The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most famous and highly collected issues in the modern era. What makes the ’89 Topps cards so unique is the existence of a rare parallel subset known as the “Tiffany” variation. Within the standard 660-card base set released that year, a small number of cards were accidentally printed on ultra-high-quality glossy card stock instead of the standard paper stock. These accidental “Tiffany” parallels immediately stood out from the rest of the set due to their dramatically different feel and appearance.

Ever since their initial discovery by collectors in the late 80s/early 90s, the 1989 Topps Tiffany cards have taken on a mythical status. Stories circulated about how only a few dozen or few hundred of each Tiffany parallel existed, making them the holy grail for set builders. In reality, the true print runs are unknown, but most estimates place each Tiffany between 500-2000 copies. Regardless of specifics, their scarcity combined with the iconic players featured like Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith and Rickey Henderson ensured the Tiffanys would achieve legendary collectible status.

While the Tiffany cards look great in protective sleeves or toploaders, the biggest appeal stems from their prestigious rarity compared to the basic common base cards. Back in the late 80s, Topps used paper stock with a high rag/low lignin composition for most of its sets. This traditional stock had a matte finish and absorbed moisture easily. In stark contrast, the Tiffany parallels were printed on a premium glossy card stock with higher lignin content. This resulted in cards with a highly refined smooth slick surface feel unmatched in the base set. The Tiffanys literally glide between collectors’ fingers in a way that screams “SPECIAL ALTERNATE PRINTING.”

In terms of specific production differences, the Tiffany cards were truly a mistake by Topps. They were not part of any planned premium parallel subset release. Rather, it’s believed a small batch of the high-end stock accidentally got mixed in with the standard paper during one of the many print runs for the ’89 set. Only a select few sheets were printed on the Tiffany stock before the error was caught and corrected. This means the Tiffany parallels are scattered randomly throughout the entire 660-card checklist rather than being confined to a particular subset series.

Since their initial discovery and skyrocketing in value over the decades, the Tiffany cards provoked all sorts of rumors and conspiracy theories within the hobby. Some speculated Topps must have intentionally held back a small Tiffany stash to release later, sensing they’d become iconic. Others argued select Tiffanys were pulled from packs and put aside by insiders with foresight. While there’s no evidence to prove intentionality, whether happy accident or sly business move, Topps struck gold with the Tiffanys in terms of creating perhaps the most desirable parallel issue ever.

In the years since, Tiffanys have achieved truly astronomical prices far surpassing their common counterparts. With population reports for each card between 500-2000 copies, any Tiffany parallel from a star player can fetch thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Notable examples include a Tiffany Frank Thomas rookie that sold for $25,500 in 2012 and a Tiffany Nolan Ryan that brought $22,222 back in 2009. For beloved young talents, even lower-tier rookie Tiffanys can command four-figure sums. This tremendous premium is a testament to both the intrinsic appeal of finding true uncut gems within a massive release, as well as savvy speculation by investors.

The discovery of the 1989 Topps Tiffany parallel subset was complete serendipity on Topps’ part. But through the magic of limited supply and voracious demand, these accidental premium issues have become the single most coveted group of cards ever produced. Three decades later, the Tiffanys still hold a mythical romance and cachet within the hobby unlike any other parallel variant. Whether admiring the unmistakable slick surface patina in hand or appreciating their acclaimed rarity from a distance, the 1989 Topps Tiffanys are undoubtedly one of the crowning achievements in the history of the baseball card collecting world.