The 1981 Fleer baseball card set was the company’s third major card issue after releasing sets in 1981 and 1982. It marked some notable firsts and showcased another year of baseball’s best players as card collecting continued to grow enormously in popularity during the early 1980s.
While the previous two Fleer sets depicted players in action shots on the front of the cards, 1981 was the first year they switched to large headshot portraits similar to what Topps had been doing since the 1950s. The design received mixed reviews from collectors at the time but is now quite dated and regarded as a memorable vintage set.
The set totaled 512 cards and featured multi-layered borders with a pinkish design on the outside framing each headshot. Player names were at the top in white text against the bottom pink border with positions and teams listed beneath the photos in yellow. Statistics were on the back along with Fleer’s new slogan “Collect ’em All!”
Beyond the design change, 1981 also saw Fleer issue card #1 for the very first time. Previously they had skipped the #1 spot but now put Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda there. Other notables included Nolan Ryan’s only card in a California Angels uniform and Mike Schmidt’s on the verge of breaking the single season home run record.
In terms of rarity and condition, here is a detailed guide to the estimated values for the key 1981 Fleer baseball cards in various grades:
Nolan Ryan (Angels): In PSA 10 gem mint condition, his card has recently sold for over $3,000. In near mint PSA 8 grade, $400-600 is typical. Very good exemplar PSA 6 copies go for $50-100.
Mike Schmidt: As he chased the home run record, a PSA 10 copy would demand $1,000-1,500. Very nice PSA 8 is $300-500 while a well-centered PSA 6 fetches $75-150.
George Brett: One of the premier hitters of the era, a perfect PSA 10 sells for $800-1,200. Very sharp PSA 8 is $250-400 and a solid PSA 6 goes for $75-150.
Rickey Henderson: Right before his breakout 1982 season, a pristine PSA 10 would cost $600-900. Near mint PSA 8 sells for $175-300 and a nice PSA 6 is $50-100.
Dave Winfield: An all-time great, his 1981 Fleer in gem condition PSA 10 brings $500-800. Very nice PSA 8 is worth $150-250 and a centered PSA 6 sells for $50-100.
Don Sutton: The future Hall of Famer, a flawless PSA 10 would get $400-600. Very sharply centered PSA 8 is $100-150 and a clean PSA 6 is $30-50.
Ted Simmons: The underrated star catcher, a pristine PSA 10 ranks at $350-500. Very sharp PSA 8 is valued at $100-150 and an attractive PSA 6 fetches $30-50.
Steve Garvey: Mr. Dodger of the 1970s, a perfect PSA 10 is valued between $300-500. Nice PSA 8 is $75-125 and well-centered PSA 6 is $25-50.
Reggie Jackson: “Mr. October” before joining Yankees, gem PSA 10 ranges $250-400. Shiny PSA 8 is $75-125 and cleaner PSA 6 goes for $25-50.
Ron Guidry: Coming off Cy Young season, flawless PSA 10 demands $200-350. Nicely centered PSA 8 sells for $50-100 with PSA 6 around $15-30.
For commons and star players not listed, PSA 9 grades generally fetch 50-75% of a PSA 10. PSA 7s sell for around 30-50% of the PSA 10 value. Anything below PSA 7 holds limited value typically under $20 even for top stars unless exceptionally well-centered. Also, rookie cards tend to carry a premium over established vets in the set.
The 1981 Fleer set provides an iconic glimpse into the sport during a great era for the game. Cards of superstars Schmidt, Ryan, Brett and more remain highly collectible over 40 years later. With its large portrait style and memorable design elements, the issue endures as a coveted release for vintage baseball card collectors.
