In the glittering galaxy of NBA memorabilia, there is one shining North Star that continually draws collectors in like moths to a flame—the Michael Jordan 1986 Fleer rookie card, the undisputed royalty of basketball trading cards. It whirls in the hobby halls with an aura of invincibility and a regal price tag to match. However, lurking discreetly behind this famous relic lies its understated cousin—the 1989 Fleer Michael Jordan card—quietly gaining traction among collectors who appreciate the finer things without the need for a second mortgage.
For those who have ever sifted through card boxes searching for hidden gems or simply worship the lore of the hardwood, the 1989 Fleer #21 is making a case for itself. Amidst the crescendo of hobbyists clamoring over the titans of the card world, this little number has been biding its time, worthy of notice from the discerning aficionado.
Let’s talk numbers. Unassuming though it may be, the 1989 Fleer Jordan has turned in a stout performance on the value front. Back in 2021, you could score a pristine PSA 10 of this card for a cool $1,001. Fast forward to 2025 and, just like Jordan orchestrating a sweet fourth-quarter comeback, the value has climbed to $1,200. For a card that isn’t the flagship rookie, a 20% upswing is nothing to sneeze at. Stability is its middle name, and in the world of collecting, sometimes the tortoise indeed outpaces the hare.
PSA, the go-to oracle for card grades, reports a reasonably ample population of these cards with about 1,240 PSA 10s and over 11,000 PSA 9s scampering around in collections worldwide. While these numbers might suggest commonality, it fails to phase Jordan enthusiasts. When the fervor for the elite becomes unreachable, the crowd starts looking for worthwhile alternatives without sacrificing the excellence associated with His Airness.
An intriguing aspect of the 1989 Fleer card’s rise is the phenomenon surrounding raw copies, which have catapulted from humble beginnings. Not long ago, a collector could pick one up for the modest sum of six dollars, enough to leave most thrill-seekers scoffing. Today, however, those very same cards are fetching twenty bucks a pop. The kind of transformation that takes a hobby staple from “oh, another Jordan” to “grab that MJ before it’s gone”.
So why is this card relishing in newfound appreciation? A cocktail of factors comes into play. Rising grading fees have nudged collectors toward already-slabbed options, creating increased demand. There’s also the unmistakable wave of nostalgia and yearning for the late ’80s hardwood era, a time when Jordan was establishing his basketball deity credentials. Let’s not forget the simple but powerful desire for many to own a piece of Jordan’s legacy without needing a suitcase full of cash.
The intrinsic allure of the card is its subtlety. Where others might try to impress with splashy imagery or innovative techniques, the 1989 Fleer revels in its straightforwardness. It’s not decked out in gold foil or capturing an iconic play, but it’s MJ—arguably at his most electrifying—nestled in the mid-phase of Bulls-mania. For the non-conformist collector, this card becomes the emblem of an era, an era where Jordan didn’t just play basketball; he redefined it.
If you’re in pursuit of value with an eye on future potential, and perhaps weary of the usual cardboard royalty, this card merits your attention. Similar to how MJ didn’t require the rookie label to dominate the game, the 1989 Fleer doesn’t demand the spotlight to steadily appreciate in value.
In diving below the surface of hype-laden market top hits, the true collector may very well find a satisfying alternative in the modest, yet compelling 1989 Fleer Michael Jordan card. While it might not have the starry prestige of its ‘86 sibling, it commands respect and admiration all on its own, promising a steady rise above its quietly confident composure.
