Basketball collecting guide
Michael Jordan1988-89 Fleer #17
Fleer’s regular #17 is one of several distinct Jordan issues from the same season.
An album of Jordan’s early Fleer cards has a natural third stop at 1988-89 #17. The action photograph and career-stat reverse give you something to look at on both sides. The more interesting collecting decision is whether to build the regular-card run or add the season’s All-Star card and sticker beside it.
Three numbers to keep straight
PSA’s Fleer registry identifies #17 as the regular card, #120 as the All-Star and #7 as the sticker for 1988-89. For the base run, compare the back of the candidate with the #17 reference first. The front’s Bulls and Guard-Forward wording and the statistical reverse provide further points of comparison. A title that merely says “1988 Fleer Jordan” could describe several objects. 2 3 4
The player behind the card
The statistical reverse invites a closer look at the season named on the card. Jordan averaged exactly 8.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists in 1988–89, an unusual symmetry behind his 32.5 points per game. 7 8
The card’s season
1988-89 · Chicago Bulls
NBA regular season
81 games · 32.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game. 7
Choose where to spend the premium
Compare examples side by side at the same size. Does the photograph sit comfortably in the frame? Are all four corners visible? Does the reverse have a mark that would bother you in an album? A buyer who wants a readable, attractive card may reach a different decision from someone trying to complete a single-grade set. 4 5
Distinguish a bid from an offer
For September 10, 2026, PSA’s similar-item history reports a PSA 9 eBay auction at $969 and a best offer at $885. They are two observations from different sale formats on the same day. When deciding whether a particular PSA 9 fits, compare its photographs with those lots and check subsequent results. Neither figure tells you what an ungraded copy should cost. 1
Documented prices
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Collector questions
Which number belongs in a run of regular Fleer Jordan cards?
Use #17 for 1988-89. The season’s #120 is a separate All-Star card.
Can a sticker complete the same slot?
It can accompany the card, but the sticker has its own checklist position, #7, and its own comparisons.