1989 Topps Baseball Card Price Guide – Complete Set Values
The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s. Produced during Barry Bonds’ breakout season and Nolan Ryan’s record-breaking career, the ’89 Topps set contains 792 total cards that provide a snapshot of the game at that moment in time. While not quite as sought after as some previous decades, the 1989 Topps complete set still holds value for collectors and investors decades later. Here is an in-depth price guide looking at estimates for a 1989 Topps baseball card set in various grades.
Complete Set – Raw (No Grading)
For collectors looking to assemble a raw 1989 Topps complete set without grading, expect to pay somewhere in the $300-$500 range depending on the overall condition of the cards. Raw in this case means the cards have not been professionally graded and encapsulated by a third party service like PSA or BGS. Most of the cards in a raw set will fall into Very Good to Excellent condition, with some outliers that are poorer or better. Shipping costs and availability of certain key cards can impact the final price. Condition is everything for raw sets, so be prepared for some cards to need replacing to finish a true complete run.
Complete Set – PSA 8
Grading a full 1989 Topps set with PSA and achieving an average grade of PSA 8 would significantly increase the value. A PSA 8 complete set in 1989 Topps would conservatively sell in the $1,000-$1,500 range based on recent sales and market data. This grade signifies cards that are well-centered with sharp corners and edges and no flaws beyond some very light surface wear or print lines. Completing a PSA 8 set is no small feat given the sheer number of cards and natural grading variability, but achieves a nice balance of condition and value.
Complete Set – BGS 9
Taking grading up a notch, a 1989 Topps complete collection where every card has been encapsulated by BGS with an average grade of 9 would command top dollar from avid collectors. In this pristine state, expect to pay $2,000-$3,000 minimum for a true BGS 9 complete set. The black label and glossy holders of BGS instantly attract serious investors and those seeking true gem mint copies. Even minor flaws cannot be present to achieve a BGS 9, making these exceedingly rare to complete across an entire flagship set from any year. Condition sensitive buyers will pay top dollar for the superior preservation and quality control of BGS slabs.
Key Rated Rookie Cards
While a full set offers completion, the true blue chip cards that drive value are the key rated rookies from 1989 Topps. Here are some estimates for top names based on PSA 10 prices:
Ken Griffey Jr. (#316): $1,000-$1,500
Gregg Jefferies (#249): $200-300
Derek Bell (#221): $75-$125
Gary Sheffield (#254): $150-$250
David Justice (#256): $100-$175
Barry Larkin (#264): $150-$250
Randy Johnson (#276): $175-$300
Mark McGwire (#278): $250-$400
Jim Abbott (#280): $100-$175
Ruben Sierra (#282): $75-$125
In PSA 9 condition, these rookies would see roughly a 30-50% discount compared to gem mint 10s. Demand remains very strong for star players, especially those who went on to Hall of Fame careers like Griffey and Johnson.
Other Key Cards
Beyond the rookies, there are always standout veteran and star cards that hold significant value based on performance and popularity over the years:
Nolan Ryan (#1): $50-$75
Ozzie Smith (#33): $25-$40
Wade Boggs (#63): $15-$25
Roger Clemens (#99): $30-$50
Rickey Henderson (#119): $40-$65
Mike Schmidt (#159): $25-$40
Don Mattingly (#173): $20-$35
Kirby Puckett (#193): $25-$40
Dwight Gooden (#211): $15-$25
Darryl Strawberry (#213): $12-$20
Jose Canseco (#233): $10-$18
Barry Bonds (#249): $15-$25
Condition is again critical, with the PSA 10 price often 2-3x a comparable PSA 9. Centering, corners and edges will make the difference when valuing vintage stars at the high end of the market.
Variation Cards
No price guide would be complete without mentioning the chase parallels and variations that add excitement and value. Here are a few highlights from 1989 Topps:
Ken Griffey Jr. Traded (#T79): $150-$250
Nolan Ryan Record Breaker (#500): $50-$100
Ozzie Smith ASG (#AS1): $25-$50
Mark McGwire ASG (#AS11): $15-$30
Wade Boggs ASG Gold (#ASG13): $50-$100
Dwight Gooden Traded (#T32): $25-$50
Randy Johnson Traded (#T73): $30-$60
Ozzie Smith Traded (#T33): $15-$30
The traded and All-Star inserts are always hot, while special parallels like the rare Boggs Gold take the cake. Centering is again paramount, with 10s selling 3-5x versus comparable 9s.
Grading and Preservation
For long-term appreciation, professional third-party grading is highly recommended when acquiring high-end 1989 Topps cards. Services like PSA and BGS provide authentication, consistent grading scales, and preservation in tamper-evident holders. This adds confidence for buyers and generally increases resale values versus raw or self-graded copies. Always inspect cards closely under bright light for any flaws, wrinkling or soft corners that could negatively impact potential grades. Slabbing is an investment, but helps future-proof valuable vintage cardboard. Toploaders or one-touches are great low-cost ways to safely store raw copies not planned for immediate resale.
Market Outlook
As one of the most iconic baseball card sets ever produced, demand for 1989 Topps is unlikely to slow anytime soon. The combination of star rookie cards, Hall of Fame veterans and fun parallels make it an extremely collectible vintage issue. Graded examples will continue their steady appreciation over time as availability dwindles. Even raw sets still hold value as a relatively affordable entry point for collectors. With the sport’s rising popularity among new demographics, prices may see upward pressure industry-wide. The 1989s remain a sound long term investment for patient collectors.
The 1989 Topps baseball card set offers affordable collecting and investment opportunities across all price points and conditions. Whether raw or graded, stars or inserts, completion or singles – this classic issue delivers for fans of the era and cardboard collecting alike. Proper preservation, condition assessment and market knowledge are keys to success acquiring and holding examples for future profit or enjoyment. The 1989s are here to stay as a foundational part of the hobby’s history.
