In the vibrant world of sports card collecting, where eyes are forever darting towards glimmering gems and the wallets of collectors often tremble in fear, the 1989 Fleer Michael Jordan card is making its understated mark. We all know the rookie card, the 1986 Fleer, that regal icon perched on its throne of desirability. It’s the quintessential piece in any serious collection, yet it comes with a price tag that flirts outrageously with the extravagant. In this high-stakes realm, many overlook its unapologetically humble cousin—the 1989 Fleer card—which is now gaining traction among those with an eye for solid investment sans the excessive glitz.
In fact, quietly beneath the radar, this card has been basking in the warm glow of steady valuation, as if sipping tea undisturbed while the rest of the collection world frantically dances around the latest hype. Let’s talk figures for a moment: Flashback to the days of 2021 when a pristine PSA 10 of this underappreciated card would cost you around $1,001. Fast forward to the not-so-distant future of June 2025, and the same card is now fetching around $1,200. A solid 20% increase marks its progress—not one that will make you leap out of your chair, no—but certainly a respectable stride in these volatile waters of collectibles.
The Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) data reveals around 1,240 PSA 10s and a slightly overwhelming 11,000 PSA 9s swimming around the marketplace. This might seem like quite the horde, but demand remains robust, as fresh eyes and veteran collectors alike discover that not every Jordan card should cause financial distress.
Taking a walk down memory lane to 2022, raw copies of this card were being snatched up for a modest six dollars. Ah, those were the days! Today, if you have a spare twenty, you can consider yourself lucky to suction one up. That’s a commendable leap, over three times the previous price, for a card from the base era, devoid of any eye-popping promos or extravagant embellishments. Just good old MJ in all his glory—a solid bet in any collection.
So, what’s behind this newfound affection for the underdog of the Jordan card realm? A cocktail of factors, really: Rising grading fees have naturally nudged collectors towards acquiring cards already encased in the protective embrace of a PSA slab. The 80s nostalgia—perhaps fueled by the odd combination of neon, leg warmers, and the Bulls era—also plays its part. Lastly, the sheer want to own a piece of Jordan greatness without the financial hangover is ever so appealing. This fairly-priced gem allows collectors to indulge in basketball excellence without requiring a second mortgage.
Now, while the 1989 Fleer doesn’t blare its importance like a fireworks finale, eschewing the need to boast with a drumroll, it captures Jordan in his prime. The card is a time capsule from the golden rise of Bulls mania, becoming the choice for collectors who appreciate both the man and the game. It’s the quintessential ‘thinking collector’s’ selection, perfectly balancing affordability with historical significance.
For those venturing into the market seeking places where value and future appreciation meet, this card is well worth a pause, a second look, if you will. It captures an era when Jordan transcended basketball, becoming a global icon. Not tethered by the rookie label, yet it embodies the essence of his timeless court dominance.
So, for the collector sparing a thought for investments that promise quiet resilience and long-term reward, the 1989 Fleer has been waiting patiently. It’s Michael Jordan—needing no rookie stamp or applause—carried effortlessly by sheer prowess. This card may not own the spotlight, but its growing value speaks volumes in hushed, rewarding tones.
