Larry Bird / Magic Johnson / Julius Erving 1980-81 Topps vs Michael Jordan 1986-87 Fleer: which is the better sports card investment?

Comparing Larry Bird / Magic Johnson / Julius Erving 1980-81 Topps (1980-81 Topps Basketball, 1980) and Michael Jordan 1986-87 Fleer (1986-87 Fleer Basketball, 1986) as sports card investments. PSA price bands, risk, and upside compared.

Larry Bird / Magic Johnson / Julius Erving 1980-81 ToppsMichael Jordan 1986-87 Fleer
SportNBANBA
Set1980-81 Topps Basketball (1980)1986-87 Fleer Basketball (1986)
RarityTri-card rookie (perforated)Standard rookie
PSA 10 band$200,000-$600,000$200,000-$800,000
PSA 9 band$30,000-$80,000$25,000-$60,000
Raw / ungraded band$2,000-$8,000$3,000-$15,000
Risk levelLowLow
Investment score5/55/5

Larry Bird / Magic Johnson / Julius Erving 1980-81 Topps

The iconic pre-Jordan vintage basketball rookie. Three HOF players on one perforated card. PSA 10 grading is brutal due to centering; pop is extremely low.

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Michael Jordan 1986-87 Fleer

The most valuable basketball card ever produced. PSA 10 has crossed $700K at auction. PSA 9 trades steadily in the $30K-$60K range. The card every basketball collector wants.

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Detailed comparison coming soon.