Michael Jordan Refractor Card Price Guide – Top 25

Introduction

Refractors are some of the hobby’s more collected, valuable, and attractive sports cards. They are tough to pull, are rarer than the base set cards, and some come with limited print runs.

Moreover, due to the high demand, many collectors consider the refractor cards of Hall of Fame players the best long-term option when investing in sports cards regardless of the year. Players with the most hype will yield the highest return, and what better player to invest in than the greatest of all time, Michael Jordan?

Refractors are a Topps term only.

Topps first used the term “refractor” in their 1993 Finest set; therefore, it is a Topps term. Other companies such as Fleer, Upper Deck, and Panini use different terms for their cards. For instance, Panini calls their version Holos and Prizms. Refractors from Topps Chrome, Finest, Pristine, and Bowman sets parallel the base set cards or insert cards. Furthermore, refractor cards often have a label on the back for easy identification.

Other Michael Jordan card articles

• Top 30 Michael Jordan basketball cards from the ’90s
• Top 25 Michael Jordan basketball cards from the ’80s
• Most Valuable Michael Jordan Autograph Cards

25 best Michael Jordan refractor cards.

This list will not go in the order of value; instead, it will go in order of the year, with the earliest being first. Feel free to jump around the list and discover which Michael Jordan refractors cards are his most valuable; you may be surprised. Remember, collect what you like and spend what you can afford.

#25
2002 Topps Chrome
Michael Jordan refractor #10
PSA 10 sold for $1,175

2002 Topps Chrome Michael Jordan refractor.

The final Topps Chrome refractor of Michael Jordan is in the 2002 set. Jordan is shown performing his iconic fadeaway shot in his Wizards uniform, which matches well with the blue borders. Even though Jordan never won a championship with the Wizards, his basketball cards of him playing for the Wizards are still valuable.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 2002 Topps Chrome refractor?

The most recent PSA 10 example of Jordan’s 2002 Topps Chrome refractor sold at auction for $1,175. PSA 9s sell between $300-$400, while PSA 8s fetch upwards of $200. Ungraded examples sell between $125-$200.

#24
2002 Topps Pristine Uncirculated
Michael Jordan Gold refractor #10
PSA 10 sold for $3,600

2002 Topps Pristine refractor cards.

The second year of Topps Pristine basketball cards is 2002. This set has two refractor parallels, including the Gold refractor die-cut (limited to 99 copies) and the Uncirculated Gold refractor (limited to 50 copies). Because Topps Pristine is not a set most collectors are familiar with, the demand is lower than his other cards; however, because these are serial numbered and have a low supply, they are treasured.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 2002 Topps Pristine refractor?

Due to the small print runs, a few 2002 Topps Pristine Michael Jordan refractors have sold at auction. The last recorded auction of a PSA 10 example took place in April 2021 by Goldin Auctions and ended at $3,600. A PSA 9 recently sold in April 2022 on eBay for $2,248.

#23
2001 Topps Finest
Michael Jordan refractor #100
PSA 10 sold for $2,500

2002 Topps Finest refractor cards.

The first and only year Jordan appears in a Topps Finest set wearing a Wizards uniform is 2002. This set has two refractor parallels, including the base set (numbered out of 250) and the Gold refractor (numbered out of 25). The low supply makes these 2002 Finest refractors highly sought after and challenging to find.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 2002 Topps Finest refractor?

The estimated value of an ungraded 2002 Topps Finest Michael Jordan refractor is between $1,000 – $1,500, depending on the condition. A PSA 10 example was sold in April 2021 on eBay for $2,500, while in October 2021, a PSA 9 example sold for $810. Gold refractors are near impossible to find and are much more valuable.

