The 1990 Upper Deck baseball card set was truly revolutionary and helped spark renewed interest in the hobby. The sharp graphics, quality production standards, and inclusion of rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones made this set desirable for both collectors and investors. Not surprisingly, many of the rarest and most coveted cards from the 1990 Upper Deck set have seen their values rise dramatically over the decades. Here’s a look at the top 10 most valuable 1990 Upper Deck baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint condition:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1) – This is widely considered the crown jewel of the 1990 Upper Deck set and one of the most iconic rookie cards in the hobby. Griffey was a can’t-miss prospect and his smiling face on this colorful card captured the excitement around his debut season. In PSA 10 condition, it has consistently fetched prices north of $10,000 at auction with some specimens reaching as high as $22,000. Its value is a testament to Griffey’s legendary career and status as one of the most talented and popular players of all-time.
Chipper Jones Rookie Card (#383) – As a switch-hitting, power-hitting third baseman for the Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones enjoyed a Hall of Fame career and cemented his status as arguably the greatest switch hitter ever. His rookie card from the revered 1990 Upper Deck set is highly sought after by collectors. PSA 10 copies have sold for around $6,000-$7,500 in recent years. Expect his rookie to climb even higher long term as Jones’ Cooperstown plaque helps place him among the games all-time greats.
Gregg Jefferies Rookie Card (#366) – Jeffries was a consensus top prospect coming up in the Mets’ system in the late 80s, but his career never fully lived up to expectations. That failed to diminish enthusiasm for his stylish rookie at the time though, and over 30 years later it remains one of the set’s biggest ‘chase’ cards. Well-centered PSA 10 examples have reached as high as $5,000 at auction indicating strong ongoingcollector demand.
Gary Sheffield Rookie Card (#394) – As a long-time star outfielder and one of the game’s most feared sluggers during his 22-year MLB career, Sheffield dazzled for several franchises including the Brewers, Dodgers, Tigers and Braves. His high-quality Upper Deck rookie continues to be popular with collectors, carrying an average PSA 10 value of around $4,000.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#381) – A sure-fire Hall of Famer, Glavine amassed 305 career wins and two Cy Young awards primarily as a standout pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. The lefty’s clean-shaven rookie card still ranks among the sport’s most iconic. In top-grade, they climb north of $3,750 at auction.
Barry Larkin Rookie Card (#348) – Larkin was a smooth-swinging shortstop who provided stellar defense and clutch hitting for the Big Red Machine revival of the 1990s. He gained well-deserved induction into Cooperstown in 2012 which helped lift his rookie card past $3,500 PSA 10 value. Collectors love cards tied to players with a plaque.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#312) – ‘The Big Hurt’ mashed his way to a Hall of Fame career while starring primarily with the Chicago White Sox. His bulky physique and intense focus on his Upper Deck rookie perfectly captured the dangerous slugger’s persona. Thomas’ increasing stature as one of the game’s all-time great hitters has boosted this card’s PSA 10 price close to $3,000.
Craig Biggio Rookie Card (#349) – As the Houston Astros all-time leader in hits and runs scored, Biggio provided consistency and versatility over 20 seasons primarily manning second base and catcher. The three-time Gold Glover’s spirited rookie continues attracting collectors. Well-centered PSA 10s have reached $2,750.
Terry Pendleton Rookie Card (#326) – An underrated contributor, Pendleton was a steady force at third base who delivered clutch postseason moments while helping the Atlanta Braves capture the 1995 World Series title. His eye-catching colorful rookie is thought of fondly and rates around a $2,500 PSA 10 value recently.
Pedro Martínez Rookie Card (#391) – Although his career got started humbly in LA, Martinez would go on to dominate as one of the game’s most fearsome hurlers during stints with Montreal, Boston and the Mets. Dominant seasons including a record-low ERA title in 2005 make his rookie a fan favorite worth $2,250 PSA 10.
The 1990 Upper Deck set achieved iconic status due in large part to its inclusion of star-studded rookies who went on make big impacts. As nostalgia builds and accomplishments of players like Griffey, Jones, Glavine and Martinez are celebrated in Cooperstown, look for values of their ultra-sharp rookie cards to potentially climb even higher in the years ahead. For collectors, iconic cards from this legendary set remain a sound investment even three decades later.
