If you were ripping packs in 1989, you probably remember the smell of that stiff, pink bubble gum and the thrill of seeing a San Francisco 49ers logo peeking through the stack. By the time the 1989 Joe Montana Topps cards hit the shelves, "Joe Cool" wasn't just a quarterback. He was a god.
He’d just come off a season where he orchestrated the most famous drive in Super Bowl history against the Bengals. Naturally, every kid in America wanted his card. But here’s the thing: we were in the middle of the "junk wax" explosion. Topps was printing cards like they were the Federal Reserve printing dollar bills.
Because of that massive supply, a lot of people write off this era. They think if it isn’t the 1981 rookie card, it isn't worth a look. Honestly? They’re wrong. The 1989 Joe Montana Topps card—specifically the base #12—is a masterclass in late-80s design and remains one of the most accessible ways to own a piece of a legend's peak years.
The Different Faces of the 1989 Joe Montana Topps Collection
Most people think there’s just one card. Nope. Topps actually snuck Joe onto the checklist multiple times that year, and if you're hunting for them, you need to know which is which.
The Base Card (#12)
This is the "main" one. It’s got that classic 1989 design with the wavy, colored lines on the top and bottom. Joe’s looking lean, focused, and ready to pick apart a secondary. It’s not a rare card by any means. You can find raw copies for a buck or two at any flea market. But finding a "perfect" one? That’s the real game.
The Super Bowl XXIII Card (#1)
Topps kicked off the 1989 set with a tribute to the previous championship. Card #1 features Montana dropping back to pass, titled "Super Bowl XXIII." For some reason, these often have better centering than the base cards. If you’re a 49ers purist, this is basically a highlight reel in 2.5 x 3.5-inch form.
The Team Card (#6)
Then there’s the 49ers team card. Joe is visible here too, usually captioned "Joe Montana On The Run." It’s technically a team checklist card, but Montana collectors count it. It’s a cheap addition, but it completes the 1989 Topps "trifecta" for the Hall of Famer.
What’s It Actually Worth? (The Truth About Prices)
Let’s be real: you aren't retiring on a single 1989 Joe Montana Topps card. If it’s sitting in a shoebox under your bed, it’s probably a $1 card. Maybe $5 if it’s exceptionally clean.
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The money is in the grading.
In the current 2026 market, collectors are obsessed with "Gem Mint" status. Because Topps had some quality control issues back then—think jagged edges from dull paper cutters and cards being printed off-center—a PSA 10 is actually somewhat tough to find.
- PSA 10 (Gem Mint): These usually hover between $30 and $55. It fluctuates based on how many Niners fans are feeling nostalgic that week.
- PSA 9 (Mint): You can grab these for $10 to $15.
- Raw/Ungraded: Basically the price of a cup of coffee. $0.50 to $2.00.
There was a weird spike a few years ago where people were trying to sell these for hundreds, claiming "rare errors" in the yardage stats on the back. Take that with a grain of salt. Most of those "errors" were just standard printing variations that didn't actually add value to anyone except the person trying to overcharge you.
Why This Card Still Matters in 2026
We live in an era of 1-of-1 parallels and jersey patches. Compared to a modern "Superfractor," a 1989 Topps card looks primitive. But there’s a soul to these cards.
1989 was the year the hobby changed forever. It was the last year Topps was the undisputed king before Score and Upper Deck really started eating their lunch with "premium" products. The 1989 Joe Montana Topps card represents the end of an era. It’s the last time football cards felt like toys instead of financial assets.
Also, look at the stats on the back. By 1989, Montana’s career numbers were already mind-blowing. Reading those tiny rows of text is like reading a history book of the West Coast Offense. You see the progression from a skinny kid from Notre Dame to the guy who redefined the position.
Condition Issues to Watch Out For
If you’re digging through a bin looking for a "gradable" copy, keep an eye on these three things:
- The Borders: The white borders on the 1989 set are notorious for showing age. They "yellow" if they weren't kept in a cool, dark place. If it looks like a tea-stained map, pass on it.
- Centering: Look at the wavy lines at the top. Are they even on both sides? Most 1989 Topps cards are "heavy" on the left or right.
- Print Dots: These cards were printed fast. Sometimes you’ll see tiny "fisheye" dots in the blue sky or on Joe's jersey. Collectors hate those.
How to Handle Your 1989 Montana Today
If you find one, don't just toss it in a plastic bag. Even if it's only worth a few bucks, it's a piece of sports history.
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Basically, you’ve got two paths. If the card is visibly flawed—rounded corners, creases, or poor centering—just keep it as a "binder card." It’s a great conversation starter.
But, if you happen to find one that looks like it was printed five minutes ago, with razor-sharp corners and perfect centering, it might be worth the $20 grading fee. A PSA 10 Montana from the 80s is always going to have a buyer. It’s one of those "blue chip" junk wax cards that will always have a floor price because the name on the front is Joe Montana.
Actionable Steps for Collectors
- Check the Back: Flip the card over and look at the "Topps" logo. If the red ink is bleeding into the white, the card was likely from a later print run with lower quality control.
- Verify the Number: Make sure you have card #12 if you want the "true" base card. Card #1 is the Super Bowl highlight card, which is cool, but usually sells for slightly less.
- Avoid "Error" Hype: Don't pay a premium for "missing periods" or "faded ink" unless it's a recognized variation by a grading company like PSA or Beckett.
- Storage: Use a "Penny Sleeve" and a "Top Loader." It’s the gold standard for keeping cards from turning into 40-year-old scrap paper.
Whether you're a hardcore investor or just someone who misses the 80s, the 1989 Joe Montana Topps card is a classic. It’s a reminder of a time when the game was simpler, the shoulder pads were huge, and Joe Montana was the coolest man on the planet.
Next Steps for Your Collection
To see if your card is worth grading, compare it under a magnifying glass to high-resolution scans of PSA 10 copies on eBay’s "Sold" listings. This will give you a realistic idea of what "perfect" centering actually looks like for this specific 1989 design.