To get Michael Jordan’s rookie card graded, you usually submit it to a professional grading service such as PSA or Beckett, either online by mail or in person at a card show/event. The main steps are to verify the card is authentic, choose a service level, package it carefully, and then wait for the card to be evaluated and slabbed with a numeric grade.

What to do

  1. Inspect the card first. Check centering, corners, edges, surface, and print quality, because those drive the final grade. Even a card that looks great can miss a top grade if centering is off.
  1. Pick a grader. PSA is the most commonly discussed option for the 1986 Fleer Jordan rookie, and some collectors also use Beckett or SGC depending on preference and market goals.
  1. Submit online or in person. Some collectors mail cards through a submission portal, while others prefer in-person grading at major shows because it feels safer for high-value cards.
  1. Package it securely. Use a penny sleeve, semi-rigid holder, and plenty of padding so the card is protected during transit. That matters a lot for a valuable rookie card.
  1. Set realistic expectations. A PSA 10 is extremely rare for this card, and many examples grade below that because of printing and centering issues rather than wear alone.

Things to know

  • Authentication matters. If there’s any doubt about authenticity, grading can help confirm whether the card is real before resale.
  • Higher grades can change value a lot. A strong grade can boost buyer confidence and market price, while a low grade may not justify the grading fee.
  • In-person grading can reduce shipping risk. For an expensive card, some collectors prefer bringing it directly to PSA at a show rather than mailing it.

Practical move

For a Michael Jordan rookie card, the safest approach is usually: authenticate it first, inspect condition carefully, then decide whether grading fees make sense based on its likely grade. If you want the best resale market recognition, PSA is often the default choice collectors talk about most for this card.

TL;DR: Put the card in a secure holder, submit it to PSA or another major grader, and be realistic about condition because centering and corners heavily affect the grade.