The sports memorabilia landscape has always been dominated by certain showstoppers—cards that command dizzying sums at auctions and invoke waves of hyperventilation among collectors. Michael Jordan’s 1986 Fleer rookie card, unrivaled in its collector appeal and astronomical price tag, often hogs the limelight. However, lurking in the shadows and slowly gaining traction is its less glamorous sibling, the 1989 Fleer #21. This card, while not proclaiming its presence with glitzy features or an ostentatious price, is warming the hearts of collectors with its subtle yet perceptible rise.
Picture this: In 2021, a PSA 10 of the 1989 Fleer Jordan could be yours for $1,001. Fast forward to the halcyon days of June 2025, and that figure has climbed to a neat $1,200—a climb of 20%. Now, we’re not talking about a sale that will have the ticker tapes rolling, but in the world of collectibles, such steady ascents often outlast flashy leaps. It’s like a tortoise in a room full of hares, quietly moving toward the finish line with unwavering consistency.
To understand the dynamics at play, consider the card’s availability. According to Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), around 1,240 PSA 10s of this card are circulating, alongside over 11,000 PSA 9s. This might seem like a surplus, but demand has a tenacious grip on the market, and it shows no signs of slackening. Collectors might have finally caught onto the notion that a high-quality Jordan card doesn’t necessarily need to bleed the bank dry.
What’s truly captivating is the surge in interest for raw, ungraded copies. In 2022, you could snag one for a meager six bucks—a sum that barely merits two morning lattes. But fast-forward to the present, and a raw copy demands $20. This leap, more than triple its former value, isn’t powered by some rare promo card or a fancy insert but rather a straightforward base-era Jordan card that had long been underappreciated.
So, what’s sparked this newfound affection for the 1989 Fleer card? There are a few key players at work. First, rising grading fees are nudging collectors toward cards already encased in those familiar slabs of protection. Then, there’s the wave of nostalgia for late ’80s basketball, a time when Jordan began etching his legacy into the annals of sports history. Finally, there’s the simple joy of possession—owning a piece of MJ’s grandeur without the fiscal performance of a trapeze artist.
Let’s not forget that the 1989 Fleer wasn’t the loudest card at the collectible soiree. It wasn’t dunking over Patrick Ewing, nor was it wrapped in a shimmering gold foil. It was plain, straightforward MJ—synonymous with the Bulls’ ascension into basketball royalty, and now, with each passing year, it becomes the discerning collector’s choice.
For those on a quest for value and long-term prospects, or those yearning for something beyond the usual glitzy suspects, the 1989 Fleer is a card worth a moment’s consideration. Standing testament to Jordan’s prowess, even when devoid of a rookie label, this card shows that MJ’s magic captured on paper can wield investment promise without necessitating a financial dive into the deep end.
The appeal of the 1989 Fleer lies in its silent metamorphosis from a modest card into a desirable collector’s item. It’s as if it’s been biding its time, allowing the market’s noisy fray to subside before orchestrating its quiet ascent. Thus, it gently reminds enthusiasts that in a world where hype often trumps substance, true worth sometimes whispers rather than shouts.
So, as the market continues its ebbs and flows, keep an eye on this understated gem. While Jordan’s presence on the court never needed embellishment, his 1989 Fleer card similarly thrives in its unassuming clarity—delivering steadfast returns for those who opt to listen to its subtle, promising allure.
