1989 Topps Steve Avery #1 Draft Pick Rookie Card #80
Steve Avery · Topps · Rookie Card (RC)
Player
Steve Avery
Set
1989 Topps Base
Year
1989
Card #
80
Condition Grade
PSA 6 (EX-MT) - Centering appears slightly off top-to-bottom. Corners show minor softening beneath the case. Surface quality is obscured by a scratched top-loader, but typical Topps white card stock from 1989 is prone to faint chipping and wax stains.
Category
Rookie Card (RC)
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low/Moderate. Avery was a star on the 90s Braves, but since he is not in the Hall of Fame, demand is limited to Braves team collectors or 80s/90s nostalgia enthusiasts.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$0.50 - $2.00
Graded Value
PSA 7: $5-10, PSA 8: $15-20, PSA 9: $35-45, PSA 10: $150-200 (Note: Grading cost exceeds value of lower grades).
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies range from $0.99 to $3.00 with shipping. PSA 9 copies recently sold for approximately $40, while PSA 10 copies fluctuate between $140 and $180 depending on the auction.
Description
This is the classic 1989 Topps Steve Avery rookie card, featuring the iconic '#1 Draft Pick' logo. Avery is pictured in his Kennedy High School jersey tossing a baseball. The card features the vintage 1989 Topps script design with the 'Braves' team name in red and blue. The card is currently displayed in a vintage yellow-tinted top loader.
Key Features
Official Rookie Card (RC) of 1991 NLCS MVP Steve Avery; Features the '#1 Draft Pick' logo; Iconic 1980s junk-era design; High nostalgia value for Atlanta Braves collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. This card is from the 'Junk Wax' era (1987-1994) where production numbers were in the millions. There is virtually no incentive to counterfeit this specific card. The card stock and printing pattern match known 1989 Topps production.
Flaws to Note
The top-loader is heavily scratched and yellowed, which can damage the card over time if the plastic is PVC. The card centering is shifted slightly towards the top border. Typical 'junk wax' era issues like print spots or minor edge wear are likely present upon closer inspection.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best sold in a 'Rookie Lot' on eBay or through a local card shop's 'dollar bin'. Due to low individual value, listing it alone on Mercari or eBay might not cover shipping and fees unless it is a high-grade PSA 10 candidate.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card unless it is absolutely flawless (PSA 10 contender), as the grading fee will be 10x the value of the card. Remove it from the old, yellowed top-loader and place it in a fresh penny sleeve and clean top-loader to improve visual appeal. Use keywords 'Braves Dynasty' and '1991 NLCS MVP' in the title.