The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the iconic releases from the late 1980s. While not quite as coveted as some other years, there are still some highly valuable rookie and star player cards that fetch huge prices today. Let’s take a look at the top 10 most valuable 1989 Topps baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint prices.
Rickey Henderson (card #1) – PSA 10 Value: $300-400
The leadoff man for the Oakland A’s, Rickey Henderson was arguably the best base stealer of all time. His 1989 Topps card, featuring him in an A’s uniform, makes the list as the number 10 card due to the scarcity of high graded PSA 10 copies. Iconic star power and a PSA 10 population of only 49 copies push this card into the top 10.
Mark McGwire (card #216) – PSA 10 Value: $350-450
Before the home run race and steroid controversy, Mark McGwire was already establishing himself as one of baseball’s top power hitters on the rise. His rookie season saw him crush 49 home runs for the Oakland A’s. His 1989 Topps rookie card is highly coveted by collector’s looking to add a key McGwire card to their collection. The PSA 10 supply is also low at only 61 copies graded.
Barry Larkin (card #631) – PSA 10 Value: $400-550
The smooth shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, Barry Larkin would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and win the 1995 NL MVP award. His rookie card features him during his breakout 1989 season where he batted .296 with 12 home runs and 66 RBI. As one of the premier shortstop rookie cards from the late 80s/early 90s, Larkin’s 1989 Topps RC remains a popular and pricey card.
Tom Glavine (card #199) – PSA 10 Value: $450-600
Before cementing himself as an ace for the Atlanta Braves franchise, Tom Glavine was breaking out as a stud young lefty starter for the Mets. His action shot rookie card is one of the better pitching rookie cards from 1989 and Glavine went on to become a Hall of Famer. Low PSA 10 population of 47 copies adds scarcity value to this Cardinals great rookie issue.
Cal Ripken Jr. (card #646) – PSA 10 Value: $500-650
Mr. Consistency for the Baltimore Orioles, Cal Ripken Jr was always among the game’s top offensive and defensive shortstops during the late 80s and early 90s. His sweet swing action shot card is iconic of the era. Ripken collectors drive the value of this all-star card due to his legendary consistency and streak of playing in 2,632 straight games.
Roger Clemens (card #630) – PSA 10 Value: $550-700
Before solidifying himself as arguably the top pitcher of the late 80s/90s era, Roger Clemens was dominating hitters as the ace of the Boston Red Sox staff. His nasty pitching action photo commands strong prices for collectors looking to add one of Clemens’ best Red Sox cards to their collection. Only 51 PSA 10 examples keep this high-demand card in short supply.
Ozzie Smith (card #607) – PSA 10 Value: $600-750
Regarded as the greatest defensive shortstop of all time, Ozzie Smith earns a spot near the top of this list due to his popularity and skillset. His flashy diving play card highlights why he won a record 13 Gold Glove Awards. Iconic photo and low pop of 49 PSA 10’s add to the appeal for this Wizard of Oz issue.
Ken Griffey Jr. (card #221) – PSA 10 Value: $750-900
The 1989 Topps Griffey Jr. rookie is arguably the most iconic MLB card of the entire 1980s set era. Few rookies had as immediately impactful and exciting a debut as Junior did and his sweet swing shot makes this one of the most breathtaking and desired rookie cards ever released. Population of only 44 PSA 10 examples cements this card as exceptionally rare and valuable.
Nolan Ryan (card #329) – PSA 10 Value: $900-1,100
As one of the most intimidating and dominant pitchers in MLB history, it’s no surprise that any high grade Nolan Ryan card would demand top dollar. His windswept windup Astros issue, with Ryan’s peak years still ahead of him, is a stunning addition to any collection. Scarcity drives prices up with merely 35 PSA 10 copies in existence.
Frank Thomas (card #1) – PSA 10 Value: $1,200-1,500
“The Big Hurt” exploded onto the scene in 1990, winning AL Rookie of the Year and his debut 1989 Topps card became one of the finest rookie cards ever produced. His sweet lefty swing shot in a White Sox uniform remains incredibly tough to acquire in a PSA 10 grade. With an ultra-low population of only 34 PSA 10 examples, this rookie card takes the top spot as the single most valuable 1989 Topps issue.
The 1989 Topps set introduced several future Hall of Famers and produced many iconic rookie cards that remain at the top of want lists for collectors today due to photographic quality, player performance and rarity factors. The cards featuring stars like Griffey Jr, McGwire, Thomas and Clemens are rightfully among the most in-demand and valuable from the entire 1980s era. Condition sensitive 1989 Topps remains an exciting and investment worthy vintage release for baseball card investors.
