The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. While it may not be as renowned as some other vintage issues, the ’89 Topps cards featured several star players and key rookie cards that have stood the test of time. For collectors looking to potentially make money from their collection, here are some of the most valuable 1989 Topps baseball cards to watch out for.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (1989 Topps #316)

Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards of all time, the Ken Griffey Jr. 1989 Topps card is the clear crown jewel of the set. Griffey went on to have a Hall of Fame career hitting over 600 home runs, and his rookie card has appreciated greatly over the years. In near mint condition, examples regularly sell for well over $100 today. Graded mint copies in PSA 10 or BGS/SGC 9.5 condition have sold for upwards of $10,000 at auction due to Griffey’s popularity and the card’s excellent centering, corners and edges when in top shape. For collectors with extensive ’89 Topps Griffey rookies, even lower grade copies in EX-MT condition can still command $50-75 each.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (1989 Topps #481)

While not having the universal appeal of Griffey, the Greg Maddux rookie is still highly sought after by collectors given his decorated pitching career. Maddux racked up over 300 wins and four Cy Young Awards during the 1990s and 2000s. His rookie card doesn’t quite reach Griffey levels, but mint PSA 10 examples in excess of $2,000 have been reported. More common NM-MT near mint copies still sell in the $75-150 range depending on condition. Even worn copies in poor shape usually sell for a minimum of $10-20 due to the card’s significance.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (1989 Topps Traded #T206)

As one of the most controversial yet statistically dominant players of all time, Barry Bonds rookie cards remain collector favorites. His main Topps rookie is actually part of the rarer 1989 Traded set rather than the base issue. Numbered to only 24,998 printed, these Traded cards are much tougher to find in pristine condition compared to the base set. PSA 10 graded Bonds rookies have reportedly sold for upwards of $2,000, with NM-MT copies in the $100-200 range depending on exact centering and corners. Even well worn EX-MT examples still trade hands for $25-50 due to the difficulty in finding any Bonds rookie in attractive condition.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (1989 Topps Traded #T207)

One of the best players of the 1990s, Roberto Alomar had a Hall of Fame career at second base primarily with the Blue Jays and Orioles. Like Bonds, his primary Topps rookie comes from the scarce ’89 Traded set rather than the base issue. Pristine PSA 10 Alomar rookies have been reported in the $400-500 range, with NM-MT copies going for $75-150 depending on centering and edges. Even EX-MT and lower grade copies retain respectable values north of $25.

Nolan Ryan Record Breakers Insert (1989 Topps #640)

A popular insert subset, the 1989 Topps Nolan Ryan Record Breakers card commemorated him surpassing Sandy Koufax’s career strikeout record. Highly desired by both Ryan and ’89 Topps collectors, PSA 10 examples top out near $200. Mint to near mint NM-MT copies range from $50-100 based on centering and condition issues. Well-worn but identifiable VG-EX copies still sell in the $10-20 range due to Ryan’s popularity and the card’s subject matter significance.

Kirby Puckett Rated Rookie Card (1989 Topps #714)

Featuring a young Twins star Kirby Puckett in his official “Rated Rookie” designation, this coveted card saw great appreciation after Puckett went on to slam out over 2,300 hits including a World Series MVP award. High grade PSA 10 examples can reach $150 today, with most NM-MT copies selling between $20-50 depending on exact centering, corners and edges. Even well-played VG-EX copies retain values north of $10 because of the card’s iconic rookie subject.

1989 Topps Flags Short Print (1989 Topps #833 SP)

One of the toughest cards to find in the ’89 Topps set is the scarce Flags short print following the base checklist at #833. Only available in an estimated 1 per case of wax packs, condition is everything for this rare SP. High quality PSA 9 or 10 Flags examples can bring $100-200 today. Even off-center NM-MT copies still demand $50-75. Locating any genuine Flags short print in a collector’s collection today is a true rarity.

Mark McGwire Post-Rookie Season (1989 Topps #843)

While not his true rookie card, collectors love Mark McGwire’s 1989 issue due to the massive popularity he achieved later in his career. After breaking out with a 49 home run 1987 rookie campaign, McGwire’s ’89 Topps issue was printed just after that impressive debut season. High grade PSA 10 copies top out around $75 today, with most NM-MT versions settling in the $20-40 range. McGwire’s powerful swing and home run feats make even worn VG-EX copies retain respectable values over $10.

1989 Topps Traded Barry Larkin Rookie (1989 Topps Traded #T234)

One of the all-time great Reds shortstops, Larkin was a smooth fielder and consistent .300 hitter through the 1990s. His solo rookie card resides in the Traded checklist rather than the base set. High quality PSA 9-10 Larkin rookies reach $100-150 based on scarcity and demand. Most NM-MT copies sell around $30-75 depending on appearance. Even well-worn VG-EX versions seem to maintain $10-20 given Larkin’s Hall of Fame career.

By cherry picking gem mint condition examples of stars like Griffey Jr., Maddux, Bonds, and key rookies, collectors have a good chance to make money buying and selling vintage 1989 Topps cards over the long run. While not ubiquitous, higher priced finds are definitely possible if a true PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 specimen turns up. With baseball’s enduring popularity and the iconic designs of late 80s issues, you really can’t go wrong holding pristine ’89 Topps cards as long term investments in your portfolio. Understanding which rookie stars and inserts hold the biggest potential future values is key to profiting from America’s favorite pastime decades later.