This is a 1997-98 Upper Deck UD3 The Big Picture #45 Michael Jordan (holographic/foil insert). It captures MJ in a classic dunk pose from the June 8, 1997, NBA Finals Game 5 against the Utah Jazz (Bulls won 90-88, taking a 3-2 series lead en route to their fifth championship).
Pop Report
Overall Score 8.5: 2
The card has a premium silver holographic finish, red accents, and “The Big Picture” theme with game-specific text on the left side.
Professional Grading Assessment (PSA & BGS Style)1997-98 UD3 cards feature thick stock with heavy foil/holographic surfaces, which are prone to scratches, haze, edge wear, and corner chipping. The provided images (multiple angles including front, top, side, and close-ups) show a solid raw example with strong visual appeal but noticeable surface wear typical for these foil-heavy cards.Estimated PSA Grade: 7–8 (NM to NM-MT).
It would likely cross to a BGS 7.5–8.5 range. High grades are challenging due to the holographic material.
Crescent Vale Self-Graded Scores
Centering: The centering was near perfect and received a 9.5 subgrade.
Corners: The corners were excellent and received a 9.
Edges: There was some imperfections on the edges and scored an 8.
Surface: There is an spot on the back surface and scored a 7 5.
Crescent Vale Self-Graded Overall Score: 8.5
Grok AI Scores
Centering (8.5–9/10): Good. The photo and borders are well-balanced.
Corners (7–8/10): Some softening and minor whitening visible on the die-cut/rounded areas and edges, especially in close-ups.
Edges (7–7.5/10): Visible wear and slight roughness on the foil edges and black borders. The clear holder may be masking some but not all imperfections.
Surface (7–8/10): The hologram shows good pop, but close-ups reveal scratches, scuffs, and haze common to these cards. No major creases or dents, but the foil highlights imperfections.
Grok AI Overall Score: 7.5-8.5
Overall Eye Appeal: Strong for the set — the action shot and foil still display nicely in the acrylic stand.Potential Issues Not Fully Visible: Holographic surfaces often have micro-scratches or print defects that graders penalize heavily under magnification/blacklight.
Rarity and Market Context and Print Run: Part of the “The Big Picture” insert series in UD3 (not base set). These were premium inserts with holographic technology. Not ultra-low print but scarcer than base cards.
PSA Population: Several hundred graded total for this #45. PSA 9s and 10s exist but are limited (high grades are tough). Recent comps show PSA 8s and 9s trading steadily.
Value (approximate, 2026 market):Raw: $40–$80+ (depending on eye appeal and wear).
PSA 8: ~$60–$120.
PSA 9: ~$150–$250+.
PSA 10: $400+ (premium examples).
Interesting Details:Commemorates a pivotal moment in the 1997 NBA Finals — MJ’s legendary performance against the Jazz.
Upper Deck’s UD3 set was known for innovative inserts like this holographic series, part of the late-90s premium boom.
Pairs well with your other MJ cards (SPX and SkyBox Premium) as it represents his championship era.
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.
