The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues ever produced. With 792 total cards in the base set and inserts featuring some of the biggest names in the game, many 1989 Topps cards have stood the test of time and increased tremendously in value. Below we take a look at the top 10 most valuable 1989 Topps baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint grades:

Nolan Ryan (#391) – As one of the greatest pitchers of all time with a record 7 no-hitters, any Ryan rookie or star card holds value. His ’89 Topps features him pitching for the Texas Rangers and has sold for around $400 in top grade. At age 42 during the ’89 season, it was one of Ryan’s final elite years before retirement.

Barry Bonds (#397) – Bonds was just starting to emerge as a superstar for the Pittsburgh Pirates in ’89. His formidable rookie card sold for around $450 in PSA 10 condition. Bonds would go on to smash the single season and career home run records over the next decade and become arguably the best hitter ever.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#422) – One of the most sought-after early Griffey rookie cards, this flashy image features him making a great catch for the Seattle Mariners. High-grade ’89 Griffeys in the $500 range illustrate why he was a fan favorite and one of the most talented outfielders ever.

Ozzie Smith (#632) – As a perennial Gold Glover and the heart and soul of the St. Louis Cardinals for over a decade, the Wizard of Oz captured plenty of attention from collectors. Near-mint copies of his star card have closed for around $550.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#150) – The Iron Man had established himself as the anchor of the Baltimore Orioles by 1989. High-end versions of Ripken’s card with his classic batting stance fetched up to $600. He would go on to break Lou Gehrig’s famed consecutive games played record in 1995.

Don Mattingly (#206) – The classy first baseman was a fan favorite for the New York Yankees during their domination in the 80s. In PSA 10, Mattingly’s card depicting him batting sold for around $650 based on recent eBay sales. He was the heart of the franchise before injuries slowed his career.

Bo Jackson (#666) – As one of the greatest pure athletes ever known for his elite talents in both football and baseball, Bo Jackson became a pop culture icon in the late 80s/early 90s. His stunning rookie card has hammered for over $700. The unique #666 number adds to its mystique as well.

Bryce Harper (#206) – Though not technically a rookie card since he played in ’10, Harper’s first Topps issue is arguably his most notable. The uber-talented outfielder was a can’t-miss prospect and his card sold for around $850 in top condition. He has lived up to the hype by winning MVP awards in the MLB.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Junior’s flagship rookie leads off the ’89 set in the #1 slot. High-grade copies have shattered the $1,000 mark due to his status as a fan-favorite superstar and clean-cut image. It remains one of the most iconic baseball cards ever made.

Frank Thomas (#235) – The Big Hurt exploded onto the scene by winning the ’90 AL MVP award. His rookie card not only features fantastic on-field action but also one of the cleanest, boldest autographs in the set. In PSA 10 condition with a perfect signature, ’89 Thomas rookies have eclipsed $2,000. He was one of the premier hitters of the 90s generation.

While players like Bonds, Clemens and others from the ’89 set have seen values hurt by steroid controversies, the cards of clean superstars like Griffey, Ripken, and Thomas remain at an all-time premium. Beyond raw numbers, these cards also hold immense nostalgia for anyone who collected or watched baseball in the late 80s/early 90s peak era. Graded gems from the ‘89 Topps set will likely only increase in value as the years pass.