1986 Fleer Basketball Cards: Top 20 Most Valuable (With Prices & PSA Data)
A Breakdown of the Most Valuable Cards from One of the Hobby’s Most Iconic Basketball Sets
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The 1986 Fleer Basketball set is the most iconic basketball card release ever.
Released during the NBA’s rising popularity boom, the set captured a golden era of basketball, featuring legends like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird and the debut of a rookie named Michael Jordan.
While the set includes only 132 base cards and 11 stickers, it’s absolutely stacked with Hall of Famers and key rookie cards. Headlined by Jordan’s legendary rookie, the 1986 Fleer set is the foundation of modern basketball card collecting.
Although not particularly rare, finding Gem Mint (PSA 10) copies is a different story. Poor centering, red border chipping, and print defects make high-grade examples tough to come by—and extremely valuable.
In this guide, we’ll count down the 20 most valuable cards in the 1986 Fleer Basketball set, based on recent PSA 10 sales, population data, and collector demand.
86 Fleer Most Valuable Pop + Values (PSA 10)
| Player | Card # | PSA 10 Pop | Recent PSA 10 Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Jordan | #57 | 326 | $180,000 |
| Michael Jordan (Sticker) | #8 | 128 | $55,000 |
| Kareem Abdul-Jabaar (Sticker) | #1 | 14 | $98,000 |
| Johnny Moore | #76 | 69 | $15,000 |
| Charles Barkley | #7 | 277 | $6,300 |
| Larry Bird | #9 | 658 | $5,300 |
| Akeem Olajuwon | #82 | 348 | $4,300 |
| Akeem Olajuwon (Sticker) | #9 | 63 | $4,000 |
| Larry Bird (Sticker) | #2 | 42 | $6,000 |
| Magic Johnson (Sticker) | #7 | 48 | $6,800 |
| Clyde Drexler | #26 | 397 | $2,100 |
| Karl Malone | #68 | 345 | $2,700 |
| Patrick Ewing | #32 | 278 | $3,500 |
| Magic Johnson | #53 | 648 | $2,800 |
| Isiah Thomas | #109 | 451 | $2,800 |
| Dominique Wilkins | #121 | 322 | $2,000 |
| Dennis Rodman | #43 | 294 | $1,600 |
| Chris Mullin | #77 | 397 | $3,000 |
| Julius Erving | #31 | 393 | $1,500 |
| James Worthy | #131 | 367 | $2,500 |
Card-by-Card Breakdowns
1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card #57
- 💰 PSA 10 Value: ~$180,000
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 326
- 🔗 Search on eBay (Affiliate Link)
Overview:
Arguably the most iconic basketball card of all time, the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie is the cornerstone of the modern basketball card hobby. It surged to historic highs during the COVID-era card boom, fueled in part by The Last Dance documentary hype.
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): $738,000 (PSA 10)
- Current : ~$180,000
- PSA 7 Example: ~$5,000 (down from $20,000 peak)
Despite the drop from its 2021 peak, the PSA 10 trades far above its pre-pandemic levels. Demand remains strong, especially for well-centered, authenticated examples. As shown above, values have stabilized at current levels.
⚠️ Collector Tip:
Beware of counterfeits. The ’86 Fleer Jordan is the most counterfeited basketball card in the hobby. Always buy graded, authenticated copies from a reputable seller.
Be sure to check out our complete Michael Jordan Rookie Card Guide.
1986 Fleer Sticker Michael Jordan Rookie Card #8
- 💰 PSA 10 Value: ~$50,000
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 180
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Inserted at a rate of one per wax pack, the 1986 Fleer Stickers were always a chase. But they’ve become even more desirable over time due to their lower pop counts and condition sensitivity. The Michael Jordan rookie sticker is the undisputed king, second only to his base rookie in value and demand.
⚠️ Condition & Counterfeit Risk:
Sticker cards are notorious for gum stains, off-centering, and surface issues, making PSA 10 copies especially rare.
