In the dazzling constellation of Michael Jordan trading cards, the 1986 Fleer rookie card is undoubtedly the Polaris, consistently shining brighter than all its peers. Yet, dwelling a little less conspicuously in this galaxy is a card that’s quietly pulling a “Tortoise and the Hare” routine—the 1989 Fleer #21. Not one to boast or shout, it has simply been putting one foot in front of the other, steadily climbing the stairs of value, while collectors remain enamored with its flashier counterparts.
Long considered the overlooked cousin to Jordan’s famed rookie card, the 1989 Fleer is now grabbing attention in collector circles for its stable, if not jaw-dropping, ascent in value. In 2021, a perfect PSA 10 condition of this card clocked in around $1,001. By June 2025, that seemingly modest gem had climbed, step by methodical step, to $1,200. It’s a respectable 20% increase, one that doesn’t earn headlines but might earn nods of appreciation from anyone who understands that sometimes, in the world of collectibles, slow and steady does indeed win the race.
The Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) data reveals a robust but not unmanageable population; around 1,240 PSA 10s and more than 11,000 PSA 9s are in circulation. This might seem like a healthy supply, but demand remains relentless. Collectors, particularly those with Champagne tastes on a craft beer budget, are catching on to the appeal of owning a piece of Jordan memorabilia without having to lay down a mortgage payment.
Moreover, raw copies of the card—ungraded and offering that irresistible thrill of potentially discovering a diamond in the rough—have seen their own stock soar. In 2022, these were trading hands at a wallet-friendly six dollars. Fast forward to today, and those same ungraded copies now command a cool twenty bucks—a price that’s more than tripled. It’s a considerable leap for a basic Jordan card that once languished in the shadows of its star-studded relatives.
So what’s prompted this rise in the card’s star? Several factors seem to align in its favor. The escalating costs of grading services have redirected some collectors’ attention to cards that are already graded. Nostalgia for 1980s basketball, a time when hoop dreams were becoming hoop realities, has cast a warm glow over cards from this era. And finally, there’s the pragmatic allure of owning a Michael Jordan card that remains attainable, a piece of basketball history that doesn’t demand the sale of a kidney.
The 1989 Fleer Jordan isn’t about flamboyance; rather, it is about authenticity. It captures Michael Jordan in his prime, an era where his dunks and dexterity filled arenas and sank rivals with equal precision. It sits comfortably in the rise of the Chicago Bulls dynasty—a time before the emblazoned gold foil accents became the norm. It doesn’t need to dunk on Patrick Ewing, nor does it require the loud proclamation of a rookie stamp. It’s a card that operates on the strength of subtlety, much like MJ’s effortless fadeaway jumpers that often left defenders gazing in awe.
For collectors exploring vantage points that diverge from the norm, the 1989 Fleer is a compelling prospect. It occupies a niche where value, potential appreciation, and a more grounded collecting experience converge. It is a piece for the thoughtful collector, one who appreciates the journey as much as the destination; a collector who understands that Jordan’s dominance on the court does not need additional hoo-ha off it.
For anyone embarking on their own personal “Last Dance” in card collecting, unearthing value and prepping for longevity, the 1989 Fleer presents an opportunity—one that’s worth a careful second look. Despite sidestepping the spotlight meant for bigger names, this card is finding its own path to prominence. It whispers, rather than roars, its appeal—a testament to the power of understated brilliance. Just as Michael Jordan proved time and again, the label of “rookie” isn’t a requisite for excellence, nor is it for a card to evolve from overlooked to prized.