In the often-cutthroat arena of sports card collecting, where headlines scream about astronomical auctions and rare finds rivaling fine wines in value, one unassuming card has been quietly carving out its niche: the 1989 Fleer Michael Jordan #21. While the much-heralded 1986 Fleer rookie card continues to reign supreme in the pantheon of collectibles, often deemed the shimmering holy grail, savvy collectors with a penchant for depth—and perhaps, limitations posed by their bank accounts—have started to warm to its less-celebrated cousin from 1989.
Unlike the glitzy allure of prismatic parallels and foil-draped inserts that crowd today’s market, the 1989 Fleer card is as straight-shooting as Jordan’s jumpshot in his halcyon days with the Chicago Bulls. Devoid of ostentation or gaudy embellishments, it captures Michael Jordan in his prime—a dynamic portrait that exudes raw athletic prowess rather than trading card theatrics.
The charm of the ’89 Fleer lies in its quiet confidence. It doesn’t boast the flair and jaw-dropping slams of its three-year-older counterpart, nor does it demand astronomical sums. Instead, it plays the long game, its inherent value steeping like a fine stock as collectors slowly but surely recognize its potential. In 2021, PSA 10 grades of the card were a relatively modest affair, changing hands for approximately $1,001. Fast forward to June 2025, that price has gracefully ascended to $1,200, signifying a dependable 20% appreciation. While these percentages might not set the hobby ablaze with fervor, they denote a kind of growth collectors cherish—sustainable and reassuring.
Consider this: according to PSA, there are around 1,240 PSA 10s and over 11,000 PSA 9s in circulation. While numerically significant, the demand for these cards has remained staunch, as collectors cherish owning a slice of Jordan-era nostalgia at a fraction of the usual cost. The real eyebrow-raiser, however, is the meteoric rise of raw copies. Once available for a paltry six dollars back in 2022, these cards now command north of twenty bucks. This isn’t due to some secret variable variation or a sly autographed version. It’s the good, old-fashioned stock copy that merely existed in the shadow of its more prestigious siblings.
But what has fueled this surge in demand? Several pivotal factors come into play. The increased costs associated with grading services have nudged collectors toward already-slabbed cards, helping to subtly elevate their market presence. Of course, there’s the ever-present cloud of nostalgia—how could late ’80s basketball and its iconic imagery fail to turn a few heads? For many, it’s simply an honest desire to possess a Jordan card without committing financial heresy.
Moreover, for collectors with a historian’s heart, the 1989 Fleer speaks volumes about the era. It captures the essence of Bulls mania, transporting owners back to a time when Michael Jordan was defining what it meant to be a global basketball icon. The card may not scream for attention like a courtside celebrity, but it represents a pivotal piece of basketball lore—a tangible relic from the golden era when MJ began rewriting NBA history.
Ultimately, the 1989 Fleer Michael Jordan card isn’t just an investment—it’s an underappreciated gem worthy of the connoisseur’s gaze. It’s a card that invites whispers of “I remember when,” encouraging collectors to appreciate a bygone period rather than chase only the headlines. It’s not about competing with the showstopper so much as it is about delivering steady, reliable appreciation in value. For those looking to diverge from the beaten path, this card radiates a subtle charisma born of sustained relevance and undeniable appeal.
Jordan didn’t need the rookie designation to conquer the court during those magical years, and likewise, his 1989 Fleer doesn’t clamor for the spotlight to grant its owners satisfaction. In this way, it becomes more than just a collectible—it symbolizes a quiet revolution bubbling under the radar, offering collectors a legitimate second fiddle with potential yet to be fully tapped. There’s beauty in the unobserved, and occasionally it takes a discerning eye to recognize it. So for those adventurers charting new courses in card collecting, the 1989 Fleer Michael Jordan awaits, like a steadfast companion beckoning from Chicago’s storied past.