- Rumor has it: some collectors use nylon pantyhose to remove wax stains gently 😉 (see video above)
- As with the base rookie, counterfeits are widespread. Stick to graded examples from PSA, SGC, or BGS.
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): ~$235,000
- Current (2025): ~$50,000
- PSA 9 copies: ~$9,000–$12,000
- Raw copies: ~$500–$1,200 (condition-sensitive)
🧠 Collector Note:
If you can’t afford the base Jordan rookie, the sticker is a strong alternative and continues to hold weight as a centerpiece in any 1980s basketball card collection.
1986 Fleer Sticker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar #1
- 💰 PSA 10 Estimated Value: ~$35,000–$50,000
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 14
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Surprisingly, despite not being a rookie card, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s sticker ranks as the second most valuable sticker in the 1986 Fleer set. The reason? Extreme scarcity in PSA 10 condition. With just 14 Gem-Mint copies, it’s one of the lowest-pop cards in the set.
💥 Notable Sale:
In 2022, a PSA 10 copy sold for $266,000 via PWCC—a staggering figure unlikely to be matched anytime soon. Most collectors believe the sale was an outlier driven by hype and scarcity.
📉 Realistic Market Value Today:
More recent estimates place a PSA 10 copy somewhere in the $35K–$50K range, depending on demand and auction timing. Lower-grade versions are more attainable, with PSA 8 copies selling for around $300–$400.
🧠 Collector Note:
While not a rookie, this sticker is an actual population play. The Kareem PSA 10 is a serious white whale for high-end set builders.
1986 Fleer Johnny Moore #76
- 💰 PSA 10 Estimated Value: ~$15,000
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 69
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Johnny Moore isn’t exactly a household name in NBA history. He was a solid point guard for the San Antonio Spurs throughout the 1980s, known more for his playmaking than his scoring. So why is his 1986 Fleer rookie card one of the most valuable in the set?
Two words: Population scarcity.
📉 The Scarcity Premium:
With just 69 PSA 10 copies, Moore’s rookie card is one of the lowest population PSA 10s in the 1986 Fleer set. The card suffers from chronic centering issues, print defects, and poor surfaces, making Gem-Mint copies incredibly difficult.
💥 Market Value:
Despite Moore’s modest NBA résumé, PSA 10 copies regularly sell for over $15,000—a price tag driven almost entirely by rarity, not player legacy.
🧠 Collector Note:
The Johnny Moore card is a known bottleneck if you’re chasing a PSA 10 1986 Fleer set and completing the set in Gem Mint condition. You’ll almost certainly need to pay a premium for this one.
1986 Fleer Charles Barkley Rookie Card #7
- 💰 PSA 10 Value: ~$6,300
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 277
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Known as “The Round Mound of Rebound,” Charles Barkley quickly made waves in the NBA, helping lead the Sixers to the Eastern Conference Finals as a rookie. Drafted just two spots behind Michael Jordan in the 1984 draft, Barkley became one of the league’s most dominant and entertaining power forwards.
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): ~$25,000 (PSA 10)
- Current: ~$6,500
- Ungraded (Raw): ~$100 (in EX condition)
Like Jordan’s rookie, Barkley’s 1986 Fleer RC saw an explosive surge during the pandemic-era boom—but prices have normalized. Still, it remains a staple in any vintage basketball collection.
🔥 Collector Tip:
This card can still be found raw at a decent price. If you’re buying ungraded, focus on centering and sharp corners, as these are key issues that prevent high grades.
1986 Fleer Larry Bird #9
- PSA 10 Value: $5,300
- PSA 10 Population: 658
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Though not a rookie, this 1986 Fleer card is one of the most sought-after non-rookies in the set. Larry Bird’s incredible career — three MVPs, three NBA titles, and 12 All-Star selections — cemented his status as an all-time great.
As a Celtics fan growing up, I admired Bird for his grit, vision, and unmatched basketball IQ. He wasn’t the flashiest, but he always found a way to win.
