Both cards are 1995-96 Fleer Metal “Nuts & Bolts” Michael Jordan #212. This is a popular metallic insert from the premium Fleer Metal set, featuring a dynamic action photo of MJ in his red Bulls #23 jersey (shooting pose), heavy embossed/metallic “nuts & bolts” textured background, gold foil stamping (“FLEER METAL 95-96” and nameplate), and strong visual pop. These cards have thick, foil-heavy stock that is notoriously condition-sensitive.
Pop Report
Overall Grade 9.5: 2
Overall Grade 9: 1
Overall Assessment (as PSA/BGS Professional Grader) Grok reviewed all provided high-resolution images (full front/back views, side-by-side comparison, close-ups of corners, edges, surface texture, foil, and nameplate). Both cards are in strong Near Mint-Mint to Gem Mint raw condition with excellent eye appeal. They appear to be a matching pair (very similar wear patterns), showing typical Fleer Metal characteristics: vibrant colors, sharp registration, intact foil accents, and no major creases, stains, or writing.
Raw estimate for each: PSA 8.5–9.5 or BGS 8.5–9.5. High-grade examples (PSA 9+/BGS 9.5+) are scarce due to metallic surface texture (prone to micro-scratches/dimples), foil chipping, and edge wear on the thick stock. Recent eBay comps show raw copies ~$25–$50, PSA 8s ~$40–$80, PSA 9s ~$90–$150, PSA 10s $400–$700+, and BGS 9.5/10s commanding premiums up to thousands for pristine examples.
BGS Subgrades (Recommended for Metallic/Foil Cards)BGS excels here due to detailed subgrades on textured/foil issues.
Card 185 (Right in side-by-side photo): Centering: 9.5 — Excellent balance front/back.
Corners: 9 — Sharp with minimal whitening/softness visible in macros.
Edges: 8.5–9 — Clean overall, but typical minor foil perimeter texture/friction (common on these).
Surface: 9 — Strong reflectivity; metallic background shows expected light texture but no heavy scratches, clouding, or lifting.
Predicted Overall: 9 (Gem Mint). Subgrades like 9.5/9/9/9 would support this solidly.
Card 186 (Left in side-by-side photo):
Very similar to 185, possibly a hair stronger in corners/edges based on close-ups.
Centering: 9.5
Corners: 9–9.5
Edges: 9
Surface: 9
Predicted Overall: 9.5. Extremely consistent pair.
PSA Grade PredictionBoth: PSA 9 (Mint) likely, with strong potential for 9.5–10 on the better one. PSA is somewhat more lenient on metallic texture than BGS but strict on eye appeal/centering. These have the “pop” for high grades.Key Strengths & Potential Issues (Visible in Images)Strengths: Bold metallic sheen, clean photo focus, intact gold foil (no major peeling), sharp text/registration, vibrant reds, no obvious damage. Low-number appeal in the set.
Minor Issues (Typical for Fleer Metal): Subtle surface texture/dimples in the embossed background (visible under angle/light), light edge friction on foil borders, possible micro-whitening on corners. No creases, dents, or print defects.
The pair looks factory-fresh with matching condition — great for collectors.
Recommendation: Submit both to BGS for subgrades (best for showing off the metallic quality) or PSA for quicker turnaround. These are desirable 90s inserts; a strong grade will significantly boost value (especially as a pair).
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.
Shipping: If a buyer is interested in a faster shipping service, it is required that they make a request for an expedited shipping service before the purchase.
