The Most Valuable 1989 Upper Deck Cards (With PSA 10 Prices)

The 1989 Upper Deck baseball card set marked a revolution in the hobby. With its premium design, hologram authentication, and foil-wrapped packs, Upper Deck changed the game. But the standout feature? Card #1 – Ken Griffey Jr., a rookie card that became an icon.

While Griffey's card dominates the spotlight, the set includes several other valuable cards worth knowing about—especially in PSA 10 condition.

Let’s dive into the most valuable cards from the 1989 Upper Deck set.

🥇 #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card

• PSA 10 Price: $2,500 – $3,000
• Why It’s Special:
  Widely regarded as one of the most iconic cards in modern baseball history. Upper Deck took a risk by placing Griffey, who hadn't even played a Major League game yet, as card #1. The gamble paid off. Griffey went on to become a Hall of Famer and a fan favorite, and this card became the face of the '90s baseball card boom.

🥈 #357 Dale Murphy Reverse Negative Error

• PSA 10 Price: $500 – $600
• Why It’s Special:
  This is one of the most famous error cards in the hobby. The image was mistakenly printed in reverse, making the right-handed Murphy appear left-handed.
• Collector Appeal:
  Error cards are highly sought after, and this one is both unique and hard to find in mint condition. PSA 10s are especially rare due to print quality issues of the time.

🥉 #13 Gary Sheffield Rookie Card

• PSA 10 Price (SS Upside Down): $400 - $600
• PSA 10 Price (Standard Version): $25 – $35
• Why It’s Special:
  Featuring a young Sheffield with a bat cocked and ready, this card captures one of baseball's future sluggers early in his career. Sheffield had over 500 home runs and a long, productive MLB run.
  

#25 Randy Johnson Rookie Card

• PSA 10 Price: $100 – $125
• Why It’s Special:
  The "Big Unit" had a legendary career, earning 5 Cy Young Awards. His 1989 Upper Deck rookie card is a collector favorite.

#774 Nolan Ryan

• PSA 10 Price: $100
• Why It’s Special:
  This is one of the quirkiest and most beloved Nolan Ryan cards produced. It shows the legendary pitcher throwing a football—a unique behind-the-scenes shot.
  

#145 Nolan Ryan

• PSA 10 Price: $80
• Why It’s Special:
  Nolan Ryan’s cards are always in demand, and this one shows him in the later years of his career with the Astros. His legendary fastball and unmatched strikeout record make any of his cards a worthy hold.
  

#17 John Smoltz Rookie Card

• PSA 10 Price: $40
• Why It’s Special:
  Smoltz was a key part of the dominant Braves pitching staff of the ‘90s. He’s also the only pitcher in MLB history with 200 wins and 150 saves.

#273 Craig Biggio Rookie Card

• PSA 10 Price: $40
• Why It’s Special:
  Biggio went from catcher to Hall of Fame second baseman. His all-around game made him a staple in the Astros’ lineup for years.

Honorable Mentions

These cards also carry collector interest:

• #221 Bo Jackson – PSA 10: ~$40
• #384 Tony Gwynn – PSA 10: ~$30
• #787 Omar Vizquel Rookie – PSA 10: ~$20

Why the 1989 Upper Deck Set Still Matters

• First premium set to break the mold of traditional cardboard.
• Introduced foil packs and counterfeit-proof holograms.
• High-quality photography and clean design.
• Investment potential, especially in PSA 10s.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or a nostalgic collector, the 1989 Upper Deck set has cemented its legacy. While Griffey is king, cards like the Dale Murphy error, Randy Johnson rookie, and Gary Sheffield offer fantastic value—especially in gem mint condition.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to invest or build a vintage-modern hybrid collection, 1989 Upper Deck is a must-have. PSA 10s can be hard to find, but they continue to hold—and even grow—in value.