#22
2001 Topps Pristine
Michael Jordan refractor #6
PSA 10 sold for $4,150

2001 Topps Pristine basketball card set.

The first year of Topps Pristine basketball cards was in 2001. Topps released this 110-card set in April 2002, featuring 50 Veteran players and 20 rookies. Topps Pristine cards are unique in a few ways; firstly, the player photos have an embossed effect. Secondly, packs contain a 3-in-1 format, including two outer packs with one pack in the middle. The pack on top includes a card in a sealed protective case known as an uncirculated card. Middle packs include one relic card, and the third pack contains four veteran cards and two base rookie cards. Each refractor is limited to 50 copies, making this one of Jordan’s rarest base set refractor cards.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 2001 Topps Pristine refractor?

Because they have a small supply of 50, it is difficult to determine a price for Jordan’s 2001 Topps Pristine refractor. PSA 10 examples have sold between $4,000-$10,000 in 2022. The last recorded PSA 9 example was sold in April 2021 for $2,800 by Mile High Card Company.

#21
2001 Topps Chrome
Michael Jordan refractor #95
PSA 10 sold for $1,600

2001 Topps Chrome Michael Jordan card.

In 2001, Michael Jordan came back from retirement for the second time. This time, he was playing as a free agent for the Washington Wizards, a team Jordan had recently become part owner of. Despite being the greatest of all time, Jordan could not take the Wizards to the Playoffs and retired for the third time in 2003. This is Jordan’s first Topps Chrome issue wearing the Washington Wizards uniform. If you want to increase your investment, consider buying the Black Parallel (#/50).

How much is Michael Jordan’s 2001 Topps Chrome refractor worth?

The value of a PSA 10 Michael Jordan Topps Chrome refractor from 2001 has an all-time high selling price of $3,000. The most recent auction for a PSA 10 ended at $1,600 on eBay. PSA 9 examples sell between $300-$500.

#20
1998 Topps Roundball Royalty
Michael Jordan Refractor #R1
PSA 10 sold for $3,900

1998 Topps Roundball Royalty refractors.

Roundball Royalty refractors are in series one packs with a pull rate of 1:36. This 20-card set features the best in the NBA on refractor technology. Card backs have an “R” prefix, with Jordan being number 1 in the set.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1998 Topps Roundball Royalty refractor?

Michael Jordan’s Roundball Royalty refractor sells between $200-$400. The most recent PSA 10 sold at auction on eBay for $3,900, which is an all-time high for this card. PSA 9 examples sell between $800-$1,000.

#19
1998 Topps East-West refractor
Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant #EW5
PSA 10 sold for $7,800

1998 Topps East-West basketball card refractor.

The 1998 Topps East-West refractors split two of the best players from the Eastern Conference and Western with similar qualities. For instance, Michael Jordan shares his card with Kobe Bryant. Because both of the players are on the same card, many collectors of both players deem this a must-have in their collection. Moreover, Topps did an excellent job designing these using vibrant colors, well-placed text, and bright close-up photos of the players.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1998 Topps East-West refractor?

Ungraded examples of the Jordan/Kobe refractor sell between $1,500-$1,800. The most recent PSA 10 example was sold at auction in December 2022 for $7,800. PSA 9 examples sell between $1,800-$2,300.

#18
1998 Topps Chrome
Michael Jordan refractor #77
PSA 9 sold for $12,100

1998 Topps Chrome basketball card refractor.

Because Jordan retired for the second time in 1999, 1998 is the final year to find him in a Bulls uniform. In the ’98 Chrome refractor, Jordan is shown making an easy basket with no resistance from his opponent. The borders are silver like the previous years and are challenging to find well-centered.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1998 Topps Chrome refractor?

Due to scarcity, the 1998 Topps Chrome Michael Jordan refractor sells for a lot. A PSA 9 example sold at auction in May 2021 for $12,100, and a PSA 8 example sold for $4,717 in November 2021. These are ultra-rare and hard to come by.

#17
1998 Topps Finest
Michael Jordan refractor #81
PSA 10 sold for $2,114

1998 Topps Finest basketball card refractor.

This is the final year of Jordan in a Topps Finest set wearing a Bulls uniform. Like previous Topps finest sets, the ’98 cards include a protective coating and carry slightly more value when still intact.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1998 Topps Finest refractor?

