Which Jordan Rookie is best?
 

I have a 1984-85 Star Jordan #101 BGS 8.5 and have the opportunity to trade for a 1986-87 Fleer Jordan #57 BGS 9. Would this be a good trade or do you think I should hold on to the Star? Is a Star BGS 8.5 a better trade for a BGS 9.5 Fleer? Thoughts?

The FLEER rookie is the one you want!

Thanks for the feedback. Do you think it's an even trade, Star BGS 8.5 for Fleer BGS 9? I'm thinking the Star is worth a little more.

Is the Fleer 9 or 9.5, you list both grades. According to recent ebay sales the 8.5 is slightly less value than a 9.5, but slightly more than a 9. Since it is right on the edge of a half grade then it really comes to preference also how the card looks for the grade.

It's much tougher to find an 84-85 Star in BGS 8.5 (particularly if centering is 8.5 or better) than a 1986-87 Fleer Jordan in BGS 9. That said, the 1986-87 Fleer Jordan is the Mickey Mantle of basketball cards and probably the most iconic sports card of the past 30 years. It is also vastly superior in terms of beauty and eye appeal IMO. It comes down to how well the 86-87 Fleer presents and to a lesser extent the subgrades (I would want all four subs above 9 to make the deal personally and would probably want some cash to offset the difference in value). I have a 1986-87 Fleer Jordan in BGS 8.5 (with subs of 9.5, 9.5, 9, and a mystery 8 for surface) that presents just like 9.5 and with a higher sub total than some 9's (ex. 9, 9, 9, 8.5). If you meant BGS 9.5, as Andy mentioned above, then you'd be getting a good deal straight up.

My Star Jordan is 8.5 with subs 8 centering, 9 corners, 9.5 edges, 9.5 surface. The Fleer Jordan for the possible trade is BGS 9 with subs 9, 9, 9, 8.5. The 8.5 surface has got me concerned since I'd like all subs to be 9 or higher. I'd really like to find a Fleer BGS 9.5 for the trade, but those interested are asking for additional money (some are ridiculous amounts).

If I were you I'd hold onto the '84-85 Star Jordan and just pick up a nice 1986-87 Fleer when I had the funds. Otherwise I think you would need to get a couple hundred dollars along with the BGS 9 you're describing to make it an even swap. Does your trade partner possibly have the 86-87 Fleer sticker he could throw in?

I haven't asked about the sticker or something else to add to the trade. I already have a nice Fleer sticker BGS 8.5, but maybe I could ask about something else if I decide to make the trade. Like you said, I'm leaning towards holding on to the Star card and saving up for the Fleer. I didn't mention this earlier, but I've had my Star since '93, as well as a Fleer rookie that my dad gave me as a Christmas gift in '92. I just sent them off to get graded last month mainly to confirm that the Fleer was authentic, and Beckett sent them back with the Fleer not passing the test, "Questionable Authenticity". I was sick when I saw this since the card is absolutely beautiful and perfectly centered...and I thought could be the next BGS 10. Oh well, back to the drawing board....

I'd definitely hold onto the Star in this scenario.