1989 Paninibaseball

Donruss Wax

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Frequently asked

What's the big chase card in 1989 Donruss?
Ken Griffey Jr. #33 is the marquee rookie. In PSA 10 it's worth around $900+, though raw copies go for just a few bucks. Randy Johnson #42, John Smoltz #642, and Craig Biggio #561 are also key rookies from the set.
How many cards are in a box?
Each box has 36 packs with 15 cards per pack, giving you 540 cards total per box. The full set is 660 cards, so you'll need multiple boxes to complete it.
Is this set worth opening?
Probably not for value. The set was massively overproduced during the junk-wax era, and most cards are nearly worthless today. You can find full boxes for around $5. Open it if you're hunting the Griffey rookie or just want the nostalgia.
What are the Diamond Kings?
Cards #1-27 are the Diamond Kings subset, featuring established stars with special artwork. They're not particularly scarce or valuable, but they're a nice visual break from the base set.
Are there any variations or parallels?
The set has minor variations on card backs ('Denotes Led League' with one or two asterisks) and on fronts (glossy or non-glossy horizontal lines on borders). These variations are equally common and don't command premium prices.
How does this compare to 1989 Topps or Fleer?
All three 1989 sets are from the junk-wax era and heavily overproduced. Donruss is known for the Griffey rookie and the distinctive black side borders. Topps and Fleer have their own iconic rookies and designs, but all three are affordable and abundant today.
What are the best inserts in 1989 Panini Donruss Wax?
Worth keeping an eye out for: Diamond Kings, Rated Rookies.
When did 1989 Panini Donruss Wax come out?
It dropped January 1, 1989.
What's in a 1989 Panini Donruss Wax hobby box?
36 packs per box, 15 cards per pack
Where can I buy 1989 Panini Donruss Wax?
We track listings across the major North American card shops and surface the best price up top. The Buy on eBay links go through the eBay Partner Network.

1989 Panini Donruss Wax Baseball

1989 Donruss is a 660-card set anchored by the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card (#33), one of the most iconic cards of the junk-wax era. You're chasing Griffey, Randy Johnson, John Smoltz, and Craig Biggio rookies, though the set was massively overproduced and most cards have little value today.

Inserts to watch
  • Diamond Kings Subset cards #1-27 featuring star players like Tony Gwynn, Don Mattingly, and Robin Yount with special artwork.
  • Rated Rookies Subset cards #28-47 highlighting the year's rookie class, including the famous Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card #33.
Fast facts
Released
January 1, 1989
Box config
36 packs per box, 15 cards per pack

By CardStock Editorial