make your own assessment of the card’s condition before bidding or purchasing.
