1989 Score Football Cards: Are They Worth Anything?

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Hey guys! Ever rummage through your attic and stumble upon a box of old sports cards? Chances are, if you were collecting back in the late '80s and early '90s, you've got a stack of 1989 Score football cards. These cards were incredibly popular back in the day, but what about now? Are they worth anything? Let's dive in and explore the fascinating world of 1989 Score football cards.

The Overproduction Era

First things first, we need to talk about the elephant in the room: overproduction. The late 1980s and early 1990s were a wild time for sports cards. Companies like Score, Topps, Upper Deck, and Fleer were printing millions of cards. They thought the sports card market would just keep growing forever. This led to a massive oversupply of cards, especially from 1988 to 1993.

Think of it like Beanie Babies back in the late 90s. Everyone was snatching them up, thinking they'd be worth a fortune someday. But because everyone was doing it, the market got flooded, and most Beanie Babies ended up being worth… well, not much. The same thing happened with 1989 Score football cards.

Because there are so many of them out there, the base cards from the 1989 Score set are generally not worth a lot. You can find complete sets for relatively cheap, and most individual common cards are worth only pennies. Sad, but true. However, before you write them off completely, let's talk about some of the factors that can affect a card's value.

Factors Affecting Card Value

Okay, so most 1989 Score cards aren't going to make you rich. But there are a few things that can make a card more valuable. Here's what to keep in mind:

  • Condition is King: This is the golden rule of card collecting. A card's condition is the most important factor in determining its value. Cards are graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being a pristine, perfect card. Cards in mint condition (graded 9 or 10) are worth significantly more than cards with creases, frayed edges, or other damage. So, if you have any 1989 Score cards, handle them with care! Keep them in protective sleeves and avoid bending or scratching them.
  • Rarity: While the 1989 Score set, as a whole, isn't rare, some individual cards are harder to find in top condition. Error cards, variations, and short-printed cards can also command a premium. We'll talk about some specific examples later.
  • Player Popularity: Cards of Hall of Fame players or fan favorites are generally more desirable than cards of journeyman players. Even if a card isn't particularly rare, the player's popularity can still drive up its value.
  • Grading: Getting your cards professionally graded by a reputable company like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) or Beckett Grading Services (BGS) can significantly increase their value. A graded card comes in a protective case with a grade assigned by the company. This gives buyers confidence in the card's condition and authenticity. However, grading costs money, so it's only worth doing for cards that you think have a good chance of getting a high grade and are potentially valuable.

Key Cards and Potential Values

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Which 1989 Score football cards are worth keeping an eye out for? While the set isn't known for a ton of high-value cards, here are a few that might be worth more than just a few cents:

  • Troy Aikman Rookie Card (#257): This is the key card in the 1989 Score set. Troy Aikman, the Hall of Fame quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, is the most sought-after player in the set. A PSA 10 graded Aikman rookie card can sell for hundreds of dollars. Even ungraded, near-mint copies can fetch a decent price. If you have this card, it's definitely worth getting it graded if it's in good condition.
  • Barry Sanders Rookie Card (#297): Another Hall of Fame running back, Barry Sanders, is a legend. His rookie card is also highly desirable. While not as valuable as the Aikman, a PSA 10 Sanders rookie can still sell for a good amount of money. Keep an eye out for this one!
  • Deion Sanders Rookie Card (#187): "Prime Time" Deion Sanders was a two-sport superstar! His rookie card has some value as well, but like Barry Sanders, it’s not as valuable as the Aikman. Still, a graded Sanders rookie card can be a nice addition to your collection.
  • Steve Young Card (#457): While not a rookie card, this card features Steve Young at the beginning of his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers. This is one of the key cards of Steve Young and is very popular among collectors.
  • Other Hall of Famers: Cards of other Hall of Fame players like John Elway, Dan Marino, and Joe Montana are also worth a bit more than common cards, especially in high grades.

Error Cards and Variations

Error cards and variations can sometimes be valuable due to their rarity. In the 1989 Score set, there aren't any super well-known or highly sought-after error cards like you might find in some other sets. However, it's always worth doing some research to see if any new variations or errors have been discovered. The best way to do this is to consult online resources and forums dedicated to sports card collecting.

Where to Find Values

So, you've got some 1989 Score football cards, and you want to know how much they're really worth. Here are some resources you can use:

  • eBay: eBay is a great place to get a sense of the market value of your cards. Search for completed listings of similar cards in similar condition to see what people are actually paying for them.
  • PSA Price Guide: PSA has a price guide that provides estimated values for graded cards. This can be a helpful resource, but keep in mind that these are just estimates, and actual prices can vary.
  • Beckett Price Guide: Beckett also has a price guide that covers a wide range of sports cards. Their online database is a valuable tool for researching card values.
  • Sports Card Forums: Online sports card forums are a great place to connect with other collectors, ask questions, and get opinions on the value of your cards.

Tips for Selling Your Cards

If you decide to sell your 1989 Score football cards, here are a few tips to help you get the best price:

  • Do Your Research: Before you list your cards for sale, do your research to determine their fair market value. Don't just guess – look at completed eBay listings and consult price guides.
  • Take Good Photos: When selling online, make sure to take clear, well-lit photos of your cards. Show any flaws or damage clearly. Buyers want to know exactly what they're getting.
  • Be Honest About Condition: Be honest about the condition of your cards. Don't try to hide damage or exaggerate their condition. Honesty builds trust with buyers.
  • Consider Grading: If you have cards that you think are in excellent condition and have the potential to grade well, consider getting them graded before selling them. A graded card will generally fetch a higher price.

Final Thoughts

While the 1989 Score football card set isn't going to make you rich, it can still be a fun and rewarding hobby. The nostalgia factor is strong with these cards, and they can be a great way to relive the glory days of football. Plus, who knows, maybe you'll stumble upon a hidden gem or two! So, dig out those old boxes, dust off those cards, and see what you've got. Happy collecting!