Among 90s Jordan inserts, Thrill Seekers has a very specific energy. It’s loud, it’s tactile, and it was hard to hit in the first place. The Michael Jordan card #7 from 1997–98 Fleer sits right in that sweet spot: no serial number, but true scarcity from pack odds and survival. If you collect MJ from the golden era, this is one of those pieces that feels exciting the second it’s in hand.
What the card is
Thrill Seekers is an insert inside 1997–98 Fleer, short-printed and famously difficult at a stated 1:288 packs. The MJ is card #7 in the run. There’s no stamped numbering, no autograph, and no patch—just a high-impact, multi-layer print with a textured, high-contrast finish that pops under light. It’s the kind of 90s tech that doesn’t look like anything else in the binder, which is exactly why collectors love it.
Why it matters
The late 90s were full of ambitious inserts, but not all of them aged well. Thrill Seekers did. It captures mid-90s design with big graphics and a premium surface treatment, and it’s tied to a real chase. Because it wasn’t numbered, pricing has always leaned on how rarely these show up in clean condition. That keeps the market honest and gives the card a steady collector base.
What the market is telling us right now
Recent 2025 sales show a tight, grade-driven band with strong premiums for eye appeal:
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PSA 9 closed at $4,105 on Sep 2 (auction, 23 bids)
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BGS 9.5 closed at $5,411.11 on Aug 24 (auction, 61 bids)
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PSA 8 sold at $2,350 on Aug 20 (auction) and $2,200 on Aug 24 (BO)
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Ungraded/other graded copies have been changing hands around $1,699 when condition is clearly below those top slabs
That spread makes sense for a condition-sensitive insert. A lively surface, clean edges, and centering that doesn’t distract can push a card to the top of its grade range. Even inside the same number, eye appeal can swing several hundred dollars.
Condition hurdles to expect
This release shows everything under strong light. Before you buy, check:
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Surface: hairline scratches and roller lines can hide until you tilt the card
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Edges: whitening along the dark borders jumps out fast
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Corners: the slick stock picks up tiny dings that graders don’t miss
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Centering: the bold graphic layout makes slight shifts more obvious than on a standard base card
Authentication notes
As with many 90s MJ inserts, fakes exist. If you’re buying raw, focus on print clarity, color depth, and the card’s natural texture. The genuine finish has a consistent sheen and fine detail in the graphics and micro-lines. Blurry text, washed colors, or overly glossy patches are red flags. When in doubt, buy a graded copy from a reputable seller and still judge it with your own eyes.
How to store and display without adding wear
Use a fresh soft sleeve and a roomy semi-rigid so edges don’t rub. If you prefer magnetics, choose a recessed inner well and load slowly from the hinge side. Keep it out of direct sun; bold inks and specialty finishes don’t love long UV exposure. For wall display, a floating mat that keeps plastic away from the edges looks clean and safe.
Smart buying strategy
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Decide whether you’re “grade first” or “eye appeal first.” On this card, a crisp PSA 8 can look better in a case than a tired PSA 9.
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Use the 2025 results as anchors: PSA 8 around $2.2k–$2.35k, PSA 9 roughly $4.1k, and BGS 9.5 a bit north of $5.4k when the subgrades and presentation are strong.
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Be patient. Supply is lumpy and nice copies disappear quickly. If you miss one, another will surface, but it might take a while.
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If you collect by theme, a great three-card 90s row is Thrill Seekers, a Jambalaya, and an E-X/A Cut Above or Metal Net-Rageous. Three very different looks that tell the whole decade at a glance.
Quick reference for your notes
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Year/set: 1997–98 Fleer
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Insert: Thrill Seekers
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Card: Michael Jordan #7
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Odds: 1:288 packs (SP)
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Serial numbering: none
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Known for: bold, textured 90s design and real pack scarcity
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Recent comps: PSA 8 around $2,200–$2,350; PSA 9 about $4,105; BGS 9.5 around $5,411
Nearly three decades on, the Jordan Thrill Seekers still does exactly what the name promises. It’s a shot of 90s adrenaline in cardboard form, and when you land a clean one, it anchors a showcase all by itself.
