In the bustling world of sports card collecting, a king often rules supreme, and that king is typically Michael Jordan‘s 1986 Fleer rookie card. Revered among collectors for its iconic status, it has been the golden fleece for enthusiasts and investors alike. However, huddled in the shadows of this mighty ruler exists a charming cousin from 1989—Fleer #21 Michael Jordan card—that is now steadily ascending the throne of notoriety. While it may not carry the same prestige as the heralded 1986 debut, this card has been making waves, albeit silently, and is enticing collectors who possess a discerning eye and a slightly lighter purse.
The journey of the 1989 Fleer card resembles a quiet rags-to-riches story, one that doesn’t chase the limelight but is becoming hard to ignore. The numbers tell the tale: a PSA 10 graded card, which was valued around $1,001 in 2021, now commands a respectable $1,200 by mid-2025, marking a neat 20% increase. Although this rise in value might not make it the talk of the collectors’ Gala, its steady appreciation is drawing nods of respect and appreciation from those who understand that in this hobby, slow and steady does indeed win the race.
When it comes to availability, the figures paint an interesting picture. Presently, there are approximately 1,240 PSA 10s, alongside a little over 11,000 PSA 9 graded cards, circulating in the marketplace. At first glance, these numbers might appear abundant, but the demand for these gems has not wavered. The continued interest suggests a shift in perception—collectors have realized that not every piece of Michael Jordan memorabilia needs to command sky-high prices to hold its value or desirability.
The most surprising surge, however, can be seen in the once overlooked, raw copies of the card. If you were savvy enough to pick one up in 2022, you might have paid just a modest six dollars. Those willing to part with such editions today are pocketing about twenty bucks, marking a stunning 233% increase. This transformation in the card’s worth isn’t due to any rare promotional magic or embellished insert; rather, it’s a testament to a solid period piece that’s finally getting its dues from a community that previously turned its back.
Various factors help explain this newfound affection towards the 1989 Fleer. Foremost, the recent hikes in costs for grading cards have nudged collectors to seek slabbed options, which in turn has escalated the desirability and, consequently, the price. Additionally, nostalgia has a powerful hold on the hearts and minds of collectors, often conjuring the glory days for those fond of late ‘80s basketball. This era represents the time when Bulls mania began imprinted indelibly on the sporting landscape, a period tweaked even further by Michael Jordan’s rising supremacy.
Of course, money isn’t the sole motivator in this hobby. Owning a piece of Jordan memorabilia embodies a connection to sports history, an echo of breathtaking slam dunks, game-winning shots, and indomitable spirit. The 1989 Fleer captures an essence of Jordan in his prime, highlighting a seasoned athlete who was fast transforming the Chicago Bulls into a formidable force. It may not be emblazoned with rookie insignia or artistically enhanced borders, but it offers a snapshot of greatness—a must-have for any devoted follower of the illustrious career.
As the spotlight gradually widens, the card, reserved in its allure, has emerged as the choice of the prudent collector. It’s an option for those who are keen on unearthing value and withstanding through fluctuating market fortunes. Like Jordan himself, who needed no rookie affirmation to be a legend on the court, the 1989 Fleer card doesn’t require flashy attention to deliver reliable, incremental gains.
Deliberately overlooked in the past, this card now calls on collectors to delve deeper beyond the surface flash. For those earnestly seeking to diversify amidst the fanfare of convention, this card stands not just as a thrilling investment but as a collectible that connects fans to the era of the nascent Jordan legend. The allure of the 1989 Fleer isn’t in its bravado—it’s in the quiet appreciation that rewards the discerning eye. Embrace the overlooked cousin of the Jordan family, and it might just redefine your collection’s landscape.
