This is card #11 from the 1996-97 Fleer Metal set (produced by Fleer/SkyBox), featuring Michael Jordan in a dynamic driving-to-the-basket pose (ball high, intense focus, mid-stride). The design uses a hammered metallic foil background (silver/gray “diamond plate” texture) with rainbow refractor-like color bursts (greens, blues, purples) overlaying the photo for a high-tech ’90s look. Vertical “MICHAEL JORDAN” nameplate on the right in embossed metallic lettering, Bulls logo bottom-left, and “FLEER METAL ’96-97” logo bottom-right with a star emblem. The back includes career stats (through 1995-96), bio highlights, and physical info.This is the standard base version (no parallel like Precious Metal or inserts like Maximum Metal/Shredders noted in your images—foil is the hammered texture typical of the base set, not a rarer variant). Released during Jordan’s 72-win championship season aftermath, these metal cards were premium but condition-sensitive due to the thick foil stock.Grading Analysis (Using Provided Images)
Reviewed all attached photos: full front (showing foil shimmer and pose), right-edge nameplate macro (embossed “MICHAEL JORDAN” with foil texture), bottom-right Fleer Metal logo close-up (star and ’96-97 text), photo edge/surface macro (color bursts and texture), corner/edge details (white borders and foil trim), and back (stats/bio visible). These highlight the foil-heavy areas well.
Crescent Vale Self-Graded Scores
Centering: The centering was perfect and received a 10 subgrade.
Edges: There was no visible flaws, but after taking into consideration the AI scores, I am moving this from a 10 to a 9.5 subgrade.
Corners: There was minor wear and this resulted with a 9 subgrade.
Surface: No visible flaws and received a 10 subgrade.
Crescent Vale Self-Graded Overall Score: 9.5 Mint+
Grok AI Scores
Centering: Excellent — photo is balanced within borders (approx. 50/50 to 55/45), no tilt. Back stats block centered cleanly.
BGS Subgrade: 9–9.5 | PSA Equivalent: 9–10
Corners: Sharp in macros — tips pointed, no obvious rounding/dinging. White borders clean without heavy whitening. However, ’90s Fleer Metal cards (thick foil layers) frequently show micro-whitening, feathering, or slight softness at corners under magnification/raking light due to cutting and foil stress. Your close-ups look strong, but this is a common downgrader.
BGS Subgrade: 8.5–9 | PSA Equivalent: 8–9 (likely the main limiter)
Edges: Straight and intact — macros show smooth white borders, no chipping/fraying on foil trim. Embossed nameplate holds without lifting/peeling (a frequent issue on these). Minor factory texture/roughness normal for metal stock, but no visible damage.
BGS Subgrade: 9 | PSA Equivalent: 9
Surface: High reflectivity and color pop from the foil bursts — no major scratches, haze, or print defects in photos. Hammered pattern shows natural texture/specks (intentional design), but ’90s metal cards often get dinged for micro-scratches, dimples, or handling marks under angled light (foil highlights imperfections). Your macros appear clean with vibrant greens/blues, but subtle surface variance (e.g., light dimples in textured areas) is typical and caps many at 8–9.
BGS Subgrade: 8.5–9 | PSA Equivalent: 8–9 (foil sensitivity key here)
Eye Appeal & Overall Presentation: Strong — dramatic pose, metallic shine, and ’90s flair make it pop. No creases, stains, or registration errors.
Grok AI Overall Score: 9 Mint
Estimated Final Grade BGS: 8.5–9 Mint (subgrades likely 9/8.5–9/9/8.5–9; corners/surface from foil being drags)
PSA: 8 or 9 Mint (leans 9 based on photos; many base Metal Jordans cap at 8–9 due to foil issues, with PSA 10 rare)
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.
