When it comes to collecting, Michael Jordan’s 1986 Fleer rookie card often takes the spotlight as the crowned jewel in the sports card world. It’s like the Leonardo da Vinci of sports memorabilia—impressive, legendary, and worth more than a small yacht. Yet, lurking just a few years behind this superstar is Michael Jordan’s 1989 Fleer card #21, the often-overlooked protagonist, silently climbing up the collectible charts without the glaring headlines or bank-breaking price tags.

This seemingly humble card doesn’t exactly scream, “look at me!” It lacks the dazzling gold foils, intricate patterns, and the blockbuster rookie allure of its 1986 predecessor. Instead, it sits quietly in the background, akin to that unpretentious supporting actor who, while never stealing the show, consistently delivers award-worthy performances. Over the years, collectors have come to appreciate its subtle charm, elegance, and increasingly, its climbing value.

Back in the day, melanin-rich with nostalgia of the NBA’s dramatic flair in the late ’80s, the 1989 Fleer Jordan was the card you might find casually tucked away in a binder or used as a conversation starter over a soda. Fast forward to 2021, it was being scooped up for around $1,001 if encapsulated with the impressive PSA 10 grade. Speed through time to June 2025, and you could be parting with a cool $1,200 to claim the same gem mint edition. While it might not be setting off alarm bells or breaking records, this is no small feat—a respectable 20% increase that mirrors growth in all the right areas. In the marathon of collecting, this steady jog holds potential to be the lifetime winner.

Delving into the numbers provided by PSA, there exists around 1,240 of these PSA 10s alongside over 11,000 PSA 9 versions, so it’s not exactly the rarest card you’ll encounter on a sports card safari. Yet, the demand persists vehemently, as collectors flock towards this accessible icon of basketball history. After all, not every Jordan has to have a comma in its price to command respect.

Perhaps what’s even more intriguing is the rise in popularity of the raw, ungraded copies of the 1989 Fleer. In 2022, you could purchase one of these for a modest six bucks—less than the price of a latte with an extra shot at a swanky coffee joint. These days? Expect your wallet to be $20 lighter. This isn’t because it’s a rare promotional piece or loaded with extravagant embellishments. No, this is simply a sturdy, base-era Jordan—an underdog now basking in newfound spotlight.

One might wonder: why the shift? Several factors come into play. Rising grading fees have nudged collectors to consider cards already sealed and authenticated. Moreover, the nostalgia-heavy allure of late ’80s basketball card chaos holds an irrefutable charm, as fans long for the days of big hair and bigger dreams. And let’s face it, owning a slice of Jordan history without doubling up on side hustles for a year is, quite frankly, appealing.

Imagine Michael Jordan in his prime. Not flashing the rookie badge, but dazzling nonetheless on a card printed amidst the crescendo of Bulls Mania. It’s a card that draws in the thinking collector, one who values steadfast growth and nuanced appeal over flashy headlines.

For those in pursuit of value and long-term promise—perhaps a departure from the ‘usual suspects’ in the card world—the 1989 Fleer #21 warrants closer inspection. Jordan didn’t need an official rookie card to establish dominance on the court, and this card doesn’t need the high beam of stamp of “rookie” status to deliver returns that could stretch a smile.

In the world of collecting, there is beauty in the slow but steady ascent—the gentle rise that speaks to a card’s timeless appeal and dependable growth. The 1989 Fleer Michael Jordan #21 is precisely that: a remarkable piece of basketball history, unruffled and poised to make its mark, just as his Airness did with every graceful move on the court.

1989 Fleer Michael Jordan