In the world of sports card collecting, few items hold as much allure as those bearing the visage of Michael Jordan. Ask any collector about the most coveted Jordan card, and they’ll almost certainly point you towards the illustrious 1986 Fleer rookie card, the crowned jewel of cardboard basketball treasures. Yet, for those who find themselves less encumbered by deep pockets and more discerning in taste, a different card is gradually tumbling into the spotlight: the 1989 Fleer #21.
This card doesn’t shout for attention. Unlike the rookie card, which can set you back a hefty sum, the 1989 Fleer lingers quietly in the shadows, steadily climbing in value with a whisper rather than a roar. Sure, it may not be the kind of investment that draws headlines by fetching six figures at auction, but it’s been demonstrating some seriously solid performance metrics behind the scenes. Back in 2021, a PSA 10-graded 1989 Fleer Jordan was trading hands for about $1,001. Jump ahead to June 2025, and that same pristine piece of memorabilia now commands $1,200—a $199 bump or a tidy 20% increase. It’s not world-shattering, but in the world of collectibles, consistent and steady growth often triumphs over sudden, volatile spikes.
The appeal doesn’t stop at the pristine graded versions, either. According to PSA, there are approximately 1,240 PSA 10s and over 11,000 PSA 9s in circulation. Those numbers sound large until you consider the ballooning demand. Collectors, especially those just diving into the world of Michael Jordan memorabilia, are learning that a card’s value is not solely defined by a comma-laden price tag.
There’s an equally fascinating trend at the grassroots level, with ungraded “raw” copies of the 1989 Fleer seeing a similar burst of interest. In 2022, snatching up one of these everyday legends would set you back a mere six dollars. However, in today’s market, prices have spiked to around twenty dollars—more than triple the cost. This remarkable ascent isn’t driven by flashy rarities or glitzy promos, but rather by a solid, base-era card that once passed under most radars undetected.
So, what’s fueling this newfound appreciation? Several factors seem to play a part. Many collectors are being edged towards pre-slabbed cards due to rising grading fees. Nostalgia waves are washing over those who fondly remember the late ’80s era of basketball—a time when Bulls mania was taking root and Michael was becoming more myth than man. Then, there’s the straightforward desire for ownership; many simply want a piece of Jordan history without spending a fortune.
The 1989 Fleer Jordan isn’t the loudest presence in any room. It lacks the scene-setting drama of a dunk over Ewing or the visual flair of a gold-foiled border. What it offers is a snapshot of MJ in his prime—an era on the brink of domination—captured during the birth of Chicago Bulls fever. Perhaps that’s why it’s morphing into the thinking collector’s preferred choice.
For collectors on the hunt for value and long-term potential, perhaps this is a time to turn away from the usual high-stakes suspects. Here lies a card that combines affordability with the promise of appreciation. Jordan, after all, didn’t need any rookie card tag to stake his claim as arguably the greatest of all time on the hardwood floor. Similarly, the 1989 Fleer doesn’t need front-page attention to yield rewarding results.
The 1989 Fleer Michael Jordan card is a testament to patience and discernment in the fiery arena of sports card collecting—a reminder that while the snapping flashes of the rookie card get prime billing, a quieter, equally valuable narrative unfolds for those willing to look a bit further. It highlights that sometimes, the treasure isn’t always the one over which everyone is so evidently drooling, but rather, the gem that’s been patiently awaiting its moment in the sun. Collectors, it seems, may well have discovered this secret.
