The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was released at the tail end of the junk wax era, but still contained some valuable rookie cards and stars of the day that have held their value well over 30 years later. Let’s take an in-depth look at the key cards from the ’89 Donruss set and what they tend to sell for based on grade and condition.

The biggest star and most valuable card from the 1989 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best rookie card of all time, even low graded Griffey Jr. rookies command big money. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, the Griffey Jr. rookie has sold for well over $10,000. In a PSA 9 near mint condition, it still fetches $1,000-2,000. Even in a PSA 8 very good condition, the Griffey Jr. rookie will sell for $300-500. For a PSA 7 good condition, expect $150-250. In lower grades of PSA 6 or below, the Griffey Jr. rookie is still worth $50-100 due to its iconic status.

Another highly valuable rookie card from the ’89 Donruss set is Greg Maddux. Like Griffey Jr., even lower graded Maddux rookies hold significant value. A PSA 10 Maddux rookie has sold for over $3,000. In a PSA 9, it sells for $500-800. A PSA 8 will go for $200-300. PSA 7 is around $100-150. Lower PSA grades of 6 or below still sell in the $50-75 range for the Maddux rookie card.

In addition to rookie cards, stars performing well in 1989 also carried premium prices. Perhaps the biggest star of that season was Ken Griffey Sr. of the Seattle Mariners. While not as valuable as his son’s rookie, Griffey Sr.’s 1989 Donruss card still holds value. A PSA 10 sells for $150-250. PSA 9 is $50-75. PSA 8 goes for $25-35. PSA 7 is around $15-20.

Another star of 1989 was Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco. Known for his mammoth home runs and muscular physique, Canseco was one of the most popular players of his era. His ’89 Donruss card commands a premium as well. A PSA 10 sells for around $75-100. PSA 9 is $30-50. PSA 8 goes for $15-25. PSA 7 is $10-15. Even a lowly PSA 6 Canseco will sell in the $5-8 range.

Two other stars whose 1989 Donruss cards retain value are Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith. Ryan was still in his twilight years with the Texas Rangers but was legendary for his fastball and strikeouts. A PSA 10 1989 Ryan Donruss sells for around $50-75. PSA 9 is $25-35. PSA 8 is $15-20. PSA 7 goes for $10-12. On the other hand, Ozzie Smith was in his prime as the Wizard of Oz and a 13x Gold Glove shortstop. His ’89 Donruss PSA 10 sells for $35-50. PSA 9 is $15-25. PSA 8 is $10-15. PSA 7 goes for $7-10.

While the biggest stars and rookies drive the highest prices, there are also several other notable players whose 1989 Donruss cards have retained collectible value based on player performance and career milestones:

Tom Glavine Rookie (Braves): PSA 10 ($150-250), PSA 9 ($50-75), PSA 8 ($25-35)

Randy Johnson Rookie (Mariners): PSA 10 ($100-150), PSA 9 ($40-60), PSA 8 ($20-30)

Barry Bonds Rookie (Pirates): PSA 10 ($75-100), PSA 9 ($30-50), PSA 8 ($15-25)

Mark McGwire Rookie (A’s): PSA 10 ($75-100), PSA 9 ($30-50), PSA 8 ($15-25)

Cal Ripken Jr. (Orioles): PSA 10 ($35-50), PSA 9 ($15-25), PSA 8 ($10-15)

Wade Boggs (Red Sox): PSA 10 ($25-35), PSA 9 ($10-15), PSA 8 ($7-10)

Kirby Puckett (Twins): PSA 10 ($25-35), PSA 9 ($10-15), PSA 8 ($7-10)

While 1989 Donruss cards on the whole hold little value outside of high grades for stars, there are still numerous rookie cards and stars from that season that collectors actively seek out and are willing to pay premium prices for based on the player pedigree and scarcity/condition of the individual card. The Griffey Jr. and Maddux rookies especially continue to be bright spots in an otherwise dim era of baseball card production and remain must-have cards for enthusiasts of the era.