1997-98 SkyBox Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems (PMG) #23 Michael Jordan (#018/50) - BGS NM 7

Graded NM 7 by BGS (0016194705). Hall of Famer. In the 1990s, the basketball card collecting hobby was reinvigorated by two concurrent developments: the ascension of Michael Jordan into the most popular sporting celebrity on Earth and the emergence of new, innovative, and highly exclusive card varieties. Presented is a striking manifestation of the convergence of these elements, an intensely sought-after 1997-98 SkyBox Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems parallel piece that reveals "His Airness" soaring above the Windy City, preparing to rock the rim with one of his signature, thunderous slam dunks. This is one of two distinct Jordan "PMG" parallel entries produced by SkyBox for the 1997-98 season: one was issued with the Metal Universe Championship set, and the other was part of the Metal Universe production. By way of a comparison with Jordan's other PMG parallel, this Metal Universe Championship piece is twice as limited in its production, boasting a print run of only 50 copies compared to the Metal Universe PMG's 100 copies. Jordan cards are enthusiastically collected, and demand remains red-hot for any of the star's limited-edition collectibles (which were comparatively rare in this era of cardboard mass production). In short, he has been the focal point of essentially every checklist he's ever populated. Likewise, Precious Metal Gems cards are coveted regardless of the item's subject: even PMGs that commemorate relatively unacclaimed role players can sell for eye-watering sums, as so many collectors desire to claim any piece of card collecting history. This offering combines the most revered basketball player of all time with the unrivaled prestige of the PMG parallel to create a truly stunning masterwork that would inspire envy in even the most advanced collectors. 

Every centimeter of the cardfront is imbued with dramatic visual delights. The central action image is one of the finest ever utilized on a Jordan collectible, capturing the six-time NBA champion in his most natural of habitats: floating weightlessly towards the rim, over the heads of helpless defenders who can do nothing but admire Jordan's otherworldly talents. Behind him is an image of Chicago (including the iconic Willis Tower), the city that watched with rapt attention for 13 seasons as the 10-time scoring champion terrorized defenses and thrilled the Windy City faithful. And then, of course, there is the stunning PMG visual effect that engulfs the obverse, covering the piece in swirling geometric patterns that dance and shimmer in the light. It is clear to see, upon viewing this card, that SkyBox had plenty of creative inspiration left over after the initial PMG dispersal in the '97-98 Metal Universe issue: if anything, this card is even more action-packed and exhilarating than Jordan's rightfully exalted Red and Green PMGs. The offered example exhibits satisfying preservation quality, no small feat considering the condition-sensitive construction of these foil-laden, borderless, and visually complex cards. A scintillating union of stardom, style, and scarcity in one awe-inspiring card! The card's BGS condition report: Centering: 9, Corners: 7.5, Edges: 6, Surface: 8. The limited-edition piece is serial-numbered "018/50."