Extremely Rare Michael Jordan Signature found in thrift store (COA obtained)

I found this piece at a thrift store, paid $5 for it. I saw the signature but had no idea who it might be. I went home and found the rosters for the 1997 NBA All-Star game. The only person it really could be was Michael Jordan himself. It sure looked like other MJ signed pieces out there, but I didn't get my hopes up, he is the 3rd most forged signature on the market. For years it sat in the closet and I would periodically try to research it. I figured out that this is one of those banners that are mounted to the street lights and ARE NOT retail merchandise. Maybe 20 something are produced for the NBA for the All Star Game Weekend and hung on the light poles around the host arena. You really can not get your hands on one of these, from any year, signed or not. Once I convinced myself that the banner itself was extremely rare I decided to get (or not get!) authentication of the signature. I sold a vintage Ampex Preamp for $200, which covered the PSA/DNA fee and took a gamble and sent it off. 2 weeks later I received a COA saying their experts believe it to be an authentic MJ signature.

1997 was a HUGE year in Jordans Career. MJ scored the FIRST triple-double in All Star game history. 97 was the 50th anniversary of the NBA (and appropriately noted on the banner). The bulls won the 1997 NBA Championship with MJ named the NBA finals MVP. Jordans memorable "Flu Game" occured during the 97 finals.

I talked to all the major sports auctions and they all estimated it would bring in 800-1500. I think it would bring in more but Im holding onto it so it doesn't matter anyways. I've been treasure hunting thrift stores for about half my life and to make a find like this is like a miracle. Jordan is our Babe Ruth and this will only go up in value as time goes on.

I would love to know how this made it from Cleveland to Jordans hands to a thrift store in Tucson, then to my hands, but that will remain a mystery. All I know as a thrift store junkie (who also works doing pick-ups and deliveries for a thrift) ANYTHING is possible in a thrift store.