In a remarkable event for basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike, a set of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is making its way to the auction block. These iconic pieces of sports history, known as The Dynasty Collection, were privately held for years but are now poised to be sold to the highest bidder in an upcoming auction organized by Sotheby’s. With an impressive pre-sale estimate of $7 million to $10 million, this auction is set to captivate the attention of sports memorabilia enthusiasts.
The sneakers in The Dynasty Collection were once the prized possession of a private collector who acquired them from Tim Hallam, the public relations director for the Chicago Bulls during the team’s era of dominance in the 1990s. It became a tradition for Jordan to present Hallam with one of his game-worn shoes after each Finals victory, leading to the formation of this unique collection.
With each sneaker personally autographed by Michael Jordan, the collection spans the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 through 1998. The Dynasty Collection showcases various models of Air Jordans that Jordan wore during his illustrious career, including the stylish Air Jordan VI (1991), inspired by Jordan’s Porsche 911, the groundbreaking Air Jordan VII (1992), the first model without Nike branding, and the Air Jordan VIII (1993) featuring the iconic “x-strap” design.
One of the standout sneakers in the collection is the “Bred” Air Jordan XI (1996), known for its translucent sole. This particular model is a fan favorite and is highly sought after by collectors. Additionally, the Nike Zoom Air-equipped Air Jordan XII (1997) and the “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV (1998) add to the allure of The Dynasty Collection. The Air Jordan XII is famous for its comfortable cushioning, while the Air Jordan XIV is an early prototype showcasing design elements inspired by Jordan’s beloved Ferrari 550 Maranello.
What sets The Dynasty Collection apart is not only the sneakers themselves but also a set of unique signed photographs accompanying each pair. These photographs capture Jordan in the moments following each championship win, wearing only one sneaker, as the other was already in Hallam’s possession. This humorous yet historic exchange symbolizes the personal connection between Jordan and Hallam, further enhancing the value and appeal of the collection.
Each sneaker in The Dynasty Collection represents a significant milestone in Jordan’s career, showcasing his evolving style and the advancements in sneaker technology over the years. The authenticity and history of these sneakers have been meticulously verified through detailed certification processes and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation by CSG and other experts.
This highly anticipated auction follows the record-breaking sale of another pair of Jordan’s sneakers from the 1998 Finals Game 2, which fetched an astounding $2.2 million, making it the highest price ever paid for game-worn shoes. The upcoming auction of The Dynasty Collection presents a rare opportunity for collectors and basketball enthusiasts to own a piece of sports history, embodying the legacy of one of the greatest athletes in the sport, Michael Jordan.
As these iconic sneakers head to the auction block at Sotheby’s on February 2nd, the anticipation among collectors and fans continues to build. The Dynasty Collection not only represents the greatness of Michael Jordan but also serves as a tangible reminder of the thrilling moments and historic victories he achieved during his extraordinary NBA career.
