The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. Produced by Topps, the 1989 issue marked the 57th year of Topps baseball card production and contained 792 total cards. While not quite as coveted and expensive as some earlier sets from the 1950s and 1960s, the 1989 Topps cards remain a highly collectible vintage set over 30 years later.
Some key things to know about the 1989 Topps baseball card values and set include:
The design featured a simple white border around each photo with the team logo and player name/stats below. This clean, classic look has aged well compared to some of the more experimental 1980s designs.
Roster included many future Hall of Famers and stars of the late 80s/early 90s like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and more. This lends value and nostalgia to the set.
The flagship rookie cards of future stars like Bonds, Griffey, and Ripken are among the most desirable and expensive in the set. There are also plenty of affordable stars and commons to collect.
Condition is extremely important for value, as these cards have been in circulation for over 30 years. Near mint or better grades fetch a significant premium. Heavily played or damaged cards have minimal value.
The most valuable cards in the set, in near mint or better condition, can sell for thousands. But there are also many affordable commons and stars available in the $5-50 range.
Now let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and desirable 1989 Topps cards:
Barry Bonds rookie card (card #526): Widely considered the crown jewel of the ’89 set. Bonds was already showing star potential as a rookie. High-grade copies in PSA/BGS 10 have sold for over $20,000. Even well-centered PSA 8s can bring $1,000+.
Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card (card #581): Griffey was one of the most hyped prospects ever. His rookie is nearly as coveted as Bonds’. PSA 10s have reached $15,000, PSA 9s around $3,000. Still very affordable in lower grades.
Cal Ripken Jr. (card #87): Ripken was already a 2-time AL MVP by 1989. His iconic photo and the fact he broke Gehrig’s consecutive games record adds value. PSA 10s around $1,000, PSA 9s $200-300.
Wade Boggs (card #150): Boggs won 5 batting titles in the 1980s and his card remains one of the most iconic from the set. PSA 10s $300-500 depending on year, PSA 9s $100-200.
Ozzie Smith (card #561): A defensive wizard and 15-time Gold Glover. High grades $200-300 due to his popularity.
Nolan Ryan (card #692): One of the set’s most iconic photos. Even in lower grades, PSA 5-7 copies $50-100 due to nostalgia.
Don Mattingly (card #455): The ’85 MVP was a huge star throughout the late 80s. PSA 10s $150-250, PSA 9s $50-100.
Other notables like Roberto Alomar, Gregg Maddux, and Tom Glavine rookies have gained value with their Hall of Fame careers.
While the 1989 Topps set may not have quite the same cachet as the classic 1950s and 1960s issues, it remains one of the most iconic and collectible sets from the late 20th century. Rife with future Hall of Famers and containing some of the most coveted rookie cards ever, it’s sure to retain its place as a prime investment for vintage baseball card collectors. With so many affordable stars and parallels still available, it’s also one of the most accessible vintage sets to build.
