Introduction
The 1989 Topps baseball card set was the 58th year of production for Topps and featured cards of players from that season. The design featured a full color team logo and player photo on a white background. Some of the top rookie cards included Barry Larkin, Gregg Olson, and Randy Johnson. Now over 30 years later, this set has developed quite a robust secondary market with certain key cards fetching high prices. This article will provide an in-depth overview of pricing trends for the top 1989 Topps cards based on condition and player performance.
Base Card Pricing
For common base cards in poor condition, prices usually range from $0.25 to $1. Cards that are in played/good condition tend to sell in the $1-3 range. Near mint/mint non-short print base cards will sell for $3-7 depending on the player featured. The most widespread sales are often seen between $3-5 for stars like Kirby Puckett, Wade Boggs, or Jose Canseco. For lower level but memorable players, prices may top out around $7-10 in gem mint condition.
Short Print Cards
The 1989 Topps set included 81 short printed cards which were inserted less frequently than the base issues. These have steadily increased in value over the years due to their scarcity. Examples of desirable low-numbered short prints include Kirby Puckett (#SP84 – $30-$50 MN), Dennis Eckersley (#SP81 – $25-40 MN), and Barry Larkin (#SP79 – $20-30 MN). Prices can easily double or triple for these cards in higher grades. The true hot short prints that command three figure sums or more are discussed next.
Key Rated Rookie Cards
Without question, the most expensive 1989 Topps cards center around the star rated rookie issues. Here’s a breakdown:
Barry Larkin (#521): As a future Hall of Famer, Larkin’s rookie is one of the marquee cards from the set. In PSA 9-10 condition, values range between $150-250. For PSA 8 and below, prices fall to the $75-125 range.
Randy Johnson (#561): The Big Unit’s first card is highly coveted. PSA 9-10 fetches $300-500 due to his legendary career. PSA 8 holds $150-250 value and PSA 7 is $75-125.
Gregg Olson (#581): As the premier closer of the late 1980s/early 1990s, Olson maintained respectable prices over time. PSA 9-10 values are approximately $125-200. PSA 8 is $75-125, PSA 7 is $50-75.
Tom Glavine (#541): Despite a Hall of Fame career, Glavine’s rookie card hasn’t reached the heights of Larkin or Johnson. Still, PSA 9-10 examples command $75-125. PSA 8 is $40-75, PSA 7 is $25-50.
Star Veteran Cards
The upper echelon veteran cards that retained/gained value include:
Wade Boggs (#12): Arguably the set’s most iconic photo. PSA 9-10 values are $150-250 due to his hit king status. PSA 8 is $75-150, PSA 7 is $50-75.
Ozzie Smith (#173): As a fan favorite and defensive wizard, his PSA 9-10 cards reach $100-150. PSA 8 holds $50-100 value, PSA 7 is $25-50.
Mike Schmidt (#511): One of the great third basemen ever. PSA 9-10 cards sell between $75-150. PSA 8 is $40-75, PSA 7 is $25-40.
Kirby Puckett (#301): Already well established by 1989. PSA 9-10 cards command $75-150 prices. PSA 8 stays around $40-75, PSA 7 is $25-40.
Nolan Ryan (#531): In the latter stage of his career but still Nolan Ryan. PSA 9-10 values range from $50-100. PSA 8 holds $25-50 value, PSA 7 is $15-25.
Team Sets and Inserts
There are also desirable team sets and inserts within the 1989 Topps release that hold value:
Team Set (#1-12): Complete team logo card rainbow sets in high grade regularly sell for $150-250.
Team Mascots (#602-613): The 12 card mascot insert set typically sells as a group for $50-100 in PSA 8-10 condition.
Turn Back The Clock (#614-625): High graded versions of this 12 card “retro” insert set command $75-150.
Team Leaders (#626-637): Another popular 12 card insert focusing on statistical leaders. PSA 9-10 group value is approximately $75-125.
Dave Winfield Mini (#MT2): Measuring just 1″ square, the Winfield mini is one of the rarest inserts. PSA 9-10 sell for $75-125 individually.
Puzzle Backs: Complete puzzle back subsets of popular teams can reach $50-100 depending on the club and grades.
Conclusion
The 1989 Topps baseball set remains a solid long term investment opportunity for savvy collectors. Key rookie cards like Larkin, Johnson and Olson along with stars from the era like Boggs, Schmidt and Puckett hold the most intrinsic value. But there are also bargains to be had among shorter prints and niche inserts if purchasing raw ungraded copies. For a set from over 30 years ago, 1989 Topps maintains surprisingly strong secondary market pricing dynamics.
