In the colorful world of sports card collecting, where the economy of supply and demand mixed with nostalgia often dictates value, few cards hold as much reverence as Michael Jordan’s 1986 Fleer rookie card. Its mint, unspoken grandeur has sealed its reputation long ago, commandeering not just attention, but often jaw-dropping sums in the auction house. However, lurking humbly in its shadow is an underrated treasure that’s gradually catching the eye of savvy collectors: the 1989 Fleer #21 Michael Jordan card.
This card isn’t the poster child of hype. It doesn’t receive televised adulation or the frenzied bidding wars associated with its famous cousin. Yet, while the spotlight hogs covetous glares, the 1989 Fleer card has been clandestinely pulsing with value—serving as a testament that sometimes, the quiet achiever can walk the halls of collectorship success in its own dignified stride.
Back in 2021, a pristine PSA 10 grade of this card (which represents the epitome of card condition, for the uninducted) was priced at roughly $1,001. Fast forward to June 2025, it comfortably sits at $1,200, registering a respectable 20% appreciation. The allure here isn’t seismic, sure—it’s not making headlines or causing dramatic gasps. Yet, in a terrain where volatility often plays mischief with prices, steady growth like this is a goldmine.
For context, the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) reports approximately 1,240 PSA 10s and over 11,000 PSA 9s in circulation. A tally that can initially seem abundant, but dig deeper, and it becomes apparent: interest has yet to wane. It’s reminiscent of the dawning realization among enthusiasts that the soul of a treasure isn’t bound to a five-digit price tag or an iconic rookie label.
But there’s more to the tale. A saga brought to life by the eye-widening surge in raw copies of this card—those not yet professionally graded. Back in 2022, one might have relaxed into a six-dollar acquisition. These days, however, a hint of nostalgia polished that steal into a $20 bill, at least threefold the price of yesteryear. And before you scramble in disbelief, we’re not referencing an elusive gem or a frilly insert. This is the workhorse of Jordan’s base-era portraits beating steadily and confidently forward.
Why the renewed affection toward the 1989 Fleer? Well, for starters, conversations lead to rising grading fees, many collectors sublimely migrating towards previously slabbed cards. Then, there’s the intoxicating call of nostalgia—specifically, the late ’80s hoops era, a period adorned with Jordan’s meteoric rise. Combine this with the fervent reality that one can embrace the legacy of His Airness without financial extravagance, and the picture sharpens with perfect clarity.
Unlike some cards imbibing audacious aesthetics, the 1989 Fleer doesn’t parade around with bold graphics or experimental borders. It portrays Jordan sans the theatricality, an iconic figure in his prime, during the feverish ascendancy of Chicago Bulls mania—symbolizing more than a card, it becomes the embodiment of wisdom for the thoughtful collector.
Indeed, if your foray into this hobby navigates value and prospective rewards while seeking to diverge from well-trodden paths, the 1989 Fleer deserves more than a mere glance. Despite its lack of a rookie stamp, Jordan reigned supreme on the court, and his 1989 Fleer card mirrors that narrative by consistently rewarding those who understand its potential. It’s a card basking in perceived quietude but poised with potential gains.
Whether the overlooked nature of this card transforms into an elaborate tapestry of interest remains to be seen. However, as with Jordan’s moves on the hardwood—the 1989 Fleer embraces subtlety and deftness. It quietly astonishes, bringing a smile of understanding to those tuned into its quieter triumph. Just as Jordan electrified the NBA without always clinching the obvious accolades, the 1989 Fleer doesn’t herald drama but brings steady, coaxing rewards for those who believe it is a treasure.
