If you grew up in the early nineties, you probably have a shoebox hidden in your parents' attic filled with Fleer 90 basketball cards. You might even think you're sitting on a gold mine. Honestly? You’re probably not. But that doesn’t mean these cards are worthless. It’s just... complicated.
The 1990-91 Fleer set is the poster child for the "Junk Wax Era." Back then, card companies weren't printing thousands of cards; they were printing millions. Estimates put the print runs at roughly 3 million to 5 million copies per player. Basically, they were printing money until the paper lost its value.
Yet, here we are in 2026, and people are still obsessed with them. Why? Because while a raw, dinged-up Michael Jordan might only buy you a sandwich, a "perfect" version of that same card is a different story entirely.
The Michael Jordan Factor (And Why Your Copy Is Likely a PSA 8)
Let's talk about card #26. It’s the Michael Jordan base card. It isn't a rookie. It isn't particularly rare. But it is iconic. The photography in the Fleer 90 basketball cards set was actually a step up from previous years, showing MJ in that classic red Bulls jersey, mid-air.
If you look at the recent sales data from early 2026, an ungraded Michael Jordan #26 sells for about $6 or $7. That’s it. However, if you have one that looks like it just came out of a pack—perfect centering, sharp corners, no white "snow" on the surface—you might have something.
A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of this card currently fetches around $350 to $500.
The problem? These cards were notorious for bad "centering." If the picture is shifted even a millimeter to the left or right, you've lost the "10." Most of the cards you find in old binders are PSA 8s at best, which are worth maybe $15.
💡 You might also like: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
What about the "No Line" Error?
You’ll see people on eBay losing their minds over the "No Line on Back" error for the Jordan card. On the back of the standard card, there’s a black line separating the gray and yellow sections. On some versions, it’s missing. While some "error hunters" will pay a premium (sometimes over $500 for a PSA 10), the reality is that so many of these exist that it's more of a "variant" than a rare mistake.
The Rookies Nobody Wanted (Until Now)
When this set dropped, everyone was chasing David Robinson. He was the "Admiral." He was the future. But the Fleer 90 basketball cards set actually features some sneaky-good rookies that have aged better than expected.
- Shawn Kemp (#178): The Reign Man. This is his true rookie card. In a PSA 10, it's a $40 card. Not life-changing, but for a guy who defined 90s dunk culture, it's a must-have.
- Tim Hardaway (#63): Another Hall of Famer. His rookie is dirt cheap raw (like $1.50) but looks great in a slab.
- Vlade Divac (#91): A pioneer for international players. Again, mostly a sentimental play, but the PSA 10s have a small, loyal market.
The funny thing is that David Robinson's "rookie" in this set (card #172) isn't even his real rookie. His actual rookie was in the 1989 Hoops set. Fleer was a year late to the party, which is why his card #172 is technically just his first Fleer appearance.
The Errors That Actually Matter
If you’re digging through a pile of Fleer 90 basketball cards, keep an eye out for the weird stuff. This set was riddled with mistakes.
Take the John Battle (#1) card. The early versions say he was drafted in 1984. He wasn't. He was drafted in 1985. Fleer eventually fixed it, but the "Draft '84" version is the one collectors look for.
Then there’s the Larry Bird (#8). There is a version where the "T" trademark symbol is missing next to his photo on the back. A PSA 10 of the missing trademark version can actually sell for over $100, whereas the normal one is a $50 card in the same grade.
📖 Related: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
Is It Worth Getting Your Cards Graded?
This is where most people lose money. They see a Michael Jordan card, they spend $25 to $40 to have it graded by PSA or SGC, and it comes back a 7 or an 8.
Now they’ve spent $40 to own a $10 card.
Don't grade your 1990 Fleer cards unless:
- The centering is 50/50. Use a ruler. If one border is thicker than the other, don't send it.
- The corners are "needle sharp." If you see even a tiny speck of white paper showing through the ink on the corner, it's not a 10.
- The surface is clean. Take a flashlight and look at the card at an angle. Do you see light scratches or "dimples"? If yes, skip the grading.
Honestly, the best way to enjoy these today is to buy a "wax box." You can still find sealed boxes of 36 packs for around $90 to $120. It's a cheap way to spend an afternoon with a friend, reliving the days when the NBA was dominated by Magic, Bird, and the Bad Boy Pistons.
Why the 1990-91 Fleer Update Set is Different
If you want the real value, you have to look at the Fleer Update set. This was a separate, 100-card boxed set sold through hobby shops.
It contains the Gary Payton Rookie Card (#U-92). Unlike the base set, the Update set wasn't printed into oblivion. A PSA 10 Gary Payton rookie is a solid $50+ card and is much harder to find in good condition because the yellow borders on those cards show every single tiny nick.
👉 See also: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
If you just found a stack of these in your basement, here is your game plan.
First, pull out every Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson card. Put them in "penny sleeves" immediately. Even if they aren't worth a fortune, you want to stop any further damage.
Next, check your Michael Jordan #26 for that "No Line" variant on the back. It’s a fun treasure hunt.
Finally, if you’re looking to sell, don’t bother listing individual common cards. Nobody is going to pay $1 plus $5 shipping for a Rick Mahorn. Instead, sell them as a "complete set" or in player lots (e.g., "Lot of 10 different Lakers cards"). A complete 198-card set usually moves for about $25 to $35 on sites like eBay or COMC.
Keep your expectations in check. These cards represent a peak moment in NBA history, even if they don't represent a peak moment for your bank account. The joy of Fleer 90 basketball cards isn't the ROI—it's the nostalgia.