In 1989, Topps produced their 75th edition of baseball cards for the MLB. The 1989 Topps set includes 792 total baseball cards and features every player from that season. Pricing for cards from the 1989 Topps set can vary widely depending on the player, condition of the card, and specific variations. Let’s take a deeper look at some key factors that influence pricing and examine average values for notable rookie cards and stars from that year.
Card condition is extremely important when determining price and there are several grading scales used. The most popular is the 1-10 scale from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). On this scale, a PSA 10 card is in pristine, mint condition while a PSA 1 is damaged. Even minor flaws can significantly decrease value. Centering (whether the front image is centered perfectly within the cardboard borders) and corners are especially scrutinized. A well-centered PSA 9 card may sell for significantly more than an off-center PSA 8. For key rookie cards, there is usually a vast difference in prices between a PSA 9 and PSA 10.
Another factor is any variations or serial numbers on the back of the card. The 1989 Topps set included wax pack “insert” cards of Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds with unique blue borders. These rare variations sell for far more than the standard base cards. Serial numbers were also popular in the late 80s/early 90s and low serial numbered cards under #1000 are highly desirable to collectors. Whether the player featured went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career carries weight in the long run demand and pricing.
Some notable rookies from the 1989 Topps set that currently hold high values include Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds. A PSA 10 Griffey rookie in pristine condition can fetch over $2,500. Even well-centered PSA 9s sell for $400-800 depending on the auction. Condition is especially important for this iconic rookie card. For Barry Bonds rookies, PSA 10s sell in the $700-1000 range while PSA 9s go for $150-300. Both had remarkable careers that fuel interest in their rookie cards decades later.
Among the star veterans, Nolan Ryan remains one of the most coveted pitching cards for collectors. His 1989 Topps card in PSA 10 condition routinely tops $150-200 in sales. Other top graded hobby boxes from that year include Kirby Puckett ($75-150 PSA 10), Ozzie Smith ($75-125 PSA 10), and Rickey Henderson ($50-100 PSA 10). Like Griffey and Bonds, having legendary careers inflated long term demand.
For most other stars and prospects in the set, PSA 10 prices range from $10-50 depending on popularity. Well-centered near mint PSA 9s usually sell between $5-20. Common players or those who didn’t pan out long term hold very little value even in top grades unless they have special variations, serial numbers, or other quirks collectors search for. The supply is also more plentiful which keeps prices relatively low.
When appraising and pricing cards from the 1989 Topps collection, condition, rarity of the specific card issue, and the player’s career performance are the major influencers of value. Iconic rookie cards like Griffey Jr. and Bonds maintain strong collector demand decades later when pristine. Meanwhile stars who cemented Hall of Fame legacies continue attracting vintage enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for their well-kept cards.
