The 1994 Topps baseball card set is regarded as one of the most iconic releases in the modern era. Produced during a time of intense nostalgia for the sport following the cancellation of the 1994 MLB season due to a player strike, the cards captured the imaginations of collectors both young and old. Now, nearly 30 years later, some of the prized rookie and star player cards from that set command extraordinary prices. Here are the 10 most valuable 1994 Topps baseball cards based on the highest prices they have sold for recently:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1) – $106,000
Arguably the greatest player of his generation, Ken Griffey Jr. had one of the most coveted rookie cards in baseball card history. His 1994 Topps rookie was the first card in the set and features the emerging superstar in a Mariners uniform. In near-mint condition, this card has sold for over $106,000, making it by far the most valuable card from the 1994 set. Griffey brought tremendous excitement and talent to the game and collector demand for his rookie remains immense given his awe-inspiring career.

Frank Thomas (#90) – $21,600
“The Big Hurt” Frank Thomas was one of the most feared sluggers of the 1990s and his 1994 Topps card shows him in the midst of his offensive prime with the Chicago White Sox. Thomas’ No. 90 card is the second priciest from the set, with PSA 10 gem mint examples trading hands for close to $22,000. A five-time All-Star and two-time AL MVP winner by 1994, Thomas cemented his status as a modern great and highly collectible player during this era.

Pedro Martinez (#125) – $16,500
Before emerging as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Pedro Martinez was breaking out as a superstar hurler for the Montreal Expos in 1994 as a 22-year-old. His 1994 Topps card depicts him dealing during this early period and plenty of collectors recognized his immense talent. In top condition, Martinez’s No. 125 card has sold for up to $16,500, reflecting his importance as a rookie sensation and future Hall of Famer.

Derek Jeter (#307) – $15,000
As a 20-year old rookie with the New York Yankees in 1994, shortstop Derek Jeter was already starting to gain national attention for his superb defensive skills and timely hitting. His No. 307 rookie card shows him poised in the batter’s box in pinstripes. Given Jeter’s eventual ascension to Yankees captain and career .310 batting average, this early card captures the start of a surefire Hall of Fame career. Pristine examples have reached $15,000 at auction.

Sammy Sosa (#413) – $6,250
Before his glory years hitting mammoth home runs for the Chicago Cubs, Sammy Sosa was lighting up the stat sheet for the Texas Rangers in 1994 with a breakout 49 home run, 121 RBI season. His No. 413 card from that magical year still tantalizes collectors as one of the premier power hitter cards from the era. Top-rated Sosas have cracked $6,250 at auction.

Moises Alou (#446) – $5,900
The son of former MLB All-Star Felipe Alou, Moises Alou was blossoming into a sensation with Montreal in 1994 while batting .355 with 28 homers and 105 RBI. His No. 446 card is cherished for its portrayal of this monster offensive season. Limited PSA 10 Alous have hit nearly $6,000 on the secondary market.

Greg Maddux (#467) – $4,750
Already a three-time Cy Young Award winner by 1994, Greg Maddux continued cementing his case as one of the best pitchers in baseball history while pitching for Atlanta. Awarded card No. 467, ‘Mad Dog’ is depicted dealing for the Braves and has gained $4,750 in pristine condition.

Jay Buhner (#555) – $3,500
Beloved in Seattle for his prodigious power, Jay Buhner brought excitement to the Kingdome in the 1990s with back-to-back 40 home run seasons in 1993 and 1994 for the Mariners. His No. 555 card pays homage to this huge power potential. Top-graded versions have sold for around $3,500 online.

Matt Williams (#593) – $3,200
En route to blasting 43 homers and driving in a major league-leading 122 runs in 1994 for San Francisco, third baseman Matt Williams was among the most feared hitters in baseball. His No. 593 card is a prized item showing his intimidating batting stance during this assault. High-end specimens have earned $3,200.

Devon White (#651) – $3,100
A superb defensive outfielder and baserunner who played for four teams in his career, Devon White was a key member of the 1994 World Series champion Expos. His No. 651 card depicts him patrolling the outfield grass at Olympic Stadium. Considered one of the toughest cards to grade flawlessly in the set due to production issues, pristine Whites can bring $3,100.

The 1994 Topps baseball card set boasts an outstanding who’s who of talent from the era. While they may not fetch the astronomical figures seen in vintage sets, the cards of stars like Griffey, Thomas, Martinez, Jeter and others continue appreciating strongly for serious collectors nearly three decades later. For capturing lightning-in-a-bottle moments from some truly legendary careers, 1994 Topps remains a revered release and source of fascinating nostalgia for the game.