1989 Bowman Checklist & Prices

Some love Bowman’s “comeback” set, but many more dislike it.  Overproduction made most cards not even worth the cardboard they are printed on, keeping prices low.  The set includes a Ken Griffey Jr. rookie, the only card you’ll have trouble finding for less than a dollar.  It’s also the only one you might have success (although still minimal) selling.

Search for 1989 Bowman cards on eBay

The issue for collectors is the size.  Most cards have been a “standard” size since the late 1950s.  Topps (who owns the Bowman name) decided that since the cards were a “throwback,” they should make them bigger, like early Bowman cards.  These cards measure 2.5×3.75″.  This makes them difficult to store with typical supplies.

1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. (value $3-6)

1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. – back (value $3-6)

Griffey is the key card in the set.  Other than that, rookies of John Smoltz and Gary Sheffield might command slightly more than a common card.  All other cards should be the same price.

Common cards: $0.05 – 0.10 in person; $0.25 – 0.50 online

Common+ cards: 2-4x commons

Sets: $5-10 in person; same online (but expect to pay an additional $10+ shipping)

The honest truth is, if you have cards from this set that you’re hoping to sell, you’re likely out of luck.  Due to overproduction, most people who are interested in a particular card already have it.  There is also seemingly an infinite amount of the cards readily available online, and for very low prices.  Even if you’re able to find someone who is actually willing to purchase them from you, the values are so low that you would likely get no more than fractions of a penny for any individual card.  Your best bet is to just keep them and enjoy for nostalgic purposes, find a charity that may have a way to make use of them, or just donate them to your local Goodwill (or similar) store.

Do you see anything that doesn’t look right, or have questions?  Let me know!