A PSA 10 example of Jordan’s 1998 Finest refractor without the coating was recently sold at auction for $2,399, while A PSA 9 without the coating sold for $699. Examples with the coating are much rarer and hardly surface for auction.

#16
1997 Topps Chrome Season’s Best
Michael Jordan refractor #6
PSA 10 sold for $2,083

1997 Topps Chrome Season’s Best refractor.

Shooting Star refractors are in boxes of 1998 Topps Chrome hobby boxes in 1:24 packs. Of the four refractors in this set, they are the easiest to pull and have the best design.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1997 Season’s Best refractor?

PSA mint condition examples of Michael Jordan’s Season’s Best refractor sell for around $600. PSA 10s have sold for as much as $2,000.

#15
1997 Topps Generations
Michael Jordan refractor #G2
PSA 10 sold for $2,250

1997 Topps Generations refractor.

The Topps Generation refractor is a 30-card set featuring die-cut and refractor technology. Each card features a description of the player’s impact on the NBA. Topps wrote the following on the back of Jordan’s card: “Jordan’s contributions to the game of basketball transcend generational boundaries. His peerless ability, boundless charisma, and limitless appetite for victory have made him a legend in his generation and a paradigm for the next”.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1997 Topps Generations refractor?

Ungraded examples of Jordan’s Generation refractors sell between $500-$700, depending on the condition. PSA 9 examples sell between $700-$900, while PSA 10 examples sell for upwards of $2,000.

#14
1997 Topps Rock Stars
Michael Jordan refractor #RS1
PSA 10 sold for $4,470

1997 Topps Rock Stars refractor.

Rock Stars inserts are some of the coolest found in a Topps set. Non-refractors are found in 1:36 packs of 1997 Topps series one basketball cards, while refractors are much rarer with 1:144 odds. Topps did a playful design with these featuring cutouts of large stones with the individual letters ROCK on each stone. PSA graded 284 of these, with 61 grading gem mint 10, 133 mint 9, and the remaining nm-mt or less.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1997 Topps Rock Stars refractor?

Ungraded examples of Jordan’s ’97 Topps Rock Stars refractor sell between $500-$800, depending on the condition. PSA 9s sell for upwards of $900, while a BGS 9.5 example sells on average for $1,400.

#13
1997 Topps Chrome
Michael Jordan refractor #123
PSA 10 sold for $4,080

1997 Topps Chrome refractor.

Michael Jordan’s second-year Topps Chrome refractor is shared with teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman. Because this is the second year of Topps chrome, many collectors consider it a must-have in their collection. Moreover, Topps did a terrific job choosing a photo of Jordan doing what he does best, scoring points.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1997 Topps Chrome refractor?

PSA 9 examples of Jordan’s ’97 Topps Chrome refractor sell between $1,200-$2,000. A PSA 10 recently sold at auction for $4,080 in May 2022 by Heritage Auctions. The value of a PSA 10 has decreased from its all-time high of $7,301 in August 2021. Due to its low population of 64 coupled with the popularity of Topps Chrome, the value could increase and exceed $7,000 again.

#12
1997 Topps Finest
Michael Jordan refractor #39
PSA 10 value $2,500

1997 Finest refractor #154
PSA 10 estimated value is $3,000

1997 Finest refractor #271
PSA 10 estimated value is $4,500

1997 Finest refractor #287
PSA 10 estimated value is $5,000

Embossed refractor #154
PSA sold 10 for $16,785

Embossed refractor #287
PSA 10 sold for $7,200

1997 Finest basketball cards.

The 1997 Topps finest basketball card set is one of Topps’s most complicated. The set includes three tiers, Bronze (#1-120), Silver (#121-153), and Gold (#154-173). For each base card, there are refractors with Bronze (1:12), Silver (1:48 #ed/1,090), and Gold (1:288 #ed/289).

On top of that, there are Embossed parallels and refractors as well. Embossed Silver parallels are in 1:16 packs with refractors #ed/263 and 1:192 packs. Gold embossed cards are in 1:99 packs with refractors #ed/74 and 1:1,152 packs. Due to the complexity of the set, many collectors are turned off from these refractors; however, due to the low supply, there is excellent long-term investment potential for the Embossed refractors.