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): ~$7,000
- Current: ~$5,300 (PSA 10)
- Raw (Ungraded): ~$75–$100 in EX condition
🧠 Collector Note:
This card remains a staple in any 1980s basketball collection. Lower-grade or ungraded copies are still widely accessible and offer solid value for collectors who want a piece of Bird without breaking the bank.
1986 Fleer Akeem Olajuwon Rookie Card #82
- 💰 PSA 10 Value: ~$5,200
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 340
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Akeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, who later changed the spelling of his name to Hakeem, was a generational talent and a cornerstone of the Houston Rockets franchise. Known for his silky-smooth footwork, fierce shot-blocking, and unmatched versatility, Olajuwon dominated both ends of the court.
He’s the only center in NBA history to rank in the top ten in all-time steals, and his defensive prowess was so respected that even Michael Jordan once said Olajuwon would be his pick at center for an all-time team, over legends like Wilt and Russell.
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): ~$12,000 (PSA 10)
- Current: ~$5,200
- Ungraded (Raw): ~$90–$130 depending on condition
🧠 Collector Tip:
Due to centering and corner issues, Olajuwon’s rookie is relatively tough to gem. If you’re buying raw, prioritize sharp corners and top-bottom alignment, which are common flaws.
1986 Fleer Karl Malone Rookie Card #68
- 💰 PSA 10 Value: ~$3,500
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 223
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Nicknamed “The Mailman” because he always delivered, Karl Malone is regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in the history of the NBA. A 2× MVP and 14× All-Star, Malone—alongside John Stockton—formed one of the most iconic duos of the era, revolutionizing the pick-and-roll offense with the Utah Jazz.
Drafted 13th overall in 1985, Malone was arguably the biggest steal of that draft class.
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): ~$15,500 (PSA 10)
- Current: ~$3,500
- Ungraded (Raw): ~$80–$120 depending on condition
🔥 Collector Tip:
This card is notorious for centering issues. If you’re shopping raw, prioritize cards with strong left-to-right centering and minimal edge chipping to maximize grading potential.
1986 Fleer Patrick Ewing Rookie Card #32
- 💰 PSA 10 Value: ~$3,500
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 278
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Patrick Ewing was the heart and soul of the New York Knicks through the late ‘80s and ‘90s, establishing himself as one of the best two-way big men in NBA history. Known for his rim protection, mid-range jumper, and toughness in the paint, Ewing was an 11-time All-Star and Hall of Famer.
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): ~$12,000+
- Current: ~$3,500 (PSA 10)
- Ungraded (Raw): ~$100–$150 in excellent condition
📦 Pop Report Insight:
With a PSA 10 population of just 278, Ewing’s rookie is tougher to gem than Olajuwon, Jordan, and Malone, making it a relatively scarce find in pristine condition.
🧠 Collector Tip:
Watch for common issues like centering and surface snow. Sharp corners and a clean red border are key if you buy ungraded with the intent to grade.
1986 Fleer Dominique Wilkins Rookie Card #121
- 💰 PSA 10 Value: ~$2,000
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 322
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Dominique Wilkins, nicknamed The Human Highlight Film, was one of the NBA’s most electrifying scorers and a slam dunk legend. He spent most of his career with the Atlanta Hawks, thrilling fans with gravity-defying plays and consistently ranking among the league’s top scorers.
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): ~$23,000
- Current: ~$2,000 (PSA 10)
- Ungraded (Raw): ~$100–$175 depending on condition
🧠 Collector Tip:
Due to the low pop and declining supply, high-grade Wilkins rookies could see renewed collector interest over time, especially with increased love for high-flying legends of the ‘80s.
1986 Fleer Isiah Thomas Rookie Card #109
- 💰 PSA 10 Value: ~$2,800
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 451
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Isiah Thomas, the heart and soul of the “Bad Boy” Pistons, was one of the most talented and toughest point guards of the 1980s. Despite often being overshadowed by Jordan and Magic, Thomas led Detroit to back-to-back championships, leaving an undeniable mark on the history of the NBA.
