Jambalaya is one of those inserts you can spot from across a room. The oval die-cut, the loud green to orange gradient, the lenticular texture that shifts when you tilt it, all wrapped around an in-motion photo of Jordan. It dropped inside 1997–98 E-X2001 and instantly joined the short list of 90s grails that still anchor showcases today.
What the card is
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Insert set inside 1997–98 SkyBox E-X2001, Michael Jordan is card 6
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Oval die-cut profile with layered, lenticular stock and bold color fields
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No serial number, scarcity comes from very tough pack odds and survival
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Back features a bio and stats on a matching oval design
Why collectors chase it
E-X was already premium, with acetate windows and rich foil. Jambalaya took that look and pushed it further. The design actually fits the name, it has energy, it feels fast, and it looks like nothing else in the binder. Because there is no printed run number, demand is driven by how rarely these surfaced in packs and how few stayed clean through the years. That combination keeps interest high across grades.
A real sale to frame the market right now
On July 15, 2025, a BGS 9 example with one 10 subgrade sold at auction for $40,023.23. A strong subgrade on a card this condition sensitive matters, the oval edges and lenticular face show everything, so buyers stretch for copies that present clean under light.
Condition hurdles to expect
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Edge and tip flares along the oval, even tiny dings pop against the bright color bands
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Surface hairlines on the lenticular face that appear at certain angles
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Color rub or print loss around the perimeter where the die-cut meets a sleeve
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Back centering that is more noticeable because the card is oval
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Warping if the card was stored in warm or humid conditions
How to store and handle it safely
Use an oversized soft sleeve and a roomy semi-rigid so the oval never rubs. If you prefer a magnetic, choose a recessed inner well and load from the hinge side, then close slowly so the edge does not catch. Keep it out of direct sunlight, lenticular surfaces and bold inks fade if they live on a windowsill.
Authenticity notes
There are later-era Jambalaya designs from Fleer Retro that echo the look. The 1997–98 original has period-correct fonts, color transitions, and print depth that feel different in hand. If you are buying raw, study the edge profile under magnification. Natural wear shows small fibers and irregularities. Overly perfect, glassy edges on an otherwise handled card deserve extra scrutiny.
Set context that adds to the story
E-X2001 was SkyBox at full power. The base set mixed acetate and foil with studio-style photography. Jambalaya sat alongside a handful of era-defining inserts, and for many collectors is the card that explains the 90s in one glance. The checklist is star heavy, which helps liquidity if you ever move the card, but Jordan remains the headliner and the one most people remember.
Buying strategy that actually works
Decide whether you are grade first or eye appeal first. On this release a lively surface with minimal edge flares can make a lower number feel better in hand than a tired higher grade. Use the recent BGS 9 with a 10 subgrade result around $40k as a top-end anchor, then scale down for lesser subs or more visible edge wear. Be patient, supply is lumpy and the nicest copies disappear fast.
Small tells that separate strong copies
Edges look crisp and even when viewed straight on, not chalky or feathered. The lenticular face keeps its sheen when you arc it under light rather than dulling out. Registration around the player name is sharp, not fuzzy. The back shows minimal whitening in the light areas. When all of that lines up, the card pops in a case and you understand why it became a pillar of 90s basketball inserts.
