In the vibrant and often unpredictable world of sports card collecting, where the term “rookie card” often conjures images of dollar signs, there’s a lesser-known card that’s been quietly making waves among collectors. While the 1986 Fleer rookie card of basketball icon Michael Jordan continues to bask in the limelight of record-breaking sales, it’s the 1989 Fleer #21 that has been silently skulking its way up the value ladder, offering a curious yet lucrative alternative for savvy collectors.
For those of us who live in the bustling universe of sports memorabilia, the 1986 Michael Jordan rookie card is akin to a Mona Lisa—an iconic piece that needs no introduction and seems to be on every collector’s wish list, if only they could afford it. Yet, the spotlight has begun to veer, if only slightly, toward one of Jordan’s less celebrated but undeniably promising cards: the 1989 Fleer #21.
This card isn’t about the fanfare or dazzling aesthetics; it’s all about the stealth and the numbers. Back in 2021, a gem mint PSA 10 of this card could be yours for around $1,001. Leap forward to 2025, and those very same pristine slices of cardboard have climbed a nifty 20%, now fetching $1,200. While not necessarily a headline-grabber in terms of astronomical jumps, its steady appreciation paints a picture of reliable investment growth.
Diving into the statistics provided by PSA, there are approximately 1,240 PSA 10 graded versions of the 1989 Fleer Jordan card out there. Additionally, more than 11,000 PSA 9s are in circulation. While these numbers might suggest a saturated market, the persistent demand tells a different story. Collectors have started seeing beyond the grading and have embraced the card without the expectation of shelling out small fortunes.
Perhaps what’s most astonishing is the dramatic increase in the appeal of ungraded, or raw, copies of the card. Merely three years ago, in 2022, ungraded versions of this card could be snagged for a humble six bucks. Fast-forward to now, and they command a twenty-dollar price tag, more than triple their past value. And mind you, this spike isn’t due to any exotic insert or promotional rarity—it’s pure, unadulterated collector interest.
So what’s sowed the seeds for this surge in interest? Several factors are at play. Rising costs for card grading have nudged collectors toward acquiring already graded cards, especially in a market bulging at the seams with newcomers. Then there’s the undeniable pull of nostalgia. The late ’80s was a golden era for basketball, a sentiment that resonates with collectors who remember those days fondly and want a piece in their collections.
Moreover, in an economic climate where owning a Michael Jordan card doesn’t need to incinerate one’s bank account, the 1989 Fleer offers an affordable yet significant piece of basketball history. It captures Michael Jordan during the zenith of his Bulls era—a snapshot of his dominance which every basketball fan respects, even if they know that this wasn’t his rookie year.
Essentially, this card isn’t vying for attention with flashy embellishments or boasting a historical first. It doesn’t picture Jordan flying over Ewing or have any fancy holographic elements. Yet, it encapsulates the mystique of the Jordan legend during a time when Bulls fever was engulfing the nation. It’s a card that resonates with collectors who seek value beyond the typical high-octane investments.
For those hunting for value and long-term potential, and who relish the idea of zigging when everyone else zags, the 1989 Fleer Michael Jordan #21 card merits attention. Just as the man himself didn’t need the rookie badge to redefine the game, this card doesn’t seek accolades to promise a rewarding escalation. It waits quietly, steadily rising for those fluent in the language of wise acquisitions and understated surprises, proving once again that sometimes, the quietest machine hums the loudest.
