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Michael Jordan collectibles are a massive market. From MJ basketball cards to his signature clothing line, anything with his image attached is sure to make money hand over fist.
Even “The Last Dance” was little more than an extended advert for the player, failing to pay much attention to the teammates who helped propel him to stardom.
VIEW THE BEST MICHAEL JORDAN FUNKO POP ON EBAY
The latest collectible Jordan craze involves Funko Pops. What are they, and are they worth anything? Here’s everything you need to know about the figurines, including three of the rarest options and a look at their potential as a future investment piece.
What is a Funko Pop Vinyl?
Creator Mike Becker founded Funko in 1998, aiming to make various low-tech, nostalgia-themed toys. After struggling in the early years, they’ve created roughly 20,000 different figurines featuring some of the biggest franchises in history. (They’ve also released several niche sets along the way, helping to build a dedicated fan base of collectors.)
Funko’s Pop! Vinyl products are figures modeled in a simplistic style and were first revealed in 2011 at the New York Toy Fair.
It’s hard to say precisely why Funko Pops are so collectible. On the face of it, they’re a reasonably basic toy, relying on distinctive clothing, accessories, and hairstyles to identify the famous figure. For example, it’s easy to recreate Iron Man’s famous suit, while a star like MJ needs a bald head and a 23 Bulls jersey to ensure he’s recognizable.
Despite the simplistic design, they’ve continued to gain popularity, while several Funko Pops have started to see their values increase. Another thing is, they’re meant to be left unopened in the box if you’re aiming to invest, just like expensive Star Wars toys from the ‘80s.
However, they look pretty good displayed in the box, which will keep them safe from any damage. The Jordan sets all have movable heads, which is typically the easiest way to tell if it’s a real Funko Pop.
Are Michael Jordan Funko Pops Worth Anything?
Any Michael Jordan collectible will be snapped up by ravenous fans hoping to own a piece of the next big thing preemptively. As the base figure only retails for $11, it’s not difficult to grab a couple if you’re planning to hold onto them for a while.
MJ has a total of 10 different figures in the Pop! Basketball set, while exclusives, only serve to excite both potential investors and collectors. The figurines may look similar, but different shoes and jerseys help to separate them from each other.
Not all Jordan Funko Pops are equal, and some are already beginning to speed away in value and popularity. As you might expect, they’re special editions, while one comes packaged with a stand.
Look out for the box’s condition and the statue itself. Any dents or pings will lower the resale value, while the same goes for any retail stickers which have yet to be peeled off. The latter can lead to scratches or any number of superficial issues.
The Best Jordan Funko Pops
We’ve looked at recent auction data to find three of the best Michael Jackson Funko Pops available right now from an investment perspective.
Michael Jordan ’96 All-Star Upper Deck Funko Pop! #71
The most popular MJ Funko, the Upper Deck #71, focuses on the 1996 All-Star Game. Jordan has a ball clasped in his right hand while leaping through the air in a signature pose, thanks to the addition of a small see-through stand. (A similar stand is used for Bruce Lee, and it works well.)
He’s clothed in a green All-Stars kit, with his number as 23. It’s already hitting low three-figure fees and looks to be the frontrunner in future value.
Foot Locker Michael Jordan 10″ (White) Funko Pop! #76
A 10″ ‘Super-Sized’ figurine, this collectible is available in both a Red Jersey and a White Jersey variation, representing the color of his respective Chicago Bulls kits. As with the All-Star statue, there’s a ball clasped in one hand, while he’s wearing a band on the other arm.
They’re not lying about the size, as it’s massive compared to a standard-sized pop. White Home Jersey is the one to look out for, as it’s a special edition distributed via Foot Locker early in 2019. It’s beginning to creep up in price, so it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Fanatics Funko Pop! Michael Jordan Bulls Black Jersey #55
The final collectible to make a list is also the least expensive of the trio. It’s a more miniature copy of the super-sized statue discussed above, but he’s wearing a black Red Bulls jersey this time.
It’s another exclusive available via Fanatics. (When I checked their online store, it was out of stock, while they noted that the product was currently unavailable.)
Top-Rated Michael Jordan Funko Pop?
Michael Jordan Funko Pop Bronze #54
The Michael Jordan Funko Pop Bronze is by far our favorite of all the MJ Funko Pop collector items… we like it so much that we just bought one!
The Bronze MJ Funko Pop displays Jordan covered in Bronze from head to toe with the rock in his right hand… a stunning collector’s item that can be had for a few ten-dollar bills and a tremendous long-term investment!
The Future for Jordan Funko Pops
As I write this, I’m being stared down by a Funko Pop given to me years ago, which now sits on my desk. Having been aware of the brand for a while, it’s not surprising to see how much they’ve grown over the past decade, becoming one of the better-known collectible manufacturers.
From Comic-Con appearances to an ever-increasing list of products, it was only natural that they’d eventually begin producing statues featuring some of the biggest sports stars in history.
It’s hard to do better than Michael Jordan, and they’ve already featured some of the best moments from his career. With 10 in total, there’s still time for a Space Jam edition or a baseball version with the bat in hand. If you can grab a couple at a reasonable price, it could be an investment opportunity with the potential to double in value over the next few years.
Price-wise, you might expect them to stay budget-friendly, but there is some proof that a rabid fandom and rare models can cause a bidding frenzy.
Take a rare Star Wars Shadow Trooper released as a San Diego Comic-Con 2011 Exclusive. Considered the most expensive Funko Pop ever, it’s estimated to be worth roughly $1,300 today.
There is a chance that the original MJ set could eventually reach that price, but it could take over a decade at the very least. It’s also worth remembering that the Shadow Trooper was an exclusive released in their first-ever year as a retail product. However, if you’re buying it to display, it’s a cheaper Jordan figurine than many others, and they are charming.