The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues of the late 1980s. While it may not be as highly sought after as sets from the late 1950s or early 1960s, there are still several key cards that hold value for collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1989 Topps cards.
Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card (card #116) – Widely considered one of the most desirable rookie cards of all time, Griffey’s debut is the crown jewel of the 1989 set. In mint condition, it can fetch thousands of dollars. A PSA 10 example sold for over $20,000 in 2021. Even well-centered near mint copies sell in the $350-500 range. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is still in high demand by collectors years after his retirement.
Frank Thomas rookie card (card #81) – Like Griffey, Thomas also had a spectacular career that landed him in Cooperstown. His rookie card isn’t quite as sought after but it remains a prominent piece for collectors of this era. In a PSA 10 holder it can sell for $1,000-1,500. Most near mint copies sell in the $75-150 range depending on centering and condition.
Mark McGwire rookie card (card #238) – McGwire’s rookie joined the set during his breakout 1987 season. While he wasn’t quite the superstar name he would become in the late 90s, his card still holds value considering his status as one of the game’s all-time great sluggers. High grade examples have sold for $400-600 when certified perfectly. Most well-centered near mint copies sell in the $75-150 range.
Barry Bonds rookie card (card #132) – Controversy surrounds Bonds today but for collectors of the late 80s and 90s, his superstar-level play makes his rookie a key piece. Like McGwire’s, his addition to the set in 1988 raised awareness of his arrival. Top PSA 10 Bonds rookies have changed hands for $500-700 in recent years. Most raw near mint copies sell for $75-175 depending on quality.
Greg Maddux rookie card (card #264) – Maddux may not have the flashy power stats of his peers but for sheer consistency and incredible command, he is one of the game’s all-time greatest pitchers. While not quite a household name in his debut season like some of the others, collectors recognize his importance. Pristine PSA 10 Maddux rookies can bring $300-450. Most raw near mint copies sell in the $50-100 range.
Rickey Henderson card #1 – As the true star of the late 80s Athletics dynasty, Henderson’s aesthetically pleasing card donning an Oakland uniform makes it a popular high number for collectors to chase. In mint condition it can fetch $75-150 based on recent sales. Well-centered near mint copies usually sell in the $30-50 range.
Nolan Ryan Express card #440 – Featuring “The Express” in his final season with the Astros, this iconic action shot captures the legend’s blazing fastball. Top graded PSA/BGS examples have sold for $350-500. Well-kept raw near mints go for $75-150.
Ozzie Smith card #625 – Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops ever, “The Wizard’s” slick fielding skills made him a fan favorite. His sharp vertical image on the ’89 issue is a desired card. Mint examples have sold for $300-450. Most raw near mints sell in the $50-100 range.
Other 1989 Topps cards that typically sell from $20-75 depending on quality include Kirby Puckett, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Jose Canseco and Will Clark. The set overall remains an accessible and affordable vintage issue for collectors, with most commons selling for under $5 in played condition. But the high-end rookies and stars ensure some key pieces retain significant collector demand and value decades after the set’s original release. For those chasing Hall of Famers and all-time greats from the late 80s, the 1989 Topps baseball card set delivers.
