This is the 1995-96 Upper Deck Special Edition #SE100 Michael Jordan (base version, often called the “Special Edition” or “HoloFoil” insert). It’s a popular mid-90s foil parallel/insert set featuring a metallic/holographic finish with embossed patterns (visible in the close-ups as raised “Upper Deck” text and swirling designs around the border and player image). The card shows Jordan driving to the hoop in his red Bulls jersey (#23), with “Special Edition” foil branding at the top, Chicago Bulls logo, and career highlights on the back (All-NBA, MVP awards, stats, etc.). These were short-printed inserts in packs, with a silver/foil base version (this one) and rarer gold parallels. As a professional grader (simulating PSA/BGS standards), evaluation uses the 4-subgrade scale: centering, corners, edges, and surface. Foil/embossed cards from this era are graded strictly—foil scratches, dimpling, print defects in the metallic layer, edge chipping (especially on the thin foil borders), and corner dings are common deductions. The embossing can create micro-imperfections under light.

Crescent Vale Self-Graded Scores

Centering: The centering was excellent and received a 9.5 subgrade.

Edges: The edges were close to perfect and received a 9.5.

Corners: The bottom right corner had wear but the other corners were sharp and received a 9 grade.

Surface: Minor imperfections resulted in a 9 subgrade.

Crescent Vale Self-Graded Overall Score: 9.5 Mint+

Grok AI Scores

Centering: Very strong. Front borders appear even (roughly 50/50 to 55/45 across sides/top-bottom). Back is clean and well-centered. This supports high subgrades (9–9.5).

Corners: All four corners look sharp with no obvious dings, whitening, or rounding in the shots. The embossed borders hold up well without chipping visible. Excellent here (likely 9–9.5).

Edges: Clean overall, but foil cards often show minor imperfections. Close-ups reveal subtle chipping/whitening or roughness on portions of the perimeter (especially the metallic edges and bottom border where the foil meets the card stock). No major damage, but typical for the foil construction (likely 8–8.5).

Surface: The foil has good shine and rainbow effects with the embossed patterns intact (no major creases or heavy scratches). However, angled shots show light surface wear: minor haze/fogging in the foil, subtle micro-scratches or dimpling in reflective areas (common on these due to age, handling, and foil sensitivity), and faint print/embossing texture issues. The player image and text look crisp, no stains or major defects. Back is clean. Surface is the main limiter (likely 8–8.5), as PSA/BGS penalize any foil disturbance heavily.

Grok AI Overall Grade Assessment: 8 (NM-MT)

Strong eye appeal—vibrant foil, sharp corners/centering, and no glaring flaws from normal viewing distance. Deductions for subtle foil surface wear (micro-scratches/haze) and minor edge whitening, which are frequent on 1995 UD foil inserts. PSA 9s require near-pristine foil (no visible haze or dimples under magnification), so raw examples like this often land 8–8.5. Market comps: PSA 8s sell ~$70–$100+, PSA 9s ~$130–$200+, PSA 10s $500–$900+ (rarer due to foil sensitivity).

BGS Equivalent: BGS 8.5 (with subgrades likely 9/9/8.5/8 or similar)

BGS is tougher on foil surface (haze/dimples pull the surface subgrade down) and edges. The minor edge texture and foil imperfections would cap it at 8.5 overall, with strong centering/corners helping. BGS 9s on these fetch premiums.

Additional NotesCondition presents as Near Mint to Near Mint-Mint—very nice for a 30-year-old foil insert with embossing. No creases, stains, or print blobs; the wear is typical handling/age-related foil issues.

These cards are prone to foil scratches/haze from light exposure or storage; always sleeve/topload immediately.

Market value (recent data): Raw copies ~$35–$75 (depending on condition); graded 8s/8.5s in the $70–$150 range; higher grades command more due to scarcity in top condition.

Note: There’s a rarer gold parallel (often called “Electric Court Gold” or “Gold”) that grades higher in value, but this is the standard silver/foil base version.

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.