1986-87 Fleer #68 Karl Malone
1986-87 Fleer #68 Karl Malone
Hall of Fame rookie. The Mailman - two-time MVP and #2 on the all-time scoring list.
About Karl Malone
A 6'9" power forward out of Louisiana Tech, Karl Malone was drafted 13th overall by the Utah Jazz in 1985 - making this card #68 his rookie card and one of the set's marquee keys. He spent 18 of his 19 NBA seasons in Utah (1985-2003) before a final year with the Los Angeles Lakers (2003-04), forming a legendary pick-and-roll partnership with John Stockton. Nicknamed "The Mailman" for his consistent delivery, Malone was a 14-time All-Star and 14-time All-NBA selection who won two league MVP awards (1997 and 1999). He retired with 36,928 career points, third on the NBA's all-time scoring list, and won two Olympic gold medals with the Dream Team (1992) and in 1996. Malone reached three NBA Finals (1997, 1998, 2004) but never captured a championship. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.
Sources: Wikipedia · Basketball-Reference
About this card
The 1986-87 Fleer Karl Malone is card #68 in Fleer's landmark 'Premier' issue - the first nationally-distributed NBA set since 1981-82 Topps and, for many collectors, the start of the modern era of basketball cards. Because of the multi-year gap, it is the recognized Rookie Card for Karl Malone. He is pictured with the Utah Jazz.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 1-6 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 11,654 | 232 | 2,483 | 5,308 | 2,104 | 1,523 | 4 |
| SGC | 1,586 | 4 | 138 | 608 | 486 | 313 | 37 |
Graded population — a scarcity guide, not a price. Snapshot 2026-06-26. Half-grades fold down (8.5→8).
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Frequently asked questions
What is the 1986-87 Fleer Karl Malone card?
It is card #68 of 132 in the 1986-87 Fleer Basketball set - Fleer's 'Premier' issue and the first nationally-distributed NBA set since 1981-82 Topps. It pictures the Utah Jazz Karl Malone, and is his recognized rookie card.
Is the 1986-87 Fleer Karl Malone his rookie card?
Yes - the hobby treats 1986-87 Fleer as the Rookie Card for any player whose first nationally-distributed (pack-issued) card it is. Karl Malone had no Topps card before the set, so this is his recognized RC. (Limited-distribution Star Company cards from 1983-86 are classed as Extended Rookie Cards.)
How do I spot a fake Karl Malone 1986-87 Fleer card?
1986-87 Fleer is the most counterfeited basketball set. Genuine cards are crisp and dark with an intact micro-dot print pattern; fakes look fuzzy or flat. Check the Fleer 'Premier' logo (the arrow is a darker gold than the yellow box) and, on the back, the NBA Players Association basketball, whose seam lines are visible on a real card and filled solid on a fake. For high-value copies, buy professionally graded (PSA/BGS/SGC) and verify the cert.
Is the 1986-87 Fleer Karl Malone valuable?
Value depends heavily on grade and centering. Use the links above to check current T206 Cards inventory and live eBay listings.
Sources: the Trading Card Database, Basketball-Reference, and PSA & SGC population reports. Card data & population compiled and maintained by T206Cards.com. Page last updated 2026-08-23.