The world of basketball card collecting is akin to a high-stakes poker game, with high rollers pursuing the ultra-rare or iconic cards as if they were the Holy Grail. Amidst this shuffle, the 1989 Fleer Michael Jordan #21 card, once overshadowed by its flashy counterparts, is now receiving much-deserved attention from savvy collectors. It’s a card that’s been gradually growing in value, not with a splashy entrance but with a quiet, consistent climb that makes it a true underdog story within the hobby.
Let’s take a step back and marvel at the beloved 1986 Fleer rookie card—the undisputed monarch in the kingdom of Michael Jordan collectibles. Its status is undeniable, and the price tags can often leave collectors gasping for air. But then there’s the less-heralded, somewhat overlooked 1989 Fleer #21, a card that seems content to glide under most radars while offering what the flashier rookies might not—a realistic entry point and steady appreciation.
In recent times, collectors have started noticing the understated appeal of our titular card. Back in 2021, the pristine PSA 10 grades were rotating through exchanges for about $1,001. Fast-forward a few years to June 2025, and the same gem mint prestige commands a respectable $1,200. This translates into a compelling 20% increase. Surely, it’s not setting the collecting world ablaze with shockwaves, but it’s a textbook example of reliable growth. In a market often swayed by trends and nostalgia, the beauty of a card like this lies in its consistent, logical advancement.
And speaking of availability, one would assume that its abundance would crimp its standing. According to PSA, roughly 1,240 PSA 10 graded are meandering through the market, accompanied by over 11,000 PSA 9s. That may seem like an overwhelming figure at first glance, but demand has shown relentless perseverance. Collectors, it seems, have embarked on a journey of rediscovery. It appears they’ve come to realize that not all Jordan cards should only belong to the affluent elite whose investments come with commas.
Even more intriguing is the rise seen in raw, ungraded copies of the card. In 2022, you could nonchalantly pluck one off an online platform for about six dollars—a bargain, really. Fast-forward to the present day, and you would need twenty. That price jump is hardly ignorable; it’s tripling in value—without any frills or limited-edition monikers attached to its name. Here’s a card that never aimed to serve as an ostentatious trophy but is instead choosing substance over spectacle.
Why the sudden wave of interest, you ask? This surge of affection stems not from pure chance but from a culmination of factors. The increasing grading fees have nudged collectors towards pre-slabbed cards, offering a semblance of financial relief. Alongside is the swelling tide of nostalgia—the heartstrings plucked by the robust imagery and sentiment of late ‘80s basketball. And let’s be real—everyone harbors a desire, at least once, to own a piece of Michael Jordan without financially overextending oneself.
The 1989 Fleer doesn’t try to dazzle you with its visual bells and whistles to grab your attention. It does not feature Jordan defying gravity as he soars over Patrick Ewing, nor does it bear the sheen of a gold foil display. It simply captures Jordan at the zenith of his prowess against the backdrop of Bulls mania. This card is fast becoming the emblem of choice for collectors who appreciate subtlety and strategic foresight.
Are you in pursuit of value and the thrill of a promising investment? Perhaps you’re simply seeking respite from the clamor of predictable players. Dive into this often-dismissed card, examining its fortitude and the potential nestled within its unassuming facade. Michael Jordan didn’t rely on being dubbed a “rookie” to dominate on the basketball court; similarly, the 1989 Fleer doesn’t require a spotlight to assert its worth within the collector’s market.
As the poker-faced enthusiasts continue their hunt amid cardboard treasures, few cards remain as worthy of exploration and respect as the 1989 Fleer Michael Jordan #21. For a card that wears value like a well-tailored suit, it’s more than just a piece of memorabilia—it’s a growing legend in the making.
