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Sports CardsCommon

Magic Johnson— Value & Price Guide

NBA Hoops1989NBA Hoops#270

Market Valuation

HOLD

Fair Market Value

$1.00

Based on 12 verified comparable sales

Low
$1.00
Median
$1.00
High
$2.00
+28.6%recent vs. older sales
AI Confidence: 87%

Expert Analysis

While the card shows a modest upward trend in value, it remains a relatively low-value common card. Holding is recommended as it's unlikely to see significant short-term gains, but as a classic card of a Hall of Famer, it retains long-term sentimental and historical value. The current market for raw, ungraded copies of this card is between $1.00 and $2.00, with a median of $1.00, making it a stable, entry-level collectible.

Market Analysis & Price Trends

Based on 12 verified recent sales on eBay, the Magic Johnson has a current fair market value of $1.00 with prices ranging from $1.00 to $2.00. The most recent recorded sale was $1.00.

Market trends show upward movement over the past recent vs. older sales, with a +28.6% price change. Recent sales data indicates a slight upward trend in prices for this card, with average sales increasing by approximately 28.6% compared to older sales. This suggests a modest increase in collector interest.

Our AI analysis rates this card as a HOLD. While the card shows a modest upward trend in value, it remains a relatively low-value common card. Holding is recommended as it's unlikely to see significant short-term gains, but as a classic card of a Hall of Famer, it retains long-term sentimental and historical value. The current market for raw, ungraded copies of this card is between $1.00 and $2.00, with a median of $1.00, making it a stable, entry-level collectible.

Collecting Insights

This card is a Common rarity, Base variant, from the NBA Hoops set, released in 1989. Collectors value this card for its unique attributes and market positioning.

Notable features include: Magic Johnson, 1989 NBA Hoops, Base card, Hall of Famer. These characteristics contribute to the card's collectibility and market demand.

Magic Johnson's status as one of the greatest players in NBA history, a five-time champion, and a cultural icon drives consistent demand for his cards, especially early career and iconic issues.

Key Features

  • Magic Johnson
  • 1989 NBA Hoops
  • Base card
  • Hall of Famer

Quick Facts

  • Magic Johnson famously won an NBA championship and Finals MVP in his rookie season (1980), playing center in the decisive Game 6 due to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's injury.
  • His rivalry with Larry Bird is credited with revitalizing the NBA in the 1980s, bringing unprecedented viewership and popularity to the league.
  • Magic holds the NBA record for career assists per game (11.2) and is one of only four players to record over 10,000 career assists.
  • This 1989 NBA Hoops card is from one of the earliest widely distributed modern basketball card sets, marking a significant era for collecting.
  • Despite his early retirement due to HIV in 1991, Magic made a memorable return to play in the 1992 Olympics, leading the 'Dream Team' to a gold medal.

Recent eBay Sold Listings

1989-90 NBA Hoops - Magic Johnson #270 READ$1.00
1989-90 NBA Hoops - Magic Johnson - #270$1.00
1989 Hoops Basketball MAGIC JOHNSON #270 Los Angeles Lakers 89 MINT PACK FRESH!$1.00
Magic Johnson 🔥 1989-90 NBA Hoops #270$1.00
1989-90 NBA Hoops EARVIN MAGIC JOHNSON #270 Los Angeles Lakers$1.00
1989-90 NBA Hoops - Magic Johnson #270 01$2.00
1989-90 NBA Hoops - Magic Johnson #270 TS1$2.00
1989-1990 Hoops Earvin Magic Johnson #270 - L.A Lakers *FA39$1.00

Grading ROI Estimate

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Estimated value after professional grading, based on typical grade multipliers for this price range.

GradeEst. ValueCostNet Profit
PSA 10$3.50$25.00-$22.50
PSA 9$1.80$25.00-$24.20
BGS 9.5$2.50$30.00-$28.50
CGC 9.8$2.00$22.00-$21.00

Estimates based on typical grade multipliers. Actual values vary by card popularity, scarcity, and market conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on 12 verified eBay sold listings, the Magic Johnson has a fair market value of $1.00. Prices range from $1.00 to $2.00 depending on condition and seller. Values are updated regularly based on real transaction data.

Magic Johnson Base - Trading Card Image

Image from verified eBay sold listing

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Last updated4/5/2026

About the Magic Johnson

Even in the modern era, a 2023 Topps card featuring NBA legend Magic Johnson holds significant appeal for both new and seasoned collectors. While not a vintage rookie, this card celebrates one of basketball's most iconic figures, whose impact on the game transcends generations. Magic's five NBA championships and revolutionary playmaking cemented his status as an all-time great, making any card bearing his image desirable. For around $2.00 in near_mint condition, this 2023 Topps issue offers an accessible entry point to owning a piece of his legacy. It's a solid 'hold' for fans and a great way to diversify a collection with a contemporary tribute to a superstar.

Career Highlights

  • 5× NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
  • 3× NBA Finals MVP (1980, 1982, 1987)
  • 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1987, 1989, 1990)
  • 12× NBA All-Star (1980, 1982–1992)
  • NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
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