Michael Jordan: a name synonymous with gravity-defying dunks, clutch shots, and a grin that told fans everything was going to be alright, unless you were rooting against him. His basketball cards, much like his career, are legendary. Everyone knows about the 1986 Fleer rookie card—it’s like the Mona Lisa of trading cards, commanding astronomical auction prices and prompting collectors to risk a second mortgage. But if we take a step back from the high-voltage spotlight, there’s a quieter member of the family ready to make its mark: the 1989 Fleer #21 card.
In the hobby of card collecting, where rookie fever grips tighter than a Scottie Pippen full-court press, the 1989 Fleer Jordan card stands out, not for its glitz or glam, but for its understated rise. Over the years, it has quietly been gaining momentum, sneaking up the value charts while the ballyhooed boys hog the limelight. It’s like the reliable sixth man who steps in, scores effortlessly, and quietly assures victory. This card doesn’t shout ‘headliner’ but whispers consistency, and collectors are starting to listen.
By the end of 2021, a PSA 10-rated 1989 Fleer Jordan was trading around $1,001. Fast forward a few years to June 2025, and the same pristine card is fetching $1,200—a subtle, yet steady 20% increase. In an arena often swayed by glitzy spikes and dramatic plummets, steadiness plays a different kind of tune—one typically appreciated by seasoned collectors.
According to PSA, there are roughly 1,240 PSA 10s mingling with over 11,000 PSA 9s out there, still, the demand hasn’t waned. This is Jordan we’re talking about, after all. A name that doesn’t just resonate with die-hard The Last Dance aficionados but every sports fan alive in the late 20th century. Owning a piece of Jordan’s legacy doesn’t have to come with a preposterous price tag, and collectors are catching onto this notion, heralding the 1989 Fleer as a formidable candidate.
Remarkably, it’s not just the graded treasures experiencing an ascent; raw copies have also seen a Cinderella journey. Where once they could be found grazing near the bottom of binders for a paltry six bucks in 2022, they now command twenty dollars. That’s a more than 300% jump for a base card from the era of VHS tapes and synth soundtracks. It’s not some dazzling insert, but it’s MJ in his glory, and that counts for something significant.
One might wonder, why this card and why now? Well, the reasons are manifold. Firstly, the seismic hike in grading fees nudges collectors towards already-graded items, giving them a financial leg-up. Then there’s the nostalgia factor—after all, the late ’80s bumpered mellow tunes, zany fashion, and, perhaps most importantly, birthed the Air Jordan legacy. Then comes the fan base of collectors, who desire to own a slice of Jordan history without needing to moonlight.
The 1989 Fleer doesn’t crave the spotlight. There’s no dramatic play captured in its frame, no gaudy gold foil border, no flashy sidekicks dunking alongside. It’s just Michael, decked in his proverbial 23, basking before Bulls mania took over the sports world. For collectors who crave depth and foresight over eye-popping flair, it’s a thoughtful choice.
For those who are hunting for future dividends, steering away from the usual suspects and looking towards horizon-expanding investments, this card offers promise. Sure, it doesn’t have a crown but tread lightly, and you’ll find it’s a hidden gem from the very start. Unlike the rookie version of himself, Jordan didn’t need the words proclaiming him as one to watch; he demonstrated—not just claimed—greatness.
Ultimately, whenever you consider the basketball greats, there’s a chance for collectors to reminisce about dazzling alley-oops, smooth fadeaways, and victories that shook the league. But with the 1989 Fleer, it’s about something quieter and financially more accessible. So break away from the glamour that the hallowed rookie cards bring and dig into the card that, like a trusted jump shot, stays steady over time and allows you to keep just enough money for courtside tickets—because who wouldn’t want that?
