In an unprecedented event for basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike, a remarkable set of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is heading to the auction block. After being privately held for years, these iconic pieces of sports history are now poised to be sold to the highest bidder in an upcoming auction organized by Sotheby’s. Scheduled to open on February 2nd, the auction features The Dynasty Collection as part of a larger collection and boasts an impressive pre-sale estimate of $7 million to $10 million.
The Dynasty Collection, known as a collector’s dream, was once the prized possession of a private collector who acquired them from Tim Hallam, the former public relations director for the Chicago Bulls during their dominant era in the 1990s. It became a customary tradition for Jordan to present Hallam with one of his game-worn shoes after each Finals victory, eventually leading to the formation of this unique collection.
Recently showcased at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, The Dynasty Collection encompasses the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 through 1998. Each sneaker in the collection has been personally autographed by Michael Jordan, symbolizing his status as the Finals MVP in each of those championship series.
Sotheby’s aptly named the collection The Dynasty Collection, which features various models of Air Jordans that Jordan wore throughout his illustrious career. The collection includes the Air Jordan VI (1991), inspired by Jordan’s Porsche 911; the groundbreaking Air Jordan VII (1992), the first model without Nike branding; the Air Jordan VIII (1993) featuring the revolutionary “x-strap” design; the iconic “Bred” Air Jordan XI (1996) known for its translucent sole; the Nike Zoom Air-equipped Air Jordan XII (1997); and the “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV (1998), an early prototype reflecting Jordan’s Ferrari 550 Maranello.
Adding to the allure of this exceptional lot is a set of unique signed photographs that capture Jordan in the moments after each championship win, showcasing him wearing only one sneaker while the other already resides in Hallam’s possession. This humorous yet historic exchange between Jordan and Hallam highlights the personal connection and significance of this collection.
Each sneaker in The Dynasty Collection serves as a testament to Jordan’s ever-evolving style and the continuous advancements in sneaker technology over the years. The authenticity and historical value of these sneakers have undergone rigorous verification, involving detailed certification processes and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation by reputable experts, including CSG.
This auction follows the groundbreaking sale of another pair of Jordan’s sneakers from the 1998 Finals Game 2, which set a record by selling for an astonishing $2.2 million, becoming the highest price ever paid for game-worn shoes. The upcoming auction of The Dynasty Collection is more than just a sports memorabilia event; it presents a rare opportunity for passionate collectors to own a tangible piece of basketball history, encapsulating the legacy of one of the greatest athletes in the sport, Michael Jordan.