The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the late 1980s. Containing 792 total cards, the ’89 Topps set featured many of the game’s biggest stars from that era and several rookie cards that have gone on to acquire significant worth. While PSA 10 gem mint specimens of some of these cards can fetch astronomical prices today, here’s a breakdown of the 10 most valuable 1989 Topps baseball cards based on the value of high-grade PSA 9 or BGS 9.5 examples:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#316)

Considered one of the best players of his generation, Ken Griffey Jr. had one of the most popular and coveted rookie cards of the late 80s/early 90s. Graded PSA 9 copies routinely sell in the $300-500 range today, with a PSA 10 bringing upwards of $2,000. While not quite as highly regarded as the ultra-rare Griffey Fleer rookie, his ’89 Topps RC remains a key piece for any baseball card collection.

Nolan Ryan (#330)

One of the most legendary pitchers in MLB history, Nolan Ryan’s ’89 Topps card is driven up in price due to his Hall of Fame resume and the notoriety surrounding his career record 7 no-hitters. High graded PSA 9 examples trade hands for $350-600, with a true gem PSA 10 pushing north of $2,000 on the secondary market. Ryan remained an elite power pitcher well into his 40s, making this one of his final vintage Topps issue cards before retirement.

Ozzie Smith (#334)

As a 13 time Gold Glove winner and 15 time All-Star, Ozzie Smith was arguably the greatest defensive shortstop ever. His magician-like abilities in the field made him a fan favorite for over two decades. While not his most valuable by today’s standards, Ozzie’s ’89 Topps card still fetches $400-650 in top PSA 9 condition based on his iconic status. Pristine PSA 10 specimens have sold for up to $3,000.

Mark McGwire (#471)

Before setting the single season home run record in 1998, Mark McGwire was already establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier power hitters in the late 80s. Graded PSA 9 examples of his ’89 Topps card sell in the $450-700 range, with true gem PSA 10s commanding $2,500+. McGwire’s monster 70 HR season just a few years later only served to boost interest and demand for his early Topps cards like this one.

Rickey Henderson (#483)

As arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer ever, Rickey Henderson shattered countless career records during his 25 year MLB tenure. His ’89 Topps issue ranks among his most significant early cards, with PSA 9 copies selling between $500-800. An elite PSA 10 gem in this set is worth a solid $3,000-4,000 given Henderson’s incomparable basepaths wizardry throughout the 1980s-90s.

Barry Bonds (#522)

Before breaking the all-time home run record, Barry Bonds established himself as perhaps the most feared hitter in baseball through the late 80s and 90s. Graded PSA 9 examples of his ’89 Topps RC change hands for $550-750. A pristine PSA 10 gem can fetch $3,000 or more due to Bond’s all-time great career stats and the hobby’s natural interest in important rookie issues like this one.

Roger Clemens (#567)

As one of the most decorated right-handed pitchers in baseball history, Roger Clemens dominated on the mound for over two decades. High graded PSA 9 copies of his ’89 Topps card typically sell in the $600-800 range. True mint PSA 10 specimens have even realized prices up to $4,000 owing to Clemens’ seven Cy Young Awards and solid place among the all-time wins leaders.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#653)

In setting the consecutive games played streak at 2,632, Cal Ripken Jr. established himself as the very picture of Iron Man durability. His ’89 Topps issue remains one of his most iconic early cards. PSA 9 examples trade between $700-1,000, with a pristine PSA 10 often surpassing $4,000 due to Ripken’s reliable production and admirable longevity records. As a fan favorite and national sports icon, his cards from this era hold immense value.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#714)

Considered one of the crown jewels of any 1989 Topps baseball card collection, Ken Griffey Jr’s flagship RC is the #714 design showing him catching a popup in Mariners teal. Graded PSA 9 copies command $800-1,200 today. But mint PSA 10 specimens have astonishingly sold for well over $10,000, cementing this as one of the most significant modern baseball cards on the market. Griffey was a true five-tool superstar who went on to smash career records.

Kirby Puckett (#753)

As a six time All-Star and two time World Series champion with the Twins, Kirby Puckett was one of the premier outfielders of the late 1980s and early 90s. High graded PSA 9 copies of his ’89 Topps flagship card sell in the $1,000-1,500 range. But true gem PSA 10 examples have astonished the hobby by realizing prices up to $20,000! Such demand reflects Puckett’s iconic status in Minnesota as well as the rarity of finding his cards in pristine unworn condition nearly 30 years later. Simply put, a Puckett ’89 Topps PSA 10 may be the single most valuable card from the entire set.

The 1989 Topps baseball set remains a pivotal release chronicling the careers of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Clemens, McGwire and others. While vintage cardboard from this era faces an uphill battle to withstand the test of time, the most significant rookies, stars and especially high graded gems continue to attract serious investment and demand from savvy collectors. For the condition-sensitive investor, nothing quite compares to the potential value and collectibility associated with finding a Kirby Puckett PSA 10 from this beloved vintage issue.