How much are the 1997 Topps Finest Michael Jordan refractor cards worth?

The value of Michael Jordan’s 1997 Finest refractors ranges between $300-$18,000 depending on the condition and tier. A BGS 9.5 gem mint condition example of his #271 refractor recently sold on eBay for a meager $290. If you were ever in the market to buy these Jordan refractors, now is a great time. Many collectors consider the Embossed refractors and Gold and Silver parallels the best option because of the lower supply.

#11
1997 Bowman’s Best
Michael Jordan refractor #60
PSA 10 sold for $960

1997 Bowman’s Best Atomic refractor
Michael Jordan #60
PSA 10 sold for $2,289

1997 Bowman’s Best Atomic refractor
Michael Jordan #96
PSA 10 sold for $6,500

1997 Bowman’s Best basketball cards.

There are two Michael Jordan refractor cards in the ’97 Bowman Best set, including #60 and #96. The first card, #60, is part of the base set, while #96 is part of a subset called “Best Performance.” Of the two cards, his #96 card sells for more, possibly due to the bright colors creating more eye appeal than the base set card, which has a darker tone. After all, the whole point of refractors is to make the card shine.

Refractors are found at 1:12 packs (two per box), while Atomic refractors are found at 1:24 packs (one per box). If you’re looking to pull a Michael Jordan refractor, you would potentially need to open 1,500 packs or 63 boxes.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1997 Bowman’s Best refractor?

PSA 10 examples of his base set card #60 sell between $1,000-$1,500, while Atomic refractors sell for over $2,500. Jordan’s #96 refractor card in PSA 10 condition sells for upwards of $1,200, while Atomic refractor PSA 10s fetch prices of $6,500+. If you’re looking for affordable Michael Jordan refractors, consider looking into his ’97 Bowman’s Best refractors.

#10
1996 Topps Chrome
Michael Jordan refractor #139
PSA 10 sold for $25,100

1996 Topps Chrome basketball card set.

The most popular and collected modern-day sports card set is Topps Chrome and the first year of Chrome was 1996. Topps borrowed the refractor technology from its Finest sets to use in their flagship Topps sets in 1996, revolutionizing the hobby.

In 1996, refractors were much harder to find from packs, making them highly sought after. Moreover, the eye appeal of refractors further increased their desirability and brought in more collectors to the hobby.

Because of their popularity, some of the most valuable rookie cards, such as Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, and LeBron James, are Topps Chrome refractors.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1996 Topps Chrome refractor?

Because 1996 is the first year of Topps Chrome and the supply is much smaller, Michael Jordan refractors are highly valuable. A PSA 10 example was sold at auction in November 2022 for $25,100 by PWCC Auctions. PSA 9 examples sell between $9,000-$15,000. An ungraded refractor of Jordan recently sold on eBay for $1,536.

#9
1996 Stadium Club reprint
Michael Jordan refractor #24
PSA 9 sold for $3,050

1996 Stadium Club Finest reprint set.

The Stadium Club reprint refractors feature Michael Jordan on his earliest basketball card, the 1985 Star rookie card. They come from the ’96-’97 Stadium Club series one boxes and are relatively difficult to find. PSA graded 154 of Jordan’s Star rookie reprints with two grading gem mint 10, thirty-six mint 9, sixty-eight nm-mt 8, and the remaining grading PSA 7 or less.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1996 Stadium Club reprint refractor?

Ungraded examples of Michael Jordan’s reprint refractor sell between $300 – $600, depending on the condition. The last PSA 9 example sold at auction in November 2020 for $3,050, while the last PSA 10 sold in 2017 for $2,500. As you can see, high-grade examples rarely surface for auction and are challenging to find.

