Imagine being the underdog in a world where everyone is clamoring for royalty. Such is the case with the 1989 Fleer Michael Jordan card—a piece of cardboard that’s often overshadowed by its glitzy, more celebrated relative: the 1986 Fleer rookie card. But, just like any great Cinderella story, things are beginning to change. Slowly but surely, this unassuming card is fueling a renaissance of appreciation among collectors who recognize both its value and charm.
For as long as we can remember, the 1986 Fleer rookie card has been the poster child for any basketball card collection. It’s the card that stares back at you with a gleam of prestige and remains a testament to Jordan’s meteoric rise in the basketball world. It’s the king of the mountain, sitting on its collectible high throne with nary a contender in sight. And yet, even in a realm dominated by such a heavyweight, the 1989 Fleer #21 card is quietly carving out its niche—a more modest, but profound spot, on the basketball card map.
To the untrained eye or even the seasoned collector enchanted by the glitter of big-ticket items, the 1989 version might appear almost pedestrian. No loud colors or flashy in-game shots; just a marvelously preserved image of His Airness. But for those who pay attention to the subtle changes in collecting trends, it’s a treasure. The proof is in the pudding: from selling around $1,001 in 2021 for a PSA 10, this card now commands $1,200 as of June 2025—a respectable 20% increase.
Statistically, there are approximately 1,240 PSA 10 graded cards and over 11,000 PSA 9 graded cards. At first glance, those numbers might seem like a dime a dozen in the vast scope of trading cards. Yet, the demand is resilient, perhaps fueled by the notion that not every collector is prepared—or can afford—to chase after commas in price tags.
Even more intriguing is the soaring value of raw copies. A piece that once could be picked up for a cool six bucks in 2022 has leapt to $20 today. A figure that is more than three times its previous value, and all for a card with no flash or rare branding—just a classic, unadorned Jordan.
So what catalyzed this newfound affection? It’s a beautiful confluence of factors. Rising grading fees are nudging collectors towards already-graded cards, adding a practical edge. Nostalgia plays its part as always, with some yearning for a tactile piece of late ’80s basketball history. Then there’s the allure of owning a revered Jordan card without the financial strain that accompanies the rarer finds. It balances rarity with attainability, ultimately giving it that just-right appeal.
While this card may never crash the upper echelons previously reserved for its elder kin, it doesn’t need to. Its modest climb is alluring because it embodies more than mere monetary value. It represents a different kind of prestige: one that speaks to those who appreciate a classic moment in time when Jordan was at his apex, sans rookie glamour. This is the “thinking person’s” card, preferred by those who choose a quiet, yet astute addition to their collection over flashy ostentation.
In the intoxicating world of collecting, where hype can spark peaks and valleys that rival seismic acrobatics, the 1989 Fleer Michael Jordan card is quietly but confidently charting its own course. For collectors searching for value, originality, and perhaps a smart play with a touch of nostalgia, this card is due a second or even third glance.
Jordan never needed a rookie title to command respect on the court, and as it turns out, his 1989 Fleer doesn’t require headlines to yield respectable returns. Its steady ascent amidst an ever-competitive market is a testament not only to its worth but also to the sharp eyes of those collectors who saw potential where others might not have looked. Therein lies the heart of its allure: a humble stir in a sea of noise, where those who appreciate nuance find harmony.
