The 1989 Topps baseball card set is highly regarded by collectors due to the quality rookie cards it featured. While not the most iconic rookie class of the late 80s/early 90s era, the ’89 Topps set launched the cardboard careers of stars like Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, and Randy Johnson. As a result, certain cards from this 700+ card release hold significant value, especially in high grade. Here are the five most valuable 1989 Topps baseball cards based on PSA 10 pop reports and recent auction prices.
Ken Griffey Jr. – At just 19 years old, Griffey burst onto the MLB scene in 1989 with an impressive rookie campaign where he smacked 26 home runs and drove in 67 runs for the Seattle Mariners. His athleticism and immense talent marked him as a future superstar. Naturally, his rookie card is the crown jewel of the 1989 Topps set. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint, it has reached upwards of $6,000 at auction. Even in lower grades from 8-9, it can still pull $150-$500. Griffey’s dominance and popularity as “The Kid” ensures this will remain one of the most iconic and valuable modern rookie cards.
Barry Larkin – Most consider Larkin one of the greatest shortstops of all time, known for his defensive wizardry and clutch hitting during his Hall of Fame career spent entirely with the Cincinnati Reds. His rookie card shows promise of that excellence to come. In a PSA 10, it has sold for over $1,000, clearly making it the second most desirable card from the ’89 set. Like Griffey, even well-centered lower grade versions hold value ranging from $50-250 depending on condition.
Greg Maddux – One of the most dominating and consistent pitchers ever, Maddux is remembered as a master of pinpoint control and changing speeds to outwit hitters. His early years showed that brilliance beginning, as his outstanding rookie campaign helped lead the Chicago Cubs to the NL East title. Predictably, his rookie card garners high demand from collectors. PSA 10s have hit around $800 while 8-9s go between $75-200.
Randy Johnson – Big Unit’s huge 6’10” frame and pure gas made him one of the most intimidating hurlers to ever toe the rubber. His rookie card is particularly sought after given his explosive career evolution from inconsistent young starter into arguably the greatest lefty of all time. Johnson’s card has topped $500 in Gem Mint. More common mid-range examples still sell for $50-150 based on condition.
Barry Bonds – As one of the most prolific home run hitters in baseball history and still the all-time single season record holder, Bonds is forever enshrined in the sport’s record books. His promising rookie season foreshadowed greatness to come. As a result, his ’89 Topps RC is another in high demand. In a flawless PSA 10 grade, it has reached up to $450 at auction when elite examples become available. Mid-range 8-9 copies trade hands from $75-200.
While not quite as iconic or valuable as sets like 1987 and 1988 Topps, the 1989 release does hold significance both on the diamond through star rookies and in the collecting marketplace. As long as demand remains high for the talents of Griffey, Larkin, Maddux, Johnson, and Bonds, their rookie cards should continue appreciating over time. For today’s investors and enthusiasts, hunting down pristine copies in strong grades represents an opportunity to own influential pieces of baseball history at the players’ earliest cardboard stages. The 1989 Topps set launched careers that took the sport to new heights and still invigorate collector passion decades later.
