JORDAN CHRONOLOGY Chronological changes of Michael's ever changing signature Example #1 Very early signature taken from his 1977 Middle SchoolYearbook. This example is one of the very few examples that I have seen with a "dotted I" Notice the tight stroke of the "J" in Jordan from this early timeframe. Also notice his open end "D" in Jordan which has remained fairly constant in his full signature examples. circa 1977 Example #2 This example which was signed during his early Carolina years. The tight stroke in the "J" in Jordan and the longer extention of the ending stroke of the M is noted as a Tarheel. circa 1982 Example #3 Signed around the time of the 1984 Olympic Games. Notice the transition from the tight stroke "J" to much wider "J" in Jordan. circa 1984 Example #4 shows more of a dramatic change in his signature. Most likely signed right before entering his rookie year in the NBA. I have notice more of a flair in the "J" Jordan demonstrating a larger and more flamboyant signature. circa 1984  Examples #5 and #6 are prime examples of what I call "Near perfect vintage rookie" these are the examples that tend to catch my eye. This is a near perfect execution of his signature. Factors that I tend to look for are (a) Large complete "J" in Jordan (b) perfect stroke execution of his trademark "Double 8" at the end of the "M" in Michael  and "J" in Jordan and (c) evidence of the completed "N" in Jordan, which in many examples demonstates a straight line eliminating the N. circa 1985-86 Example #7 Full signature signed at the peak of the  1987-88 season. This is the year Michael was named NBA Scoring leader averaging 35.0 ppg as well as being named NBA Most Valuable Player,NBA Defensive Player of the Year,1988 ALL Star MVP as well as picking up the Gatorade Slam Dunk Championship for the second time in a row. Jordan's autograph was a hot commodity and his signature from this timeframe shows it. 1988 was the start of the incomplete "Half J" stroke (my terminology) in Jordan which he still signs today. circa 1988 Headline Michael Jordan's Personal 1981 Handwritten Letters   Probably the most significant find in regards to Jordan handwritten material! These letters were written to a former high school girlfriend that are dated between May-July 1981.  Extremely rare early "pre- UNC" signatures, especially the one that's signed Michael "Jeffery" Jordan. **NOTE** With respect to Michael's privacy, the content of the letters WILL NOT be listed on this website. Please do not email me requesting the content,  "They will not be released under any circumstances" Excerpt taken from one of the Michael's letters regarding basketball practice - 1 Extremely Rare NCAA Final Four Tournment Program signed by the 1982 UNC Tarheels Closeup of Jordan's signature during his freshman year at the University of North Carolina - circa 1982 1983 Michael Jordan's 1st Sports Illustrated Cover. Super rare promotional poster which measures 22x28" was made to be hung on the walls of the TIME-LIFE office in New York. Awesome enlargement made from the "actual" negative. Originally acquired by the "Time-Life" photographer that worked the original shoot. This poster was later signed for the photographer at the 1984 Eastern Regionals in Syracuse. Close up of the Jordan signature signed "Best Wishes Michael Jordan" circa March 1984 Close up of the Perkins signature signed "Sam Perkins My Best #41" Headline 1981-82 Team signed ball from the NCAA Championship year. One of two basketballs signed with the fabled "Non Cursive J" that I have seen. This item sparked questions among some of the elite collectors, questioning the authenticity of the uncharacteristic "J" Determining factors regarding authenticity:  The "M" in Michael typical of his highschool style signature. (Please refer to the hand written letters) The dotted "I" over the "C" is correct for that timeframe. Typical Michael idiosyncrasis by leaving off the "N" and signing "JORDA" All points being made leaves one conclusion: a "genuine" very scarce style. This ball recently sold in Mastros auction for a "five figure" hammer price! Demonstrating the significance of an early signed Jordan item.  