The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. While it does not contain any true “mega-rookies” on par with a Griffey Jr. or Bonds rookie card, there are still several key cards from the ’89 set that can bring in significant money depending on the grade and condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top money cards from the ’89 Topps collection:
Ken Griffey Jr.: While 1989 was Griffey’s rookie season, his true mega-rookie card came in the 1989 Upper Deck set. His ’89 Topps card #422 is still highly sought after by collectors. In gem mint PSA 10 condition, this card has sold for over $1,000. Even in high EX-MT 8 condition it can fetch $100-200. Any Griffey Jr. rookie is always in high demand.
Greg Maddux: Maddux emerged as one of the game’s best pitchers starting in this season. His ’89 Topps rookie card #460 in PSA 10 condition has eclipsed $500 at auction. PSA 9 copies tend to sell in the $200 range. This is an iconic pitching RC that will always be collectible.
Barry Bonds: 1989 marked Bonds’ first All-Star season as he started to showcase his incredible skills. His Topps rookie card #593 isn’t quite as valuable as other Bonds rookies, but PSA 10s have still gone for $400-500. Even well-centered PSA 9s can sell for $150-250 depending on the population report numbers.
Tom Glavine: Alongside Maddux, Glavine was a key member of the dominant Atlanta Braves rotations of the 1990s. His ’89 Topps rookie card #360 in PSA 10 condition has sold for over $350. PSA 9s usually sell for around $150. Another very obtainable pitching rookie to target.
Bobby Thigpen: Thigpen set the single season saves record in 1990 with 57. His ’89 Topps rookie card #678 isn’t the most visually exciting design but holds value with reliever collectors. PSA 10s have sold for $300-400 range in recent years.
Wally Joyner: While not an elite superstar, Joyner was a solid player for many years including winning the 1988 AL Rookie of the Year award. His ’89 Topps rookie card #181 in high grades brings decent returns. PSA 10s have reached $200-250.
Darren Daulton: “Dutch” was the starting catcher for the 1993 NL pennant winning Phillies. His ’89 Topps RC #560 in PSA 10 condition can reach $150-200 for Phillies collectors. Even PSA 9s sell in the $50-75 range.
While not the biggest “hits”, there are a number of other valuable cards in the ’89 Topps set. Bo Jackson’s card #329 hits around $50-75 even in lower grades due to his cultural popularity. PSA 10 Andres Galarraga rookie #450 and Ruben Sierra rookie #681 have sold for $100-150 each. Future Hall of Famers Dennis Eckersley #189, Ozzie Smith #344, and Eddie Murray #550 can reach $50-100 in top condition as well.
Beyond the rookie cards, there are a number of key high-series numbers that gain value from All-Star and ballot parallel variations:
#100 Kirby Puckett / #200 Dwight Gooden AS Variations ~ $150 PSA 10
#500 Nolan Ryan / #600 Ryne Sandberg AS Variations ~ $100 PSA 10
#700 Ozzie Smith NL Ballot Variation ~ $150 PSA 10
The designs and photography of the ’89 Topps set are considered above-average for the late 1980s era as well. Combined with the presence of so many good rookie cards and star parallels, it’s easy to see why this set remains a favorite of collectors over 30 years later. With populations of high-grade samples still relatively low compared to the print run, the best cards continue appreciate steadily for astute investors. For builders and investors focused on 1980s/90s content, the ’89 Topps baseball set deserves a strong look.
While it may lack true “box topper” cards on Griffey Jr.’s level, the 1989 Topps baseball set harbors plenty of Rookie Cup/All-Star contenders that can fetch hundreds in pristine condition according to the guide above. For collectors seeking cost-effective content from a definitive ’80s release, this fun set remains a gold mine of affordable investments even after three decades.
