The 1990 Fleer MVP baseball card set was one of the most popular and valuable sets of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Issued at the height of the baseball card boom, the 1990 Fleer set showcased vivid full color photography on a glossy stock that truly captured the excitement of America’s Pastime. While reprints have diminished the values of common cards over the decades, high-grade examples of stars from the set continue to attract strong prices from seasoned collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at pricing trends for some of the top rookie and star cards from the 1990 Fleer MVP issue.
Perhaps the most coveted and valuable card from the set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the iconic rookie cards of the modern era, the Griffey impressed collectors with its stunning full body photo of “The Kid” in classic Cincinnati Reds home whites. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, examples of the Griffey rookie have consistently traded hands for $2,000 or more in recent years. Even well-centered PSA 9 Near Mint copies still fetch hundreds. The card’s allure has only grown since Griffey’s retirement, cementing its status as a true blue chip investment for vintage collectors.
Another hugely desirable rookie from the set is the Frank Thomas issue. Like Griffey, “The Big Hurt” would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie advertising his imposing 6’5, 240 pound frame remains a must-have for White Sox PC builders. PSA 10 Thomas rookies have brought in the $800-1000 range, with PSA 9s settling in the $300-500 area. Solid demand exists for this intimidating looking card of the feared slugger.
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Other notables that still command four-figure prices in top grades include the Nolan Ryan ($1,000-1,500 PSA 10), Cal Ripken Jr. ($800-1,200 PSA 10), and Ryne Sandberg ($600-800 PSA 10) cards. Each of these superstars are depicted with crystal clear photography that truly pops from the Fleer stock. Condition sensitive Rickey Henderson and Andy Van Slyke rookie cards have also realized $500-700 in pristine PSA 10 if a scarce pop report number can be located.
Moving to the next tier, $200-400 values in PSA 10 are realistic for the likes of Ozzie Smith, Barry Larkin, Don Mattingly, and Jose Canseco. Kirby Puckett, too, despite receiving less fanfare than his contemporaries, has his followers that push his gem mint rookie up near the $300 plateau. Lower population rookies of Gregg Jefferies, Erik Hanson, and Bip Roberts can also crack $200 in top grade once a serious collector locates an example to add to their PC.
More affordably for most collectors, common stars and solid big leaguers from the set still look great in a PSA 9 Near Mint holder. Rodriguez, Clemens, and Maddux rookies in the $75-150 range exemplify this. Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Wade Boggs, and Orel Hershiser come in under $100. Even role players and backups like Lenny Dykstra, Lee Smith, and Jeff Reardon have a soft $30-60 near mint market to put identifiable names on the shelf.
At the lower end, the subset of players whose careers didn’t pan out as hoped have seen values decrease as years pass. Examples would include the Juan Gonzalez, Gregg Jefferies, and Erik Hanson rookies achieving $20-40 in strong PSA 9 condition depending on the day. But for completists, it’s gratifying to include these relics which remind us of the hype each prospect once carried.
While reprints have lessened demand for common versions over time, the 1990 Fleer MVP issue continues to hold significant collectable value for the true stars and key rookies presented in pristine preserved condition. As one of the most aesthetically pleasing sets from the junk wax era, it remains a benchmark for both investors and aficionados of the vintage sport. With the majority of its famous names and rookie crop having retired, nostalgia will ensure the lasting allure of this classic baseball card set.
