1994 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Rare Air Set: Review, History, & Card #89

When you grow up just outside Chicago during the Bulls dynasty, Michael Jordan cards are never just pieces of cardboard. They are tiny time capsules filled with memories of championships, card shops, and trying to stretch a few dollars into one more pack.

Fast forward 30+ years, I recently found something a little different at a local card show: the complete 1994 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Rare Air boxed card set. I paid $100 for all 90 cards, the original box, and the numbered certificate.

At first, I thought this 1994 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Rare Air set would simply be a nostalgic walkthrough of some incredible Jordan photography. Then I reached Card #89, noticed something unusual with its raw value, and suddenly viewed the entire set differently.

My 1994 Upper Deck Michael Jordan “Rare Air” Video Review

In the video below, I walk through the complete 90-card set, explain how it is organized, share the history behind the Rare Air book, look at current card values, and show every card up close.

• Why Upper Deck released the set during Jordan’s first retirement
• How the complete 90-card collection is organized
• The connection between the cards and the Rare Air coffee table book
• Some of my favorite Walter Iooss Jr. photographs
• Why Card #89 has become one of the most interesting cards in the set

By the way, if you’re a fan of Jordan and recently jumped back into the hobby, I think you’ll find this helpful: How to Collect Michael Jordan Cards on a budget — I walk you through my 5 pillars.

Set Snapshot

Find a Complete Michael Jordan Rare Air Set

Complete sets still appear through card shows, local shops, online marketplaces, and individual collectors.

Also, if you loved Upper Deck in the 90s, don’t miss my 1991-92 Upper Deck Basketball review & box opening! This was Upper Deck’s INAUGURAL year in basketball; I chased 2 Jordan holos.

Why the 1994 Upper Deck Rare Air Set Is Different

This was not a traditional basketball card release filled with packs, rookies, inserts, and the possibility of pulling a Jordan card. Every box contained the complete 90-card Michael Jordan collection.

The set is divided into three distinct sections:

1. Rare Air: Cards #1–50
2. Out Takes: Cards #51–60
3. Decade of Excellence: Cards #61–90

Rare Air: Cards #1–50

The first 50 cards feature photography connected to the Rare Air coffee table book by Michael Jordan and legendary sports photographer Walter Iooss Jr. Rather than showing only dunks and game-winning shots, these cards provide a broader look at Jordan’s world. He followed Jordan around for 8-10 months during the 1993 season (Jordan’s 3rd championship in his first 3-peat).

Rare Air: Michael on Michael

Out Takes: Cards #51–60

The next 10 cards are labeled Out Takes and feature additional Walter Iooss Jr. photographs that were not included in the original Rare Air book. These cards continue the candid, behind-the-scenes feel of the first section.

Decade of Excellence: Cards #61–90

The final 30 cards shift toward a retrospective of Jordan’s first decade in professional basketball. This section features more traditional basketball imagery and highlights major moments from his career. It also contains Card #89, which has become one of the most curious and discussed cards in the entire collection.

The Curious Story Behind Card #89

Card #89 initially looked like another Michael Jordan action card near the end of the collection. Then I noticed something odd: it was worth $100 raw!

After researching the image and comparing it with another famous basketball card (1990–91 NBA Hoops Mark Jackson card), I realized this card has a much stranger story than its front initially suggests. I am intentionally not unpacking the entire story here because Card #89 deserves its own dedicated video and article.

That follow-up will compare it with the famous and explore the remarkable circumstances behind both photographs.

Is the 1994 Upper Deck Rare Air Set Worth Buying?

For the right Michael Jordan collector, I think it is.

This set may be especially appealing if you:

• Collect Michael Jordan cards from his playing years
• Appreciate sports photography
• Prefer complete sets over opening packs
• Enjoy collecting unusual 1990s Jordan releases
• Want to own card #89!

Someone focused only on rookie cards, autographs, or high-end investments may not find the same appeal. This collection is more about photography, storytelling, and owning a distinctive snapshot of Jordan’s career.

Need some new Card Collecting Products?

Aside from this PREZA case for graded cards (you’ll see 2 different ones in that linked review), here are a few of my favorite products:

PREZA Graded Card Case - Slab Case for Graded Slabs - Premium Trading Card Storage Box with Upgraded Combination and Key Lock (X-Large)

Rongon Jewelers Loupe Magnifiers 10X Magnifying Glass with Light Magnifying Lens with Light Scale and Measure Scale for Jewelry, Seniors Read, Map, Stamps, Macular Degeneration, Inspection

DEEIF Toploader Storage Box, Trading Card Storage Box with 5 Dividers, Hard Plastic TCG Card Storage Box for Top Loaders, Large for 165 Toploaders 650 Cards (2 Pack)

Cardboard Gold Penny Sleeves for Trading Cards - 1000 Count Standard Size

Dad’s Final Thoughts

Fun fact: When the Rare Air project was released, fans could not pull out a phone and instantly see how Michael Jordan trained, traveled, relaxed, or interacted behind the scenes. Photography books and special collections like this offered access that felt genuinely rare.

The 1994 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Rare Air set may not have the pack-opening suspense of a traditional basketball release, but it offers something different: 90 cards devoted to the career and personality of one player at a fascinating turning point in his life.