Basketball collecting guide
Michael Jordan1997-98 Metal Universe #23
Metal Universe and Metal Universe Championship both have a Jordan #23. The product name deserves a line of its own.
Jordan collectors can be right about the player, season and card number and still be looking at the wrong Metal card. The regular 1997-98 Metal Universe #23 belongs in a different slot from the Championship #23. Establish which design you want before letting either card’s auction results influence your budget.
Separate the two products
Read the complete product line on the holder and compare the design with a reference image for regular Metal Universe. Championship has its own checklist entry at #23. Keep a second boundary for Precious Metal Gems. PSA documented a Jordan PMG numbered 001/100 as a parallel of the regular set. A serial-numbered PMG needs a separate sales search. 1 2 3 5
The player behind the card
If you file Jordan cards by season, both Metal #23s belong beside the same Bulls stat line. Jordan started every regular-season game in 1997–98. It takes the product name, not the player’s record, to separate the two cards. 7 8
The card’s season
1997-98 · Chicago Bulls
NBA regular season
82 games · 28.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. 7
Inspect the design edge to edge
Photograph the face under even light, then rotate it enough to see surface marks that disappear against the busy artwork. Ask to see the perimeter without a dark crop around it. An attractive center image can draw attention away from a chipped corner. Record where you see wear so you can compare two slabs without relying exclusively on their grade numbers. 1 4
Compare two PSA 9s on the same day
PSA reports two November 1, 2026 eBay auctions for similar PSA 9 examples at $2,308 and $2,653. That $345 difference gives a practical reason to open both lots and compare presentation, sale terms and photographs. It also explains why one asking price is a weak basis for a buying decision, even after the exact product has been identified. 1
Documented prices
PSA estimate
$2,099 USD · PSA 9
Reference recorded Nov 4, 2026 for this grade.
View the PSA referenceExclude Metal Universe Championship #23 and the Precious Metal Gems parallel.
Current eBay Listings
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Current asking prices are marketplace listings, not verified sales or appraisals.
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Collector questions
Why are two different Jordan cards both called #23?
Regular Metal Universe and Metal Universe Championship are separate releases, each with a Jordan #23.
What if the listing says Precious Metal Gems?
Check the parallel designation and numbering against its own reference. Build the base-card comparison from regular Metal Universe #23 examples.