The 1990 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the better and more collectible releases from the late 1980s and early 1990s era. While it does not contain rookie cards of future Hall of Famers or have the vintage appeal of older 1950s/1960s sets, there are still quite a few 1990 Topps cards that can fetch solid money from collectors and enthusiasts. Let’s take a look at some of the top individual cards from the 1990 Topps baseball set that are worth pursuing and could yield a nice return on investment if found in good condition.

Ken Griffey Jr. (card #132) – Widely considered the flagship card from the 1990 Topps set, Griffey’s rookie is highly sought after by collectors. PSA 10 mint condition examples recently sold for upwards of $2,000. Even well-centered Near Mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range can sell for $150-300. Griffey was well on his way to superstardom in 1990 and his rookie remains one of the most iconic and valuable from the late 1980s/early 1990s era.

Nolan Ryan (card #162) – At age 43 in 1990, Ryan was still performing like a workhorse for the Texas Rangers. His “captain of the staff” status and status as a living legend make his 1990 Topps card extremely popular. PSA 10 tops the $150-200 range with PSA 8-9 copies around $30-75 depending on look and centering quality. Ryan’s name, longevity, and historical significance provide strong lasting collector interest.

Don Mattingly (card #105) – The smooth-swinging Yankee first baseman was one of the biggest stars in baseball in 1990 coming off an All-Star campaign in 1989. Mattingly cards from the late 80s/early 90s hold up very well value-wise. Pristine PSA 10 examples of his 1990 Topps card have reached $100+ while PSA 8-9 grade copies sell between $15-30.

Cal Ripken Jr. (card #116) – The Iron Man was racking up consecutive game streaks in 1990 on his way to breaking Lou Gehrig’s record. His 1990 Topps is one of his more identifiable and attractive cards from the period. Near-perfect PSA 10 variations have topped $75 with PSA 8-9 copies in the $15-35 range depending on centering/shine attributes.

Rickey Henderson (card #119) – The speedy Oakland A’s star was one of the most dynamic players of the late 80s. His flashy, energetic style translated well to cardboard. Pristine PSA 10 Rickey Henderson 1990 Topps cards can exceed $75 with PSA 8-9 mint versions settling in the $12-25 range.

Mark McGwire (card #205) – Big Mac was still a few years away from his home run records but was blossoming into a top power threat for Oakland by 1990. High-grade PSA 10 examples of McGwire’s 1990 Topps have reached $100+ in recent years with PSA 8-9 copies trending between $15-35. Like Henderson, his iconic stature and lasting popularity keep his cards relevant.

Darryl Strawberry (card #235) – The powerful Mets outfielder was a vital part of their 1980s dynasty teams. His 1990 Topps is among his more aesthetically pleasing from the period. Mint PSA 10 Strawberry rookie reprint versions have topped $75 with standard PSA 8-9 issues closer to $10-20 range depending on centering.

Ozzie Smith (card #277) – Arguably the greatest defensive shortstop ever, Ozzie’s wizardry made him a fan favorite. His 1990 Topps captures him at the peak of his St. Louis career. Top-graded PSA 10s have reached $50+ with most PSA 8-9 copies landing between $10-20. Smith’s flashy play and longevity continue to drive collector interest decades later.

Tim Raines (card #288) – “Rock” was one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers of the era with Montreal. His career resurgence later with the Yankees makes his early Expos cards valuable. Pristine PSA 10 examples of Raines’ 1990 Topps card have topped $75 with PSA 8-9 versions around $12-25 range depending on centering quality.

Barry Bonds (card #593) – Though still establishing himself in 1990, Bonds’ prodigious talent was evident. His rookie cards remain some of the most chased from the junk wax era. PSA 10 1990 Topps Bonds rookie reprints have reached $100+ while standard PSA 8-9 rookies settle between $15-30. Even in the midst of performance enhancing drug controversy, Barry cards retain collector interest.

While it lacks rookie superstars of the future, the 1990 Topps set still contains many playable and investment-worthy individual cards. Led by Junior, Ryan, and stars of the day like Ripken, Mattingly, and Henderson, pristine high-grade versions of their and others’ cards from the set can yield respectable returns with patience and savvy buying/selling. Condition-sensitive 1980s/early 90s cardboard may never achieve the prices of true vintage, but the 1990 Topps set remains a consistently collectible and profitable group for enthusiasts.