In the vibrant and intricate world of sports card collecting, where rare pieces can reach astronomical values and ignite heated debates, the hierarchy of Michael Jordan cards has long been dominated by a famed figure: the 1986 Fleer Rookie card. Garnering untold attention and topping wish lists worldwide, this card is often heralded as the pinnacle of Jordan collectibles. Yet, lurking in the shadows of its fame is a quiet underdog, a card that’s slowly gaining acceptance and admiration: the 1989 Fleer #21. While it might not possess the rookie card’s star power, for collectors who appreciate both aesthetic value and financial feasibility, this card is now having its moment in the sun.
For years, the 1989 Fleer card has danced around the periphery of serious collectors’ aspirations, admired quietly for its understated charm and connection to Jordan’s reign in the basketball universe. Its rise has not been explosive, but rather a steady, respectable ascent. Back in 2021, the card was valued at approximately $1,001 for a PSA 10 grade. Fast forward a few years, and by mid-2025, this same grade commands around $1,200. Though it may not inspire hyperbolic headlines, an increase of 20% is far from negligible. In fact, within the methodical world of collectibles, such steady growth is often the hallmark of a truly coveted item.
Part of what makes the rise of the 1989 Fleer so fascinating is its relative abundance. PSA reports indicate there are about 1,240 PSA 10s and over 11,000 PSA 9s available. While these figures might suggest oversupply, the fervor from collectors remains unyielding. It’s as though the community has collectively realized that appreciation doesn’t solely reside in scarcity, nor in the shock value of a string of zeroes at checkout. Instead, there’s intrigue in procuring a slice of history—Jordan’s quintessential basketball prowess captured during a golden era of NBA history.
A surprising sub-narrative in this card’s journey is the increase in value for raw, ungraded versions. Once obtainable for the mere price of a fast food meal – around six dollars in 2022 – these cards now command a more robust twenty dollars. And this isn’t due to any magical new provenance or a hidden golden sheen; it’s a base-era Michael Jordan card exuding pure nostalgia and no frills. Three times the price suggests that collectors and fans, alike, are gravitating towards this accessible piece of basketball lore.
But why this surge in affection for the 1989 edition, you might wonder? This appreciation could be attributed to various dynamics at play. Increasing grading fees are nudging collectors towards purchases of cards already graded and slabbed, heightening the demand for these versions. Another factor is the wave of nostalgia sweeping over the collecting community. Late ’80s basketball, dominated by iconic personalities and pace-setting play, is experiencing a revival in spirit and sentiment for many—a yearning that directly lends itself to owning a tangible piece of that era.
Moreover, not everyone desires the financial ordeal of investing in the premier pieces, such as the rookie card or limited edition inserts. Instead, collectors appreciate the simple appeal of owning a piece of Michael Jordan’s legacy that remains affordable yet promising in potential appreciation. The 1989 Fleer is far from ostentatious; it’s not adorned with eye-catching foil nor embellished with any significant court scene famous to highlight reels. Nevertheless, it’s from an epoch when Michael Jordan was not just a player but began his ascent to immortality alongside the rising esteem of his team, the Chicago Bulls.
For those ardently pursuing long-term value and a refreshing departure from tried-and-true collection templates, the 1989 Fleer presents an enticing opportunity. It showcases Jordan in his unstoppable prime, tapping into the essence of the basketball culture of the late ’80s. Clearly, it’s proving itself a wise acquisition for collectors—the thinkers who seek lasting treasures underpinned by passion as much as prosperity.
While Michael Jordan didn’t need rookie accolades to redefine basketball, the 1989 Fleer doesn’t require the limelight to deliver consistent, solid gains. It’s a card for those who recognize the beauty in subtlety and have the foresight to appreciate not just the spectacle, but the steady march of something special.