1989 Pro Set Barry Sanders #494

Explore in-depth stats, PSA populations, and a unique rating for this classic Pro Set rookie of Barry Sanders.

PSA 10 Price: $100 - $175
PSA 9 Price: $45 - $65
PSA 8 Price: $20 - $30
Total PSA Pop: 16,847

Tale of the Tape

Playing Career
90
Card's Significance in the Hobby
55
Rarity Factor
84
Player Marketability
92
Overall Hobby Score
80
80

Badges

Generational Talent
Best in Draft Class
Best in Draft Class
Career Milestones

Player Achievements

1989 - 1998

NFL MVP: 1997
Rushing Titles: 4
10,000+ Career Rushing Yards
Pro Bowls: 10
First-Team All-Pro: 6
Hall of Fame Inductee: 2004

How I Arrived at the Hobby Score

The 1989 Pro Set Barry Sanders rookie card is a staple of late-80s football collecting. Pro Set entered the market in 1989 with a massive checklist, bright photography, and a focus on including every player, coach, and even referees. The set was widely available and helped fuel the football card boom, but its large print run means the card is not rare—though it remains a favorite for collectors who grew up in that era.

Before his NFL career, Barry Sanders was a sensation at Oklahoma State, winning the 1988 Heisman Trophy after rushing for an incredible 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in a single season—both NCAA records at the time. His college exploits made him one of the most anticipated rookies in NFL history, and his Pro Set card captures the excitement of his arrival in the league. The card is a reminder of both Sanders’s legendary college run and the explosion of football cards at the end of the 1980s.

PSA Price History (January)

Year PSA 10 Price PSA 9 Price
2022 $165 $50
2023 $115 (-30%) $45 (-10%)
2024 $150 (+30%) $47 (+4%)
2025 $145 (-3%) $48 (+2%)

💬 What are your thoughts on this card, the hobby score, and the player in general?