The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and desirable issues from the late 1980s. Containing 792 total cards, the 1989 Topps set highlighted some of the biggest future Hall of Famers and stars from that era. While the entire set isn’t exceedingly valuable today, there are several key rookie cards and stars from 1989 that can fetch high prices from serious collectors.
One of the most valuable rookie cards from the 1989 Topps set is Ken Griffey Jr. Considered one of the best pure hitters of all-time, Griffey was already establishing himself as a superstar outfielder in his rookie season of 1989 with the Seattle Mariners. His rookie card sits at the top of the value chart for 1989 Topps, with high grade copies regularly selling for thousands of dollars. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s rookie has sold for over $10,000. Even well-centered PSA 9 Excellent copies can reach $1,500-$2,000.
Another notable rookie card is Seattle’s Edgar Martinez. While not the flashiest player, Martinez established himself as one of the best designated hitters and hitters of all-time over his 18-year career spent entirely with the Mariners. His rookie card has also risen significantly in value in recent years. In a PSA 10, it can fetch $800-$1,000. A PSA 9 typically sells in the $350-$500 range.
A key star card that holds great value is Oakland Athletics’ slugger José Canseco. As one of the pioneers of the steroid era, Canseco made history in 1988 by becoming the first player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season, earning him AL MVP honors. His stunning power display made his 1989 Topps card wildly popular. High grade PSA 10 Cansecos sell for $400-$600, while a well-centered PSA 9 goes for $150-$250.
Another constantly in-demand star is Nolan Ryan. Already a legend with several no-hitters to his name, Ryan’s blazing fastball made him one of the most captivating pitchers to watch. His 1989 Topps card remains one of his most iconic issues. PSA 10 Ryan rookies can reach $800, with PSA 9s around $300. The card is always a hot seller due to his legend status.
While stars and rookies drive the value at the top, there are several other noteworthy players that can yield respectable returns as well. Oakland Athletics slugger Mark McGwire, already showing signs of his future power abilities in 1989, has a PSA 10 valued around $250. San Diego Padres pitchers Andy Benes and Benito Santiago, early career stars at the time, have PSA 10 rookies around $150 each as well. Toronto Blue Jays star Joe Carter, in the middle of his prime, has a $100 PSA 10 value.
Most of the true value lies in gem mint, centered PSA 10 examples of stars, key rookies, and the most popular players from 1989. There is still room for profit even in lower graded copies. Edgar Martinez PSA 8 rookies sell for around $150. Canseco PSA 8s go for $80-$100. McGwire and Nolan Ryan PSA 8 stars are $60-$80. Even commons from the set in high grades can find buyers. A complete 1989 Topps set all in PSA 8 sells for over $1500 still.
While condition is still king when determining value, certain parallels and specialty cards from 1989 Topps hold value as well. The gold foil stamp parallel cards, one per pack on average, have floated to $25-$35 raw in high grades of key players. The rare Diamond Kings subset, featuring 25 of the biggest stars shot in glamor diamond-framed photos, has individual cards reaching $70-$150 in top condition as well.
In the end, the 1989 Topps baseball card set remains a highly collectible issue due to its star power and prominence during one of the most energetic periods for the sport. Picking up stars, rookies, and specialized inserts still in pristine condition offers collectors opportunities for potential greater returns down the road as the vintage market only continues rising. For those with an eye on history and the highest investment-caliber vintage cards, 1989 Topps maintains its place as a essential set to hold in any collection.
