The 1990 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular releases of the late 80s/early 90s baseball card boom. While it didn’t feature the flashy design of Topps or Fleer cards of the era, Donruss cards from 1990 are still highly sought after by collectors today due to the rookie cards and star players featured. Here’s a breakdown of the 25 most valuable 1990 Donruss baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint condition:
Nolan Ryan (#1) – Around $150
Future Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan was still an active player in 1990 and one of the most dominant pitchers of all-time. His iconic photo and status as a legend makes his base Donruss card hold value years later.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#156) – Around $175
“The Iron Man” Cal Ripken Jr. was a perennial All-Star and eventual Hall of Famer. His consistent excellence increased demand for his rookie and early career cards like this one.
Ozzie Smith (#5) – Around $200
Known as “The Wizard” for his flashy defensive skills, Ozzie Smith was a fan favorite and 15-time Gold Glove winner. High demand from collectors keeps his common 1990 Donruss card valuable.
Wade Boggs (#155) – Around $225
A career .328 hitter and 5-time batting champion, Wade Boggs was the model of consistency at the plate throughout the 1980s. His cards from his Red Sox years hold value.
Kirby Puckett (#181) – Around $250
An 11-time All-Star and 6-time Gold Glove winner, Kirby Puckett led the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. His popularity in Minnesota makes his cards highly sought after.
Roger Clemens (#170) – Around $275
The 1986 AL MVP and future Hall of Famer, Roger Clemens was already one of the best pitchers in baseball in 1990. High demand for any of his early Boston Red Sox cards increases prices.
Dennis Eckersley (#25) – Around $300
By 1990, “Eck” had transformed from a starter into arguably the best closer in baseball. His dominant performances for the A’s in the late 80s and 90s create value in his Donruss rookie.
Dwight Gooden (#160) – Around $325
“Doc” Gooden was coming off a World Series win with the Mets in 1986 and had won the ’85 NL Cy Young. Injury problems would soon arise, making his rookie cards more valuable.
Jose Canseco (#181) – Around $350
The first 40/40 player in MLB history, Jose Canseco helped usher in the “steroid era.” High popularity from his Oakland days increases prices for his flagship rookie card.
Darryl Strawberry (#26) – Around $375
A power-hitting outfielder for the Mets’ 1986 championship team, Darryl Strawberry was a fan favorite during his early career. Strong demand exists for his vintage rookie cards.
Mark McGwire (#170) – Around $400
Before the home run records, Mark McGwire was already establishing himself as one of the game’s top power hitters in Oakland. Collectors seek out his popular early Donruss and Topps cards.
Barry Bonds (#21) – Around $425
Even before his record-breaking career, Barry Bonds was one of the most hyped prospects ever. High investment value remains in his scarce early Pittsburgh Pirates cards.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#181) – Around $450
The first true “five-tool player” of the 1990s, Ken Griffey Jr. quickly became a fan favorite in Seattle. His iconic rookie card is a must-have for collectors.
Tom Glavine (#160) – Around $475
A future Hall of Famer and two-time Cy Young winner, Tom Glavine was already establishing himself as an ace for the Atlanta Braves in 1990. Strong demand exists for his rookie.
Randy Johnson (#171) – Around $500
“The Big Unit” was in the early days of his Hall of Fame career with the Mariners in 1990. At 6-foot-10, his intimidating presence and dominance on the mound create value.
Greg Maddux (#160) – Around $525
By 1990, Greg Maddux was well on his way to a Hall of Fame career after winning the ’88 NL Cy Young with the Cubs. He’s long been a coveted player for collectors.
Frank Thomas (#181) – Around $550
Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Frank Thomas won the 1990 AL Rookie of the Year and was a force at the plate for over two decades. High demand exists for his flagship rookie card.
Ryne Sandberg (#5) – Around $575
A perennial All-Star and 1984 NL MVP with the Cubs, Ryne Sandberg was one of the best all-around second basemen ever. He remains a popular player for collectors.
Barry Larkin (#181) – Around $600
The 1990 NL Rookie of the Year and future Hall of Famer, Barry Larkin was the heart and soul of Cincinnati’s “Nasty Boys” era teams. Strong collector interest in his rookie card.
Jeff Bagwell (#181) – Around $650
The 1991 NL Rookie of the Year and MVP, Jeff Bagwell established himself as the face of the Astros franchise. His rookie card is a must-have for Houston collectors.
Ken Griffey Sr. (#181) – Around $700
The father of Ken Griffey Jr. and a 19-year MLB veteran himself, Ken Griffey Sr.’s rookie card is highly valuable as it’s one of the few featuring him as a player.
Chipper Jones (#181) – Around $750
Arguably the greatest switch hitter ever, Chipper Jones’ entire career was spent with the Atlanta Braves. Strong demand exists for his scarce rookie card issue.
Derek Jeter (#160) – Around $800
Before becoming “The Captain” of the Yankees dynasty, Derek Jeter was establishing himself as a rising young star by 1990. All of his early cards hold significant value.
Jim Abbott (#181) – Around $850
The 1990 Donruss rookie card of the one-handed pitcher Jim Abbott remains one of the set’s most inspiring and sought-after issues due to his inspiring story and on-field success.
Alex Rodriguez (#181) – Around $900
Even before winning MVP awards or setting records, Alex Rodriguez was already considered a can’t-miss prospect in Seattle. His rookie card is the crown jewel of the 1990 Donruss set.
While production numbers may have been high for 1990 Donruss, strong demand exists for the rookie cards and early issues of future Hall of Famers like Griffey Jr., Maddux, and Jeter that make the set beloved by collectors today. Featuring stars from the late 80s and 90s glory years of baseball, 1990 Donruss remains a highly invested vintage release.
