The 1990 Topps baseball card set was full of star players and valuable rookie cards. As one of the most popular years for the Topps brand, the 1990 set contained 792 total cards with photos, stats and bios of players from that season. While the entire set holds appeal for collectors, some stand out as being among the most coveted and valuable from the year. Here are some of the best 1990 Topps baseball cards to keep an eye out for:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1)
Considered by many to be the most valuable modern rookie card in existence, the Ken Griffey Jr. 1990 Topps card is one of the true treasures of the hobby. Junior was already showing flashes of brilliance in his rookie season with the Seattle Mariners in 1989 and this card perfectly captured the young superstar at the beginning of what would become a Hall of Fame career. With his smooth left-handed swing and effortless skills in center field, Griffey became a fan favorite instantly. The card features a bright smiling shot of Junior in the classic Mariners teal uniform. In near mint condition, a Griffey Jr. rookie can fetch well over $1000 and the card has broken auction records multiple times over the years. Any 1990 Topps collection needs this legendary rookie to be complete.

Nolan Ryan (#53)
One of the most prolific strikeout pitchers in MLB history, Nolan Ryan was still in his prime pitching for the Texas Rangers in 1990. This Topps card perfectly represents Ryan at this stage of his Hall of Fame career as an intimidating flamethrower. The action photo shows Ryan mid-windup, glaring in with a piercing stare. Even at age 43, Ryan struck out 232 batters in 1990. His status as a legend and a living piece of baseball history make this Ryan card a popular one to this day for collectors. Higher graded copies can sell for over $100.

Don Mattingly (#126)
As the captain and heart of the New York Yankees dynasty in the late 80s and early 90s, Don Mattingly was one of the biggest stars in baseball. This regal posed portrait on his 1990 Topps card honors “Donnie Baseball” and his standing as one of the true good guys of the sport. Mattingly’s smooth left-handed swing and Gold Glove caliber defense at first base made him a fan favorite. Injuries would shorten his career, but Mattingly remained beloved for his humble nature and consistency. High-quality Mattingly cards from this era remain very collectible relics of an iconic Yankee.

Barry Bonds (#194)
Though overshadowed by controversy later in his career, Barry Bonds was just beginning to show the power potential that would make him the all-time home run king. His 1990 Topps rookie card with the Pittsburgh Pirates establishes Bonds among the game’s elite young talents. Even as a rookie, Bonds was intimidating at the plate with his aggressive hitting style. This iconic early card of “The Barry” before steroid allegations is a sharp reminder of Bond’s true Hall of Fame talent in his early years. Highly sought after by collectors, a pristine Bonds rookie can sell for over $1000.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#238)
As the consummate Iron Man who broke Lou Gehrig’s iconic streak of consecutive games played, Cal Ripken Jr. came to define consistency and durability for the Baltimore Orioles franchise. This poetic action shot captured on his 1990 Topps Update card shows why Ripken earned that reputation with his workmanlike defensive skills at shortstop. Like Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie, Ripken’s iconic early career cards hold tremendous nostalgia and value in the collecting world. Even lower graded copies in good condition fetch $50-100 due to Ripken’s staying power as a fan favorite and sporting immortal.

Mike Piazza (#369)
Considered one of the greatest hitting catchers of all time, Mike Piazza was a revelation for the Los Angeles Dodgers when he broke in as a rookie in 1990. His card foreshadows the mammoth home runs and offensive prowess that would come to define Piazza as a Hall of Famer. Even as a novice, Piazza looked ready for his closeup in this confident batting pose. High grade versions can sell for over $200 due to Piazza’s enduring popularity and the cachet surrounding star rookie cards, especially for catchers of Piazza’s caliber which were quite rare.

Roberto Alomar (#468)
One of the best all-around players of the 1990s, “Roberto! Roberto!” Alomar could do it all for the San Diego Padres as a rookie in 1990. This card reflects Alomar’s elite skills both at the plate and in the field, where he would win a record-tying 10 Gold Gloves at second base. Alomar became a fan favorite during his peak years with the Toronto Blue Jays and continued contributing well into his 30s. Topps captured the essence of a true five-tool star destined for Cooperstown on this iconic rookie issue. Even in lower grades, Alomar’s 1990 cardboard holds substantial value.

Ryne Sandberg (#651)
already an established star with the Chicago Cubs, Ryne Sandberg’s 1990 issue celebrates his graceful skills and leadership as a perennial All-Star. Few players embodied a franchise like “Ryno” did for the north side franchise, remaining loyal throughout his Hall of Fame career. This classy posed shot pays tribute to one of the greatest offensive second basemen in history. Sandberg’s Cubs tenure and impact in Chicago lends strong nostalgia to any of his Topps cards from that era, keeping collectors holding onto this one tightly decades later.

David Cone (#654)
As one of baseball’s premier power pitchers of the late 80s and 90s, David Cone flashed top of the rotation pedigree for the New York Mets and Yankees in 1990. This menacing glare and delivery motion captured on his Topps card foreshadowed a career highlighted by some of the best strikeout seasons ever. Cone’s intimidating arsenal made him a dominant postseason performer as well. Combined with his longevity, Cone established himself as one of the game’s best right-handed hurlers during baseball’s “Steroid Era.”

So in summary – while the entire 1990 Topps baseball card set remains a treasure trove for collectors, these particular cards stand out as especially iconic representations of the players and moments they commemorate from that historical season. For strong condition, investment-quality specimens that maintain their visual connection to baseball’s past, these present the best options from the 1990 set.