This is a 1996 Upper Deck SPX Michael Jordan #8 (base die-cut holographic version). It is a premium insert-style card from Upper Deck’s high-end 1996 SPx basketball set, featuring a distinctive oval die-cut design with holographic/foil elements, thick cardstock, and a reflective silver back with a mounting hole. The front shows MJ in a white Bulls uniform mid-dunk/shoot, with the “SPX” gold foil logo.

Professional Grading Assessment (PSA & BGS Style)These 1996 SPx cards are notoriously difficult to grade due to their die-cut shape, thick foil/holographic construction, and metallic layers. They are highly susceptible to edge chipping, corner wear (especially on the irregular die-cut points), surface scratches on the foil, and print defects that show under angled light. The provided images (front/back + multiple close-ups of edges, corners, and surface) show a solid raw example with some typical handling wear.

Estimated PSA Grade: 7–8 (NM to NM-MT), potentially low 8 with strong eye appeal.

It would likely cross to a BGS 7.5–8.5 range.

These cards rarely hit high 9s/10s because of production quirks.BGS-style subgrade breakdown (based on visual inspection of all angles):

Crescent Vale Self-Graded Scores

Centering: After cross referencing other cards this card got a 9.5.

Edges: The edges have wear on the front and received a 7 subgrade.

Corners: The die-cut corners scored an 8.

Surface: The surface scored an 5 due to the front and a crease.

Crescent Vale Self-Graded Overall Score: 7.5 Excellent

Grok AI Scores

Centering (8.5–9/10): Good overall. The oval image and text appear well-balanced, though die-cut cards have inherent tolerance for slight offsets.

Corners (7–7.5/10): Visible wear in close-ups. Minor whitening, blunting, or softening on the die-cut points/edges is evident (common vulnerability). No major bends or dings, but not razor-sharp.

Edges (7–8/10): The silver foil back and cut edges show some roughness, minor chipping, or fraying (especially visible in the edge-on shots with the mounting hole). Die-cut manufacturing often leaves imperfect cuts that graders penalize.

Surface (7.5–8.5/10): Decent gloss and hologram pop, but close-ups reveal light scratches, specks, or haze on the foil areas (typical for these cards). No major creases, stains, or heavy scratches, but the metallic finish highlights micro-imperfections.

Grok AI Overall Score: 7-8.5

Overall Eye Appeal: Strong for a 30-year-old die-cut foil card. The hologram and action shot still display nicely.Potential Issues Not Fully Visible: Foil chipping, blacklight-reactive print lines, or subtle dents on the raised/embossed areas often drop these further. The mounting hole area can show extra wear.Rarity and Market ContextPrint Run: This is the base #8 from a premium set (packs contained 1 card each). Not ultra-rare, but the die-cut holographic design and MJ subject make it iconic. There are also scarcer Gold parallels and Holoview Heroes inserts.

PSA Population (as of recent data): Over 1,000+ graded examples exist, with strong numbers in PSA 8–9 (hundreds each), but only ~230 PSA 10s. High grades are tough due to the format.

Value (approximate, 2026 market):Raw: $60–$100+ (depending on eye appeal).

PSA 8: ~$80–$120.

PSA 9: ~$180–$250+.

PSA 10: $800–$1,000+ (premium for GEM examples).

Gold parallel versions command significantly higher prices (often 3–5x).

Interesting Details

Part of Upper Deck’s innovative 1996 SPx release — one of the first major “super-premium” sets with die-cuts and advanced holographics. Packs retailed around $3 with just one card.

Celebrates Jordan’s dominant 1995-96 season (8th scoring title, Bulls’ record season, leading to a championship).

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.