Fleer
A legendary but now-defunct card brand. Fleer broke Topps' baseball card monopoly in 1981 and produced the most iconic basketball card ever — the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie. Fleer went bankrupt in 2005 and the brand was acquired by Upper Deck.
History
Frank Fleer & Company was originally a candy and gum maker dating back to 1885 (they invented Dubble Bubble). Fleer challenged Topps' monopoly in court and won, releasing baseball cards in 1981 for the first time. Their 1986-87 Fleer basketball set is the most iconic basketball card set ever produced, featuring Michael Jordan's rookie card. Fleer struggled financially in the 2000s, filed for bankruptcy in 2005, and was acquired by Upper Deck.
Key Product Lines
1986-87 Fleer Basketball
The holy grail basketball set. Michael Jordan RC #57 is the most valuable basketball card.
1981 Fleer Baseball
The set that broke the Topps monopoly. Includes many stars' first non-Topps cards.
Fleer Ultra
Premium photography-focused product produced from 1991-2007.
Fleer Tradition
Vintage-inspired design harking back to early Fleer sets.
Flair Showcase
High-end product with acetate cards and unique designs.
Most Famous Cards
Collecting Tips
- 1.The 1986-87 Fleer basketball set is the most iconic modern basketball set — Jordan RC is the crown jewel
- 2.Fleer cards from the late 1990s-2000s have very low populations in high grades
- 3.Fleer products are no longer being made — all Fleer cards are vintage/legacy
- 4.Complete Fleer sets from 1981-1986 are achievable and affordable
- 5.Fleer sticker inserts from 1986-87 basketball are valuable but often overlooked
Pros
- +Iconic legacy brand with legendary sets
- +1986-87 basketball set is universally collected
- +No longer produced — finite supply
- +Deep history back to the 1880s
Cons
- -No longer being produced — limited to vintage market
- -Some eras (1990s-2000s) had quality issues
- -Brand is dormant under Upper Deck ownership
- -Most Fleer cards from 1990s-2000s have little value