A super rare Michael Jordan rookie card -- complete with a Chicago Bulls team set -- is about to hit the auction block ... but if collectors really want it, they better have some deep pockets, 'cause TMZ Sports has learned it's expected to sell for nearly half a million dollars!
Heritage Auctions is overseeing the sale of the 12-card lot ... and experts there tell us it's all so unique, bidding could get up to $400,000.
The cards were first introduced to the public in a Star Company 1984 release .