In the glittering world of collectible sports cards, it often only takes the sparkle of a single diamond to draw the attention of enthusiasts worldwide. For Michael Jordan cards, that gem has long been the illustrious 1986 Fleer rookie card, widely celebrated as the holy grail for collectors. However, not all that glitters centers on rookie royalty. Enter the 1989 Fleer card, a somewhat unassuming contender that has slyly inched forward beneath the shadow of its more famous cousin, offering a cost-effective entry point to Michael Jordan’s cardboard legacy that is beginning to dazzle collectors in its own right.
Conceived during an era burgeoning with basketball brilliance, the 1989 Fleer #21 card has been climbing its own ladder of value with the tenacity and grace of MJ himself on a historic dunk. While it may not have the rookie prestige, it compensates with an intriguing niche appeal. Case in point: back in 2021, if you dug into your pockets, a PSA 10-rated copy of this card would set you back roughly $1,001. Roll the timeline forward to June 2025, and you’ve got a card pulling in around $1,200 when in pristine condition, marking a respectable and steady 20% increase in value.
Despite an epic supply chain of roughly 1,240 PSA 10s and over 11,000 PSA 9s languishing in the market, collectors seem unperturbed, embracing this budget-friendly sideshow act. Why might one ask? The 1989 Fleer is a testament to the joy of collecting without financially upending your life; it offers affordability without forsaking prestige, a rare balance in the gripping world of sports memorabilia.
It’s especially fascinating to witness the meteoric rise in raw, ungraded copies of the same card. Back in the year 2022, when the air was crisper and the turf slightly greener, these cards were obtainable for a measly six bucks—barely enough for a decent sandwich. Fast forward to today, a loose card could easily triple that amount, demanding a $20 tag. This noticeable leap isn’t spurred by glittering promotional clout or special edition flair. It’s MJ, unadorned and authentic—a piece of the late ’80s basketball epoch that was once relegated to the masses, now thrust into a new spotlight.
The intrigue surrounding the rising affection for the 1989 Fleer may come down to a cocktail of influences. The escalating costs of card grading have seen surges, thus encouraging collectors to gravitate towards already certified cards. Additionally, nostalgia plays a luminous role; late ’80s basketball, with all its hypnotic grandeur, holds an indelible place in the hearts of many, sparking a wave of sentimentality that powers collecting choices today. Is it any wonder, then, that an expertly crafted card depicting Jordan, suavely capturing his mid-career glow, appeals to those whose wallets anticipate a bit more mercy?
The 1989 Fleer may not carry the flashiness of a slam dunk image or a nose-bleed-high valuation, but it does represent Michael Jordan in his ascendancy, a slice of Bulls mania that feels less like a sprint for riches and more a thoughtful, steadfast marathon. It’s a choice for those among us who prefer their collecting with a degree of strategy—a game plan beyond the brash pursuit of only the most expensive treasures.
So, if finding value while navigating long-term collecting goals intrigues you—or perhaps you’re one to re-discover the overlooked items in life that hold the promise of greater stature—consider paying closer attention to the 1989 Fleer card. Michael Jordan never needed the outsider’s validation to solidify his greatness on the court, and by the same philosophy, this particular Fleer issue doesn’t need the limelight to affirm its place in the hearts of discerning collectors worldwide. This unlikely underdog is finally earning its time—and price—due, beginning to make waves in the bustling waters of the sports card scene.