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): ~$6,600
- Current : ~$2,800 (PSA 10)
- Raw (Ungraded): ~$75–$150 depending on condition
🧠 Collector Note:
While Thomas’ rookie card falls slightly below the top tier (Jordan, Barkley, Olajuwon, etc.), it’s still a must-have for serious 1980s collectors.
1986 Fleer Magic Johnson #53
- 💰 PSA 10 Value: ~$2,800
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 648
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Magic Johnson’s 1986 Fleer card captures him in the heat of battle against longtime rival Kevin McHale, embodying the intensity of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry. By this point, Magic was already a three-time NBA champion and well on his way to becoming one of the greatest point guards in the history of the NBA.
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): ~$8,000
- Current: ~$2,800 (PSA 10)
- Raw (Ungraded): ~$60–$100 depending on condition
🧠 Collector Note:
While this isn’t Magic’s rookie card (that’s the iconic 1980 Topps Bird/Magic/Erving), it remains a favorite among collectors for its design, timing, and historical significance. A must-have for fans of the Showtime Lakers era.
1986 Fleer Sticker Larry Bird #2
- PSA 10 Value: $6,000
- PSA 10 Population: 42
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
The Larry Bird sticker from the 1986 Fleer set is the third most valuable sticker in the series, behind only Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The card features a timeless image of Bird preparing to shoot, issued just after Bird and the Celtics captured the 1986 NBA Championship.
📊 Market Value:
Gem-Mint PSA 10 examples recently sold for around $6,500 at auction. Lower-grade or ungraded copies are widely available for collectors on a budget.
🧠 Collector Note:
Like all Fleer stickers, Bird’s card suffers from common condition flaws such as centering and wax stains. Thanks to Bird’s legendary status and championship legacy, high-grade copies remain tough to find and are always in demand.
1986 Fleer Sticker Magic Johnson #7
- PSA 10 Value: $5,500
- PSA 10 Population: 46
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
This iconic sticker captures Magic Johnson in action, dribbling in classic Lakers gold with teammate Kurt Rambis in the background. It’s a collector favorite and one of the most recognizable sticker designs in the entire 1986 Fleer set.
📊 Market Value:
Gem-Mint PSA 10 copies have recently sold for around $6,000. Lower-grade examples, including PSA 6 copies, can be found for under $75, making them an appealing budget option for collectors.
🧠 Collector Note:
Due to wax residue and off-centering, PSA 10s remain scarce. Still, Magic’s popularity and enduring legacy with the Lakers keep this card in steady demand across all grades.
1986 Fleer Sticker Akeem Olajuwon Rookie Card #9
- 💰 PSA 10 Estimated Value: ~$4,000
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 63
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Akeem “The Dream” Olajuwon’s 1986 Fleer sticker is one of the most visually compelling cards in the entire set. It shows a young Akeem defending none other than Magic Johnson—a snapshot of 1980s basketball greatness.
📊 Market Value:
Recent auction data shows PSA 10 copies averaging around $4,000, with mid-grade versions selling for significantly less. Ungraded copies can often be found on eBay for around $100, making it an accessible option for collectors looking to own a piece of the set without breaking the bank.
🧠 Collector Note:
Like all stickers in the 1986 Fleer release, these are notorious for condition issues—gum stains, off-centering, and edge wear. But Akeem’s stands out among those chasing key rookie stickers in appeal and long-term value.
1986 Fleer Clyde Drexler Rookie Card #26
- 💰 PSA 10 Value: ~$2,000
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 397
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Clyde “The Glide” Drexler was poetry in motion. A smooth scorer with elite athleticism, Drexler was among the most exciting players of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Despite being overshadowed by bigger-market stars like Jordan and Magic, Drexler carved out a Hall of Fame career and eventually won a title with the Houston Rockets in 1995.
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): ~$5,000
- Current : ~$2,000 (PSA 10)
- Raw (Ungraded): ~$40–$75 depending on condition
🧠 Collector Note:
Drexler’s rookie card is still affordable relative to his career achievements. With under 400 PSA 10s, it remains a solid mid-tier investment from the 1986 Fleer set—especially for collectors seeking overlooked Hall of Famers.
