With a commanding presence on the court that has transcended decades, Michael Jordan’s legacy in the trading card world is similarly illustrious. The undisputed king of Jordan cards has always been the 1986 Fleer rookie card, a piece of cardboard royalty that commands reverence—and often a steep price—within the collecting community. But though this celebrated cornerstone might steal the majestic spotlight, there’s another member of the Jordan card family quietly warming up on the bench, ready to make its own play. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to lay eyes on the 1989 Fleer #21, an overlooked gem that is making its way into the heart of collectors who appreciate the elegance of calculated growth over flamboyant displays.
In a hobby often defined by sparkle, the 1989 Fleer may initially strike you as understated or even timid. Yet, this supposed wallflower has been hustling beneath the radar. PSA 10 graded versions of the 1989 Fleer Jordan, which a few short years ago were fetching around $1,001, have crept up in value to about $1,200 as of June 2025. Sure, it’s not quite a lottery win, but in the world of sports card collecting, a 20% increase within four years signals strategic promise. When it comes to investments, steady is often less stressful and yields a meaningful if not monumental win.
Intriguingly enough, PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) reports around 1,240 graded PSA 10s and over 11,000 PSA 9s out there—a number that might sound generous, but evidently, demand is outpacing supply. For collectors with taste and a less-than-bottomless budget, the lure of an attainable yet still prestigious Jordan card is palpable.
The real kicker? The spike in demand for raw, ungraded copies. Circa 2022, these could be found for the price of an upscale burger. Today, you’d need to fork over twenty bucks—more than triple the initial outlay. Not for a promotional card or anything garnished with foil glitz; this is a base-era Michael, a snapshot of a star in his prime. It seems sheer nostalgia for the simpler, sweat-drenched days of late ’80s basketball is working its magic, not to mention grading fees that perhaps deter even the bravest from ungraded experimental acquisitions.
So what catalyzed this newfound affection? Call it an amalgamation of rising grading fees nudging collectors towards cards already nestled in their protective slabs, a swelling nostalgia for the late ’80s NBA tempo, and pragmatic fandom. It’s understandable; not everyone desires the financial aerobics involved in acquiring a ’86 rookie. The 1989 Fleer offers a delectable taste of history at a price point that doesn’t necessitate a second mortgage.
It’s a story of undervalued perseverance, maneuvering past trendy roar and glitzy branding, finding support among those who treasure sustainability in a volatile market. No, the 1989 Fleer Jordan isn’t a rookie glaringly dunking over a rival or bordered with luxurious gilding; however, it encapsulates the zenith of MJ’s dominance, during the zenith of Bulls Mania—when Chicago’s heroes mesmerized and captivated the hearts of an entire generation of fans.
For those hunting shrewdly for value and upside potential—particularly within a conversation crowded by high-price points and loud headlines—this card certainly invites a double take. Like Jordan himself, the 1989 Fleer doesn’t need rookie credentials or dramatic flair to perform impeccably over time. In sports, the unheralded players are often the game changers, and such might be true for Jordan’s humble yet resilient 1989 Fleer card. As the world fusses over the louder stars, this one has been polishing its game, awaiting its own deserved adulation.
