Here's what I've found with a simple web search...
Jordan fakes 101:
When looking at the front of the card, the first thing to pay attention to is the overall clarity. The clarity of the image, the text, and the colors. Sometimes, that is all it takes to immediately expose a fake. Just because this card is nearing 30 years old, does not mean that the photo should showcase a slight haze. The text box at the bottom should feature cleanly printed text with a clear transition from the white text to the blue background, even under magnification. Also under magnification, the thin black line that parallels the yellow boarder should be solid and not pixelated at all. Another thing to note, the red, white and blue background colors should not overlap at all. Less telling, but still useful, the "Chicago" text on Jordan's jersey should be crisp and every letter should be legible. Make particular note to inspect the "i" and the "o."
The crown in the Fleer logo is another place to spend some time. Notice how much sharper the points are on the magnified authentic version, below on the left. The "FLEER" text also has a more balloon-ish quality on the fake on the right, and "PREMIER" isn't crisp.
Color
The red, white and blue border on the real rookie card feature distinct colors. Convincing fakes will be normally be a tad brighter or darker, and poor fakes will exhibit colors that are much different. Another color element to look for is the arrow in the Fleer logo crown. The real version features a darker yellow/gold and is clearly a different color than the yellow text box. Most fakes will include the same color yellow in both the arrow and text box. It's easy to trick yourself into thinking the colors are slightly different, but the color difference is abundantly clear in an authentic version.
Real
Fake
The issues on the back are a little more subtle since there are fewer colors and images, and the design is plain. However, there are still several key areas to check out in regards to clarity and color.
Clarity
The first thing to check on the back of the card is the Chicago Bulls logo. With the real Bulls logo on the left, you are able to see the white around the eye, under magnification. On the fake, the ink around the eye bleeds together.
There are several other things that can signify a fake card. One is the the clarity of decimals in the stats, specifically the one in "27.2" average points. The decimal will be clear to the naked eye on the real version and nearly nonexistent on the fake. Also, the decimals listed in field goal percentage are generally very faint on the fakes. Next, the © symbol on the bottom left, in front of "1986 FLEER CORP," should be clearly legible. Likewise, the ® symbol in the top right near the Fleer logo should be easily read.
Lastly, the NBA Player logo in the bottom right should show a clear "NBA PLAYERS" in the middle of the ball, and "NATIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION," around the ball. Also, the logo itself is a basketball. With the real Michael Jordan rookie card, you should be able to see the faint lines that are indicative of a basketball. The fake version will normally have just a filled circle.
Color
Again, color plays an important role on the back of the card, but since the color can vary from fake to fake, and it's mostly just various shades of pink and red, it is not something you can specifically point to as a rule. However, the back of the Michael Jordan rookie card that directly applies to color is the pink and red color blocks that take up the majority of the back. The real version appears more textured, while the fake looks more like a fully filled-in color.
Also, the white background has more of an off-white appearance on the real version, while many of the fakes exhibit more of a bright white color.
Another Option
Outside of these key areas, many people will suggest that you compare the card in question to a Michael Jordan rookie card that you know is authentic. And this is good advice. But most collectors don't have Michael Jordan rookies lying around, let alone in their pocket, for comparison. It does help to know the feel of a particular card. I'm not suggesting you pry open the slab and play with a Michael Jordan rookie card, but is good to know exactly what you are dealing with. A good alternative to this is to buy a card of a no-name player from the 1986-87 Fleer Basketball set. Michael Jordan is really the only card with high counterfeit levels, and a common card can be had for a few dollars, depending on condition. This way, you know the stock, the weight, the gloss, the overall feel of the card. You will also have a good reference point for design comparison.
Rob--
Your 27.2 rule flies in the face of what Jim's findings state. Almost all the things I looked for are in Jim's post, that's why I think it's authentic.
The white is in the bull's eyes, the logos are clear, trademarks are well defined, decimal points are firm, etc.
I don't think your 27.2 rule is anywhere near enough to go by alone.
Seems like the question whether the Jordan is real or not could be a toughie!
It's very tough to tell from the picture and there have been some evidence pointing it to be a fake. This is what I see and when comparing it to other graded Jordan rookies, the name plate on the front of the OP's card seems to have box-type lettering, whereas the graded examples scattered all over eBay, display more consistent, close rounded lettering. This very well could be an indication that the OP's Jordan is a fake. What does everyone else think?
