Remember the summer of ’89? Big hair, booming music, and baseball cards that felt like treasure in your hands? The 1989 Topps set holds a special place in many collectors’ hearts. But if you’re looking to buy, sell, or just appreciate this classic set today, you might feel a little lost. Which cards are worth chasing? Are the stars really that valuable? The sheer volume of cards in that massive set can make picking winners feel like a guessing game.
Navigating the 1989 Topps checklist today means sifting through rookies like Ken Griffey Jr. and sorting through the common cards that fill up countless storage bins. It’s easy to overpay for duds or miss out on hidden gems. This guide cuts through the noise. We break down exactly what makes this set memorable, highlight the must-have cards, and explain what condition truly matters.
By the end of this post, you will know the true stars of the 1989 Topps universe. Get ready to dust off those old shoeboxes or confidently plan your next purchase. Let’s dive into the details of this iconic baseball card year!
Top 1989 Topps Baseball Cards Recommendations
- 36 Packs per Box
- 15 Cards per Pack
- Pulled From a Factory Case
- Look for Superstars and Hall of Famers
- Boxes sold unsealed from Topps in 1989 (no factory wrap)***
- The perfect gift for any level collector
- Sealed factory packs in great condition
- Possible Hall of Famers and superstars
- Topps only product
- 100 cards in total
- There are 500 Factory Fresh cards in each vending box.
- These cards are great for PSA grading andshould have the possibility of grading PSA 9 or PSA 10's.
- Look for Rookies including Craig Biggio and Gary Sheffield.
- Hall of Famers and Superstars including Cal Ripken, Nolan Ryan, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Roberto Alomar and Many More
- 1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series Complete Factory Set
- 132 Cards
- Ken Griffey Jr
- Nolan Ryan
- Deion Sanders
- This 1989 Bowman Baseball Wax Box contains sealed packs. Each box has 36 sealed packs - 15 cards per pack.
- A Ken Griffey Jr. PSA 10 card sells for 200 dollars.
- Look for Gary Sheffield Rookie and New York Yankee Great Tino Martinez Rookie.
- Look for Ken Griffey Jr. Rookies and SR Dual card, that's (2) possible Ken Griffey Jr. Rookies.
- A completed set would consist of 484 cards.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Snagging Your ‘1989 Topps Baseball Cards’
The 1989 Topps Baseball Card set is a classic piece of sports history. These cards capture the look and feel of baseball in the late 1980s. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting, knowing what to look for helps you find the best cards. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at a pack or a graded card from this set, a few things stand out. These features tell you about the card’s value and condition.
1. The Design and Look
- Color and Borders: The 1989 set features clean white borders. Check that the colors on the front—the player photos and team logos—are bright and not faded.
- The “Topps” Logo: Make sure the Topps logo is clearly printed. Sometimes, ink can smear during manufacturing.
- Player Selection: Look for key rookie cards. Ken Griffey Jr. is the superstar everyone chases from this year, but other solid players exist too.
2. Card Condition (Grading Basics)
Condition is king in card collecting. Even a common card can be valuable if it looks perfect.
- Centering: This means the picture is perfectly in the middle of the white border. Good centering makes a card look much better.
- Corners: Sharp corners are best. Rounded or “fluffy” corners lower the card’s grade instantly.
- Surface: Hold the card up to the light. You should see no scratches, print dots, or creases.
Important Materials and Manufacturing
These cards use standard materials for their time, but knowing them helps you assess longevity.
Card Stock
1989 Topps cards use a thick, glossy card stock. This paper is designed to last, but humidity and sunlight damage it over time. High-quality stock feels sturdy in your hand.
Ink Quality
Topps used standard printing processes. If the ink looks thin or easily rubbed off, it suggests poor handling or storage. High-quality printing shows rich blacks and vibrant reds.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a 1989 card go from common to collectible? It comes down to manufacturing luck and care.
Factors That Improve Quality (Boost Value)
- Gem Mint Condition: Cards graded 9 or 10 by professional graders are highly sought after. These look like they just came off the press.
- Rookie Cards (RC): Cards featuring a player’s first appearance in a major set always carry more weight.
- Error Cards (Rare): Occasionally, a card gets printed wrong (like a missing name). These mistakes, if verified, can become very valuable.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Lower Value)
- Wax Stains: Sometimes, the wax wrapper leaves a slight stain on the back or edge of the card. This happens often with older packs.
- Sticker Residue: If a previous owner tried to put a sticker or tape on the card, the residue ruins the surface.
- “Wax Pack Fresh” Myth: Don’t pay extra just because a card came from a sealed pack unless the card itself is perfect. The pack seal does not guarantee a perfect card inside.
User Experience and Use Cases
Why do people buy 1989 Topps cards today?
Collecting and Nostalgia
Most buyers seek these cards for fun and nostalgia. They want to revisit the players they watched growing up. It is a low-cost entry point into card collecting.
Investment Potential (Long Term)
While the 1989 set is common, key rookie cards, especially graded high, can appreciate slowly. Focus on top-tier Hall of Famers or the major rookies if you buy for investment.
Displaying
High-grade singles look fantastic when displayed in protective one-touch cases or framed. They make great conversation starters for a sports room.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 1989 Topps Baseball Cards
Q: What is the most valuable card in the 1989 Topps set?
A: The most valuable card is usually the Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card, especially when it is professionally graded in perfect condition (Gem Mint 10).
Q: How many cards are in the complete 1989 Topps set?
A: The standard base set contains 792 cards. Collectors often look for the full set for completion.
Q: Are 1989 Topps cards rare?
A: No, they are not rare. Topps printed massive quantities of these cards, so most individual cards are very common and inexpensive.
Q: What does “RC” mean on a 1989 card?
A: “RC” stands for Rookie Card. It signals the first time that player appeared in the main Topps set.
Q: Should I buy sealed packs or individual cards?
A: If you want a specific player, buy the individual card graded. If you want the fun of opening something new, buy sealed wax packs.
Q: How should I store my 1989 cards?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use penny sleeves and top loaders for better protection.
Q: Do I need to grade every card I pull?
A: No. Only grade superstar rookie cards or cards that appear absolutely flawless to the naked eye. Grading costs money.
Q: Why do some cards have a glossy finish and others look dull?
A: The standard base set has a consistent finish. Duller cards often suffer from surface wear or have been exposed to moisture.
Q: Are there any inserts or subsets in the 1989 Topps set?
A: Yes, the set includes “Highlights” cards, which recap moments from the previous season, and often features All-Star selections.
Q: Can I still pull a Ken Griffey Jr. RC from an old pack?
A: Yes, you can. Since so many packs were produced, unopened packs still exist, and they might contain that valuable rookie card.