#8
1996 Finest Bronze refractor (with coating)
Michael Jordan (common) #50
PSA 10 sold for $1,105

1996 Finest Silver refractor (with coating)
Michael Jordan (uncommon) #127
PSA 10 sold for $1,325

1996 Finest Gold refractor (with coating)
Michael Jordan (rare) #291
PSA 10 sold for $14,000

1996 Finest basketball card set.

’96 Topps Finest Basketball consists of two series; the first has cards 1-146, while the second runs from 147-291. Both sets include bronze, silver, and gold cards which aren’t parallels. Instead, they’re short prints, some of which are rarer than others.

In 1996, TCG sets such as Magic the Gathering started taking off. Several sports card sets took a similar approach to release common, uncommon, and rare cards.

For 1996 Topps Finest Basketball, bronze cards are considered common. Silver cards, which fall every fourth pack, are uncommon. Gold cards, inserted one per box, are rare.

Should you leave the coating on?

Like previous years, Topps made the ’96 Finest refractors have a protective coating. Cards with the coating still intact sell for more because they are considered in their original condition. Furthermore, PSA grades the coating surface as if it were the card’s surface. Most coatings are peeling on the corners or have slight scuff marks, reducing the grade and resulting in a low supply of high-grade examples. In summary, if the coating is in bad shape, remove it; however, if it is not damaged, leave it on.

Refractor rarity and set designs.

The easiest refractor to pull is the Bronze at 1:12 packs. Every other box includes a Silver refractor, and Gold refractors are found one per case. Moreover, each color has a different themed design. Series one includes Apprentices, Gladiators, Maestros, and Sterling themes. Series two has Foundations, Heirs, Mainstays, and Sterling. Michael Jordan’s themes include Sterling (bronze), Maestros (silver), and Foundations (gold).

#7
1996 Bowman’s Best Honor Roll
Michael Jordan refractor #HR2
PSA 9 sold for $516

1996 Bowman’s Best Honor Roll
Michael Jordan Atomic refractor #HR2
PSA 10 sold for $5,227

1996 Bowman’s Best Best Honor Roll insert set.

Honor Roll refractors are found in 1:192 packs, while Atomic refractors are in 1:384 packs. They feature players on the front matched with players on the back and are the rarest insert in the set. Michael Jordan’s Honor Roll card is shared with Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1996 Bowman’s Best Honor Roll refractor?

Ungraded base set cards of Michael Jordan’s 1996 Honor Roll card sell between $30 – $50, refractors sell between $150-$400, and Atomic refractors between $500 – $900. With prices below $1,000, these are some of Jordan’s more affordable refractors.

#6
1996 Bowman’s Best Best Cuts
Michael Jordan refractor #BC2
PSA 10 sold for $3,997

1996 Bowman’s Best Best Cuts
Michael Jordan Atomic refractor #BC2
PSA 10 sold for $7,266

1996 Bowman’s Best Best Cuts insert set.

Best Cuts inserts are found in 1:24 packs with refractors 1:96 and Atomic refractors 1:192 packs. These are the second hardest insert to pull from 1996 Bowman’s Best basketball boxes.

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1996 Bowman’s Best Best Cuts refractor?

Ungraded examples of Jordan’s Best Cuts refractors sell between $200 – $400 depending on the condition. The highest-selling PSA 10 example sold for $3,997 in August 2021, while the highest-selling Atomic refractor sold for $7,266 in October 2020.

#5
1996 Bowman’s Best
Michael Jordan refractor #80
PSA 10 value $1,500

1996 Bowman’s Best Atomic refractor
Michael Jordan #80
PSA 10 sold for $13,800

1996 Bowman’s Best basketball card set.

The first set to include Atomic refractors is the 1996 Bowman’s Best basketball card set. Atomic refractors are parallels to refractors and are much harder to find in packs. Refractors are in 1:12 packs (2 per box), while Atomic refractors are in 1:24 packs (1 per box).

What is the value of Michael Jordan’s 1996 Bowman’s Best refractor?

