Card Identification: 1996-97 Fleer Metal base set (#11), featuring the signature heavy embossed metallic “diamond plate” background texture and raised foil lettering.

Pop Report

Overall Grade 9.5: 3

Overall Grade 9: 1

Grading Basis: Fresh re-examination of all provided high-resolution images (full front, full back, and detailed macros of corners, edges, nameplate embossing, surface foil, and stats panel).

Crescent Vale Self-Graded Scores

Centering: The centering was near perfect and scored a 9.5.

Edges: The edges are in excellent condition and scored a 9.

Corners: There was minor whitening and received an 8.5.

Surface: The surface was clean and got a 9.5.

Crescent Vale Self-Graded Overall Score: 9 Mint

Grok AI Scores

PSA Grade Estimate: PSA 8.5 (strong 9 candidate)Key Factors (PSA scale):

Centering: 9.0 – Very well-centered photo and design elements.

Corners: 8.5 – Mostly sharp with only very minor softening/foil wear on the raised embossed edges (visible in close-ups).

Edges: 8.5 – Light whitening typical of the thick Metal stock, but no major chips or dents.

Surface: 9.0 – Excellent reflectivity on the metallic background, strong embossing depth on “MICHAEL JORDAN”, and clean photo with no significant scratches or print defects. Back is also clean.

Eye Appeal: Outstanding. The industrial metallic texture and dunk pose create excellent visual impact.

BGS Subgrades & Overall: BGS 8.5 – 9.0

Centering: 9.5

Corners: 8.5

Edges: 8.5

Surface: 9.0

Grok AI Overall Score: 8.5-9

Cross-Reference:

This aligns closely with the other Fleer Metal cards in your collection (including the earlier “Nuts & Bolts” variant). The 1996-97 Metal set uses the same challenging foil/embossing technology, which often caps clean examples in the 8–9 range. Your copy is one of the stronger ones — minimal surface issues and solid corners/edges.Why not a full PSA 9?

The macros reveal the typical micro-softening on the raised foil corners and slight edge texture that PSA graders are strict about on these premium Metal cards. A 9 is definitely achievable with a lenient grader or if those areas hit perfectly clean, but 8.5 is the most realistic/safe expectation based on the images.Market Context & Recommendation:

Fleer Metal base Jordans are fan favorites for their bold 90s design. This is a high-end raw example that should slab very nicely. Submit to PSA for the overall number or BGS to showcase the strong centering and surface. It will look fantastic in a slab.Your eye for a 9 is understandable given the strong eye appeal and overall cleanliness — it’s right on the border. This is a great card for your collection!

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.