The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases from the late 80s era. It marked the 28th year of production for Topps’ standard baseball card issue and contained 792 total cards after all variations are taken into account. The designs and photographs featured on the 1989 cards have stood the test of time and remain highly recognizable to this day for fans of players from that generation.
Some of the major stars and rookie cards featured in the 1989 set included Ken Griffey Jr., Gregg Maddux, Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, and Randy Johnson. The Ken Griffey Jr. rookie in particular is one of the most sought-after and valuable cards from the entire junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. An ungraded Griffey Jr. rookie in near mint to mint condition can fetch thousands of dollars today.
Another interesting aspect of the 1989 Topps set is that it was the last year before major league baseball players went on strike, resulting in a shortened season. This likely influenced the photography and timing of some of the cards. It’s also notable that 1989 marked the debut of Upper Deck as a competitor to Topps after they were granted a license by MLB to produce baseball cards. This ended a decades-long monopoly that Topps had enjoyed.
For collectors interested in acquiring 1989 Topps cards in an ungraded state for their PC (personal collection), there are a few things to be aware of regarding conditions, variants, and price points in the current market. First, it’s important to understand the different levels of centering, corners, edges and surface qualities that define the potential grade for PSA or BGS purposes down the line. Even raw, conditions will impact long term value.
When sourcing 1989 Topps cards raw, the most attainable for average collectors are likely to be in EX/MT (Excellent-Near Mint to Mint) range ungraded. Expect to pay $5-10 for typical commons in this condition, while stars or key rookies may range $20-100 depending on the player and centering quality. Very nicely centered EX/MT cards suitable for strong 8s or 9s with grading may demand higher premiums in the $25-200 range based on name recognition.
Finest quality NM-MT (Near Mint-Mint) raw cards suitable for PSA/BGS 10s are understandably much rarer to acquire ungraded at this stage. Extremely well-centered commons may run $15-30, with iconic stars and legends reaching $100-500+ depending on centering and appeal. Truly flawless specimens suitable for pristine 10s could command thousands given how condition sensitive grading is for vintage cards. Proper lighting is key to fully inspecting surfaces.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for anything with photo or return address variants when hunting 1989 Topps raw. These differentiated cards can have significant premiums over standard issue—especially if acquired and holdered as a true gem. Other variations like lineups, action shot parallels, and black&white photo editions exist as more advanced collection subsets as well. Proper identification is important.
Supply and demand naturally plays a large role in the pricing of raw 1989 Topps baseball cards today too. Higher end vintage singles have been in more abundant supply since the junk wax era due to sheer print runs. Sustained strong interest from collectors combined with natural loss over the decades keeps prices climbing overall—especially for the most coveted rookies and stars. Long term, well-cared for PSA/BGS holders will command the biggest values.
At the end of the day, acquiring 1989 Topps cards ungraded offers collectors an exciting opportunity to build sets, pursue personal favorites, and potentially uncover true gem specimens worthy of significant long term potential—whether kept raw or submitted for professional certification down the line. With care and attention to condition details, it remains one of the most iconic and accessible vintage issues for building collections.
The 1989 Topps flagship baseball issue showcases the transition from 1980s design sensibilities into the modern age. Featuring some of the game’s most legendary talent either in their prime or as rookies, it has enduring nostalgia and significance for both casual and dedicated collectors. Whether acquired raw or graded, the 1989 set is sure to retain relevance in the hobby for decades to come.