Ungraded examples of Jordan’s ’96 Bowman’s Best refractor sell between $200 – $400 depending on the condition, while Atomic refractors sell between $500 – $900. A PSA 10 example

#4
1995 Finest Mystery bordered refractor
Michael Jordan #M1
PSA 10 sold for $5,300

1995 Finest Mystery basketball card set.

Topps Mystery cards came in series one and two hobby boxes of 1995 Topps Finest. They are found one per pack and have a black protective coating that hides the coat as well as protects it. This set has a couple of versions of Michael Jordan cards, including Borderless, Silver, Gold, and bordered Proof. Series one includes the Bordered refractors, while series two includes the Gold and “Silver” refractors.

What is the value of Jordan’s 1995 Finest Mystery refractor?

There are three Michael Jordan refractors in the 1995 Topps Mystery set, including borderless gold, bordered test, and regular. The regular refractor has silver borders and is often called the “silver” refractor. These sell between $400 – $1,200, depending on the grade. Gold refractors are identical to the Bordered refractor except for not having borders and selling between $500 – $1,300. The most valuable refractor of all three is the Bordered refractor which sells for $2,000+, depending on the condition.

#3
1995 Topps Finest refractor (with coating)
Michael Jordan #229
PSA 10 sold for $10,000

1995 Finest basketball card set.

The 1995 Topps Finest refractors have prominent blue borders, unique artwork displaying player positions in the background, and retro logos that come together, making authentic ’90s basketball cards. This is the last year Topps kept things simple with their designs and subset tiers. There are loads of Hall of Famers to collect, including Kevin Garnett’s most prized rookie card.

What is the value of Jordan’s 1995 Finest refractor?

Ungraded examples of the 1995 Topps Finest Michael Jordan refractor sell between $500 – $800. PSA 8 examples sell for roughly $500, while a PSA 10 example last sold at auction for $10,000. On average, examples with the coating still intact have a higher selling price than those without it. This is because collectors consider cards with the coating more original and authentic.

#2
1994 Topps Finest refractor (with coating)
Michael Jordan #331
PSA 10 sold for $6,100

1994 Finest basketball card set.

1994 is the second year of the refractor card, and the first year Topps put a protective coating on them. Similar to the 1993 set, they are challenging to pull from packs; however, because of the protective coating, not as challenging to find in gem mint condition. Furthermore, like the previous year, refractors parallel the base cards looking identical to them except for having the refractor finish that shines when held in the light.

Why is Jordan wearing number 45?

Because of coming out of retirement, Michael Jordan is shown wearing his number 45 jersey. He stated that after returning from playing baseball, he wanted a fresh start and because he wore the number 45 in high school, he chose that as his new number. Shortly after, he changed it back to 23, stating that it felt unnatural to wear the number 45.

What is the value of Jordan’s 1994 Finest refractor?

Ungraded examples of Jordan’s 1994 Finest refractor sell between $700 – $900, depending on the condition. PSA 9 examples have an all-time high selling price of $2,750 and currently sell between $700 and $1,500. PSA 10 gem mint condition examples have sold for as much as $26,100 by PWCC auctions; however, the average selling price is between $3,500 – $6,000.

#1
1993 Topps Finest
Michael Jordan refractor #1
PSA 10 sold for $16,212

1993 Finest basketball card set.

1993 is the first year of the refractor card. They are challenging to pull from packs and even harder to find in gem mint condition. They parallel the base cards and look similar; however, they refract and shine when held at an angle in the light. With vibrant colors and shapes, the design of 1993 Finest basketball cards is unique and easily distinguishable from other sets.

What is the value of Jordan’s 1993 Finest refractor?

Due to their rarity and significance to the hobby, the 1993 Finest Michael Jordan refractor card is one of his most valuable refractors cards to collect. A PSA 10 example has sold for as much as $43,200, while a PSA 9 has an all-time high price of $6,600. The most recent sale of a PSA 9 example ended in October 2022 for $2,608, and a PSA 10 recently sold for $16,212.

Conclusion

When buying Michael Jordan refractor cards, do your research first. Look for cards graded and authenticated by third-party companies such as PSA, Beckett, or SGC first, and consider ungraded examples only from reputable dealers. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also, collect what you like and spend what you can afford. Comment below if you think a specific card should be on the list.