1986 Fleer Chris Mullin Rookie Card #77
- 💰 PSA 10 Value: ~$3,000
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 397
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Chris Mullin was one of his era’s most consistent shooters and smartest players. As part of the exciting “Run TMC” trio alongside Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond, Mullin led a fast-paced Golden State Warriors team that became fan favorites in the early ’90s. Injuries slowed him down later in his career, but his impact was already cemented.
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): ~$4,500
- Current (2025): ~$3,000 (PSA 10)
- PSA 8: Typically available for under $100
🧠 Collector Note:
While not quite in the top tier of value within the 1986 Fleer set, Mullin’s rookie card still offers significant upside with relatively low population in Gem Mint condition: an excellent long-term hold or mid-tier target for Hall of Fame collectors.
1986 Fleer James Worthy Rookie Card #131
- 💰 PSA 10 Value: ~$2,500
- 📈 PSA 10 Population: 367
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
James Worthy was a cornerstone of the Lakers’ “Showtime” dynasty, teaming up with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to win three NBA titles in the 1980s. Known for his speed, smooth finishes, and clutch playoff performances, Worthy earned the nickname “Big Game James.”
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): ~$4,000
- Current : ~$2,000 (PSA 10)
- PSA 8: ~$75
🧠 Collector Note:
Worthy’s card flies under the radar. While not as flashy as others in the set, his rookie is a great buy at current prices, especially in mid-grades for budget-minded collectors.
1986 Fleer Julius Erving #31
- PSA 10 Value: $1,500
- PSA 10 Population: 393
- 🔗 Search on eBay
Overview:
Dr. J’s 1986 Fleer card isn’t a rookie, but it’s still one of the most iconic in the set. The photo captures a signature Erving moment—soaring over the Lakers’ Michael Cooper for a dunk. It’s a classic image that perfectly encapsulates Erving’s style and legacy.
📉 Price Trend:
- Peak (2021): ~$2,500
- Current: ~$1,500 (PSA 10)
- Raw copies: ~$30–$40
🧠 Collector Note:
This is a must-have for vintage basketball fans. Despite not being a rookie card, the Dr. J Fleer stands out for its photo, historical significance, and relatively low cost for entry.
The 1986-87 Fleer basketball is one of the best and most iconic sets of the modern era of basketball cards. So many great rookie cards but, are they truly rookie cards? The reason I ask this question is because many of the players that have rookie cards in this set had already been in the NBA for multiple seasons. Jordan was already in his third season along with guys like Charles Barkley, and Hakeem Olajuwon. Some of the the rookie cards featured players that had already been in the NBA for 5 years. Dallas' Mark Aguirre was the #1 draft pick in 1981 and his 86 Fleer card is considered to be a rookie card. It is not like other card sets didn't exist for the previous 5 years. All the players I spoke of previously all had rookie cards from the Star set. All of their star cards were from their rookie season. Yet Beckett lists their Star cards as XRC or Extended Rookie Cards and the 1986-87 Fleer counterpart as RC. Which does not really make sense because by definition the 1986-87 Fleer rookie cards pretty much fit the exact definition of an XRC. Typically an XRC is a card that is released after a players rookie year. The Topps Traded Baseball and Fleer Update Baseball were well known for their XRCs. So I ask all of you. Are the 1986-87 Fleer Basketball cards truly rookie cards? Which is the true Jordan rookie? Is it the 1986-87 Fleer or is it the 1984-85 Star? For me it will always be the 84-85 Star just because 1984 was the year Jordan was drafted and the year he played his first nba season. Not only that the Jordan Star rookie typically sells for 3 times the price of the 1986 Fleer card. If you wanna talk about valuable basketball rookies of the 80s then just take one look at the Star sets from 1982 – 1986 and their prices and you will see which cards are the true rookie cards
Great point Maksim–I do love Star Basketball cards and all your comments are valid–i did start another sister site starbasketballcards.com just because I felt like Star cards didn’t really get the love they deserved.