Only the second ball that I have seen with the "Noncursive J" very atypical style. Notice the changes in the "M" in Michael as compared to the 1982 signed ball. Also taking note of the "Joe Wolf" signed panel, chronologically placing this ball being signed circa 1983 UNC 1983-84 Team signed basketball. Jordan signature - circa late 1983/early 1984 Headline Vintage "1984" Style signature signed during the 1984 Summer Olympic Games- Los Angeles Signed Rookie Photo - Similar style as compared to the one signed at the 1984 Olympics, chronologically placing this signed photo around the first half of the 1984 Bulls season Vintage Full Signature on a 1986 Street & Smith's Cover Close up vintage 1986-87 signature Image courtesy of CWO2 Tony Baldwin, U.S. Navy       Superb Full signature on a 1986-87 Fleer Rookie Card #57. With all of the counterfeit Jordan rookie cards circulating the market, you can be 100% confident that this card is authentic. The signature dates from the 1987 season. Original 16x20 print by the famous Chicago photographer "Mark Hauser" This from the famous ChicagoTimes Ad and Poster "Class for All Seasons"photo session. Signed in gold metallic pen by Michael Jordan, Walter Payton and Andre Dawson. This photo which was Marc Hausers personal signed portrait. According to Mr. Hauser there are "5" total prints that were made, "Two" of which were signed by Michael and Walter Payton. I recently purchased "both" signed pieces from Mr Hauser directly. I recently added Andre Dawson at a Houston Show. This item will never be duplicated! It's been noted by Steve Grad of PSA/DNA that he has only seen "1" poster that were authentically signed by all 3. Simply ... Breathtaking! Close up of the Jordan signature circa 1988-89. Perfect Gem "10" signature which is nearly impossible to obtain in such form. Again like I said it's "Who" you know... as in this case. (Personally signed by Jordan for Marc Hauser) Image of the "Class For All Seasons" Chicago Times Poster. Personally, the Marc Hauser Portrait image is much nicer then the one that was selected for the Chicago Times. Headline Atypical examples of Jordan's Full signature Example #7 Demonstrates an "off balanced" forshorten "M" in Michael and a tight compressed "J" in Jordan Example #8 and #9 Demonstrates an overexaggerated "J" in Jordan All three examples are genuine authentic variations to Michael's normal signing habits. 1987 "Fan Style" Inperson Autograph demonstrates a vintage "J" in Jordan but finishes off with his typical circle type "D" the rest of the "Jordan is eliminated. This signing style is most likely due to Michael trying to fullfill the demands of his many fans seeking an autograph. 1988-89 Fan Style Inperson autograph. Michael made this change within a 1 year span, changing to a single stroke continuation of the "L" in Michael and the start of the (Half "J") in Jordan "Rushed Style Autograph" barely readable but still a genuine autograph. "I was lucky to get my pen back from him" 1992-2003 "UDA" Style These examples are what I call Michael's M "Scribble" J "Scribble" style signature that is most common and the hardest style to authenticate. Forgeries are plentiful due to the fact that this style is the easiest to forge. Forgery examples range from poorly done and are easily identified to very well executed, only a very trained eye can tell the difference, I will not go into depth on this subject in order to keep these "Forgers" in check. All I can say is that there are "certain subtle" stroke patterns that are TYPICAL OF MICHAEL, AND NO ONE ELSE...PERIOD! I am always currently updating myself on Michael's signing habits and all I can say is FORGERS BEWARE "I AM ON TO YOU" Headline   Autographs with added sentiments tend to be more collectible due to the fact that these items seem more personal to the collector and also futhers the legitimacy of the item. RAREAIR signed "Best Wishes" Close up of the RAREAIR cover Close up of the signature Autographed 8x10 Promotional "FAME" photo with the rare sentiments "My Very Best" originally obtained at the 1994 March of Dimes silent auction-Chicago Vintage signed 1982 photo of Michael as a UNC Tarheel. Notice the sentiments "My Very Best" compared to the example above, Both show minimal change in his handwritting style even though they were signed almost 15 years a part. circa 1982-83 Close up of the signature [BACK] [NEXT PAGE]