Larry Bird

Market outlook

Rising Outlook 4/10

Recent 30-day raw price increase of +49.8% to $2.99 indicates short-term collector interest in Bird cards.[4]

Next months. Modest gains in raw/lower grades next 3-6 months if demand persists.

Long term. Stable low value over 1-3 years due to abundant supply.

History

Larry Bird is a Hall of Fame basketball player, legendary forward for the Boston Celtics, known for his sharpshooting, passing, and rivalry with Magic Johnson, contributing to three NBA championships despite chronic back issues and missing most of the 1988-89 season due to heel bone spur surgery.[1]

First released in the 1989 NBA Hoops set in the United States.

• Features full-color photography cropped in the shape of a key, typical of the set's design.[1]
• One of two Larry Bird cards in the 1989 Hoops set, alongside a Superstars variant.[4]
• Part of a junk wax era set with Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and other Hall of Famers.[1]

Rarity and print run

Tier

Common

Print run

Very High

First printed in

1989 NBA Hoops

Demand

Medium

Supply

Abundant

• Base card from mass-produced 1989 Hoops set in junk wax era.
• High population even in high grades like graded 10.

Collector notes

Condition. Check for centering issues common in junk wax era cards, edge wear, corner dings, surface scratches, and print defects; graded 10 examples are valued at $60 but rare due to mass production.[1]

Storage. Store in semi-rigid holders or top loaders with sleeves in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to prevent warping or fading.

Authenticity. Examine print quality, card stock thickness, and holograms if graded; fakes are uncommon for base junk wax cards but verify seller reputation and use graded/graded population reports.[6]