When it comes to vintage baseball cards, the 1990 Donruss set is one that collectors frequently return to in hopes of finding hidden gems. While it may not have the star power or rookie card attractions of some other years, there are still quite a few 1990 Donruss cards that can hold significant value depending on the player, the card number, and of course the condition and grade. Let’s take a closer look at some specific 1990 Donruss cards that are worth money for collectors.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey’s rookie card from the 1989 Upper Deck set gets most of the attention. His 1990 Donruss rookie is still highly sought after by collectors. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, this card has sold for over $1,000. Even in PSA 8 Excellent-Mint condition it can fetch $100-200.
Frank Thomas (#25) – Thomas would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his 1990 Donruss rookie is one of the more valuable cards from this set. A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy can sell for $800-1000 while a PSA 9 Mint copy is around $200-300. Even a PSA 8 Excellent-Mint is worth $50-100.
Greg Maddux (#32) – Maddux is one of the best pitchers of all-time and his 1990 Donruss rookie card is desirable for collectors of the Braves great. A PSA 10 can sell for over $500 with PSA 9 copies in the $150-250 range.
Roberto Alomar (#42) – Alomar had a long, successful career and put together a Hall of Fame resume. His 1990 Donruss rookie is one that garners attention, with a PSA 10 copy selling for $300-500 and PSA 9s in the $100-200 range.
Jeff Bagwell (#59) – Bagwell was one of the best hitters of the 1990s and 2000s for the Astros. His 1990 Donruss rookie is a key card to find, with a PSA 10 potentially reaching $800-1000. PSA 9s sell around $200-300.
Derek Jeter (#74) – One of the most famous and accomplished players of the last 30 years, Jeter’s 1990 Donruss rookie is highly sought after. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $3,000 with PSA 9 Mint copies reaching $800-1000. Even PSA 8s can sell for $200-300.
Tom Glavine (#93) – A Hall of Fame pitcher who was a star with the Braves, Glavine’s 1990 Donruss rookie is valuable. PSA 10s have sold for over $500 with PSA 9s in the $150-250 range depending on bidding activity.
Chipper Jones (#115) – Jones had a great career with the Braves and is considered one of the best third basemen ever. His 1990 Donruss rookie is popular with collectors, with PSA 10s selling for $600-800 and PSA 9s reaching $200-300.
John Smoltz (#135) – Another star Braves pitcher who is now in the Hall of Fame, Smoltz’s 1990 Donruss rookie has value. PSA 10s have sold for over $500 with PSA 9s reaching $150-250.
Randy Johnson (#150) – The Big Unit had one of the most dominant pitching careers ever. His 1990 Donruss rookie is sought after, with PSA 10s selling for $400-600 and PSA 9s around $150-250.
David Justice (#160) – An All-Star outfielder with the Braves in the 1990s, Justice’s rookie card from this set has sold for over $100 in PSA 9 Mint condition.
Fred McGriff (#190) – The Crime Dog had a great power hitting career and his 1990 Donruss rookie has value. PSA 10s have reached $300-500 with PSA 9s selling for $100-200.
Bobby Bonilla (#200) – Bonilla had a long MLB career and his 1990 Donruss rookie is popular. PSA 9 copies have sold for $50-100.
Mark Grace (#230) – A consistent hitter for the Cubs, Grace’s 1990 Donruss rookie has sold for over $50 in PSA 9 Mint condition.
Darrin Jackson (#250) – An All-Star catcher for the White Sox in the 1990s, Jackson’s rookie from this set has sold for $50-75 in top grades.
Juan Gonzalez (#270) – Gonzalez was a prolific power hitter for the Rangers and his 1990 Donruss rookie has sold for over $100 in PSA 9 Mint condition.
Andres Galarraga (#280) – Known as The Big Cat, Galarraga had a great power hitting career. His 1990 Donruss rookie has sold for $50-75 in top grades.
Bret Saberhagen (#290) – The two-time Cy Young winner had success with the Royals and Mets. His 1990 Donruss rookie has sold for $50-75 in top condition.
While the 1990 Donruss set may not have the same star power as some other vintage years, there are still some valuable rookie cards and All-Star players featured that can hold significant value depending on the player and the grade. For collectors looking to build their portfolios or hoping to find valuable gems, going through boxes of this set is still worthwhile given the Hall of Famers and impact players featured as rookies within the checklist. With the right card in pristine condition, there is money to be made.