The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most valuable and coveted issues from the late 1980s. While the design and photography may seem dated now, many of the rookie cards and star players from that set have stood the test of time and increased tremendously in value. Here are the 10 most valuable 1989 Donruss baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint graded card prices:
Nolan Ryan (#236) – At the tail end of his legendary career, Nolan Ryan’s 1989 Donruss rookie card still holds value thanks to his record-breaking accomplishments on the mound. PSA 10 examples routinely sell for $70-100 due to his status as one of the game’s all-time great power pitchers who dominated well into his 40s. Even ungraded copies in near-mint to mint condition can fetch $30-50.
Gregg Jefferies (#181) – One of the top prospects in baseball, Gregg Jefferies’ rookie card had huge buzz around it in 1989. While injuries derailed his career early, his potential made this one of the set’s key rookie chasers. PSA 10s have sold for as much as $120 in recent years, with raw near-mint copies selling in the $50-80 range.
Jeff Bagwell (#541) – Bagwell’s rookie season was nothing special, but collectors recognized his star potential evidenced by his minor league stats. It’s one of the more iconic rookie designs from the set. PSA 10s regularly sell for $150-200 due to Bagwell becoming a Hall of Famer and longtime Astros franchise player. Ungraded near-mint copies have sold for $80-120.
Barry Larkin (#230) – One of the true gems from the 1989 Donruss set is Barry Larkin’s attractive on-card rookie. He would go on to a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Reds. PSA 10 examples have reached $225, with ungraded near-mint copies usually priced $100-150. Even in PSA 9 condition recent sales have topped $150.
Tom Glavine (#540) – Glavine’s rookie card was always a highly regarded pick from the set as collectors saw his potential. His rookie season was nothing to write home about but he became a dominant starter for years. PSA 10s have sold for as much as $250 recently, with ungraded near-mint copies selling in the $125-175 range.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – We all know the hype around Griffey’s rookie season and this is arguably one of the most iconic baseball card designs ever. PSA 10 examples have reached $375, with ungraded near-mint copies selling between $200-300 depending on centering and corners. Even in PSA 9 condition, recent confirmed sales have surpassed $250.
Craig Biggio (#92) – One of the true “hitters” from the 1989 Donruss set is Craig Biggio’s attractive on-card rookie. He would go on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Astros. PSA 10 examples have sold for as much as $450. Ungraded near-mint copies usually sell between $250-375.
Trevor Hoffman (#311) – Hoffman’s rookie card was a major chase for collectors in the late 80s/early 90s. His career path was unexpected but he became the all-time saves leader. PSA 10 examples have reached $600 recently while ungraded near-mint copies have sold for $350-500.
Frank Thomas (#181) – “The Big Hurt’s” rookie card was always one of the most coveted in the entire 1989 Donruss set. He became arguably the best right-handed hitter of his generation. PSA 10 examples have reached $800. Near-mint ungraded copies have sold for $500-700 depending on centering.
Ken Griffey Jr. Error (#1E) – The true blue chip card from the 1989 Donruss issue is the ultra-rare Ken Griffey Jr. error card where “Junior” is misspelled “Juanior”. In PSA 9 condition, authentic examples have sold for as much as $20,000. In PSA 10 condition, a copy once set the record at $106,000 back in 2018 when the vintage card market was white hot. It remains arguably the single most valuable card from the entire set.
While designs and production values may date the 1989 Donruss set, the rookie cards and star players featured have clearly increased exponentially in value as those players went on to have Hall of Fame careers. The combination of star power, design aesthetics, and the fact it was one of the final “classic” designs before more modern innovations like foil cards and autographs dominates the vintage baseball card market. Select top rookies like Griffey, Thomas, Bagwell and Biggio along with the ultra-rare Griffey error continue to be strong long term investments for savvy collectors.
