The release of Upper Deck baseball cards in 1989 revolutionized the baseball card industry. Their innovative marketing and focus on quality products captured the attention of collectors nationwide. While the brand is still going strong today, many of their earliest series from the late 80s and early 90s have become quite valuable. The 1990 Upper Deck set in particular contains several highly sought after rookie and star player cards that can fetch big money for collectors.
The 1990 Upper Deck set contains a total of 344 baseball cards issued in wax packs, factory sets, and uncut sheets. While most commons from the set trade in the $1-5 range, there are a select few standouts that routinely sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars in near-mint condition. Chief among these high value 1990 UD cards are rookie cards of future Hall of Famers and some of the game’s biggest stars from that era. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1990 Upper Deck baseball set.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card – The rookie card of “The Kid” Ken Griffey Jr. is by far the most valuable card from the 1990 Upper Deck set. Griffey would go on to have a legendary 22-year career that culminated with election into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2016. His rookie card is one of the most iconic in baseball history and even mint condition copies in a PSA/BGS 10 gem grade have sold for over $10,000. High-end specimens could fetch upwards of $20,000 or more from enthusiastic Griffey collectors. This is truly one of the “blue chip” vintage cards that is a must-have for any serious collection.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card – Another Hall of Famer, “The Big Hurt” Frank Thomas also had his iconic rookie card included in the 1990 Upper Deck release. Like Griffey, Thomas enjoyed a highly decorated 20-year MLB career and was elected to Cooperstown in 2014. His rookie holds significant value, with PSA 10 examples trading hands for $2,000-$4,000. Even well-centered near-mint copies can sell for $500-$1,000. This sought-after card memorializes one of the game’s great sluggers and is highly coveted by White Sox fans.
Chipper Jones Rookie Card – Although not a true rookie in the statical sense since he played 25 games in 1991, Chipper Jones’ 1990 Upper Deck card is widely considered his rookie card and holds special nostalgia as one of his earliest issued cards. The future Hall of Fame third baseman spent his entire 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves, winning the World Series in 1995. High-grade PSA 10 copies of his 1990 UD card have sold for over $3,000. Buyers are paying a premium for one of the finest players of his generation during his early Atlanta years before major success.
Jeff Bagwell Rookie Card – Houston Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell enjoyed 15 All-Star seasons and was inducted to Cooperstown in 2017. His rookie card from the 1990 Upper Deck issue is among the most important Astros cards in existence today. Even well-centered near-mint copies trade in the $300 range while a true PSA 10 gem recently sold for an impressive $1,250. The Houston legend’s rookie remains a premium piece for Astros fans and 90s collectors alike.
Mark McGwire Rookie Card – Before the infamous home run chase and steroid admission, Mark McGwire was establishing himself as one of the game’s great young power hitters with the Oakland A’s in the late 80s/early 90s. His 1988 Donruss rookie is more iconic, but his 1990 Upper Deck RC holds value as well at $150-300 in top grades. “Big Mac” was one of the most prolific sluggers of his generation, so his early cards resonate well over 30 years later.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card – One of the most polarizing yet talented players ever, Barry Bonds broke the all-time home run record during his controversial yet productive late-career Pittsburgh and San Francisco Giants years. But his rookie card issued by Upper Deck in 1990 captures “Barrry World” in the earliest days with the Pirates. Even with baseball’s modern steroid era context, graded PSA/BGS 9-10 copies command $300-500 due to his overall sheer statistical dominance at his peak.
Ken Hill Rookie Card – Texas Rangers fireballing lefty Ken Hill never achieved superstar status, but he did put together a very solid 14-year MLB career that included an All-Star selection and multiple seasons leading the league in strikeouts. His flashy 1990 Upper Deck RC looks sharp in team uniforms and appeals to Rangers collectors. Near-mint copies trade around $75-150, with a PSA 9 recently auctioning for just under $300.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card – Future Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar enjoyed a decorated 17-year career that included 10 All-Star nods and World Series titles with the Blue Jays and Orioles. His 1990 Upper Deck card catches him during his early days with the San Diego Padres organization. Well-preserved examples in PSA 9-10 condition regularly sell in the $200-400 range, although a monster PSA 10 popped for over $1,000 recently. Alomar is beloved in Toronto and Baltimore, making his rookie a premium.
Fred McGriff Rookie Card – Crime Dog Fred McGriff bashed 493 career homers between seven MLB teams over 19 years, highlighted by All-Star campaigns with the Atlanta Braves. His rookie card resides in the 1990 Upper Deck set. Even in PSA 8-9 condition, copies trade in the $75-150 area. Mint 10s have cracked $500 due to McGriff’s durable power production and iconic Braves tenure. His card is coveted by Atlanta and Tampa Bay collectors.
Gary Sheffield Rookie Card – Five-time All-Star Gary Sheffield showcased immense raw power over 22 MLB seasons, belting 509 career home runs. His early days came with the Milwaukee Brewers organization, as captured in his 1990 UD RC. Higher grade PSA/BGS 9-10 copies have sold in the $150-300 range long term due to his productive career arc and memorable moments with multiple contenders.
These are just a handful of the most notable and valuable 1990 Upper Deck baseball cards. Factoring in condition, there is substantial upside potential for sealed wax packs, unopened factory sets and Gem Mint PSA/BGS 10 examples of these rookie cards and stars. Upper Deck has created many iconic cards since their inception, and this early 1990 output contains cards that remain highly sought after by collectors decades later as symbols of the players’ early promise. With the original cards now over 30 years old, condition is king – so finding high quality specimens is paramount to maximizing value for both investing and collecting purposes when it comes to the prized cards from this historic set.
