The 1990 Donruss baseball card set was the 11th edition of Donruss’ popular baseball card series. Like previous Donruss sets from the late 1980s, the 1990 cards featured player photos on a white background with team logos above the image. The set size was 660 cards and included rookie cards for future stars such as Jeff Bagwell, Frank Thomas, and Moises Alou.

While not as iconic or valuable as the rookie cards from the late 1980s Fleer and Topps sets, the 1990 Donruss rookie cards are still highly sought after by collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key rookie and star player cards from the 1990 Donruss set and what they sell for in the current vintage baseball card market.

One of the most valuable 1990 Donruss rookie cards is that of Jeff Bagwell from the Houston Astros. Bagwell went on to have a Hall of Fame career that included an MVP award, four Silver Slugger awards, and over 450 home runs. His iconic swing and dominance in the 1990s make his rookie card a highly desirable piece for Astros and Bagwell collectors. In near mint to mint condition, Bagwell’s 1990 Donruss rookie card currently sells for around $150-200. Pristine mint condition examples in a PSA or BGS gem mint 10 grade have sold for over $500.

Another prized rookie from 1990 Donruss is Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox. Like Bagwell, “The Big Hurt” had a tremendous career that resulted in a Hall of Fame induction. Thomas slugged 521 home runs and won back-to-back MVP awards in 1993-1994. His iconic stance and sweet swing make his rookie card a must-have. In top-graded mint condition, the Thomas rookie has sold for $300-400 in recent years. Well-centered, sharp examples in PSA 10 or BGS 10 condition can bring over $1,000.

Moises Alou was another impact rookie from the 1990 Expos. While not having the Hall of Fame career of Bagwell or Thomas, Alou played 17 seasons and was a respected power hitter and outfielder. His 1990 Donruss rookie card still holds value due to his lineage as the son of MLB star Felipe Alou. Near mint Alou rookies sell in the $50-75 range, with a PSA 10 example potentially reaching $200-300.

Moving beyond the rookies, star players like Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, and Cal Ripken Jr. had some of the most iconic and popular cards in the 1990 Donruss set. Griffey was already one of baseball’s brightest young stars in 1990 with stellar defense and prodigious power. His colorful Donruss card sells for $15-25 in near mint condition. Top-graded PSA/BGS examples have reached $150-200.

Nolan Ryan’s 1990 Donruss card is a fan favorite due to his intimidating stare and legendary fastball. As one of the all-time strikeout kings, Ryan’s cards from the late 80s-early 90s hold value. Near mint Ryan 1990 Donruss cards sell for $10-15, with a PSA/BGS 10 potentially reaching $75-100.

Cal Ripken Jr.’s iconic consecutive games streak was already underway in 1990. His smooth lefty swing and consistent production made him a star. Ripken’s 1990 Donruss card is very common but still holds value due to his popularity. Near mint examples sell for $5-8, with a PSA/BGS 10 potentially reaching $40-50.

Two other highly sought after star cards from the 1990 Donruss set are those of Kirby Puckett and Roger Clemens. Puckett was already a six-time All-Star and two-time batting champion by 1990 as the sparkplug for the Twins. His cards remain popular for Twins and Kirby collectors. Near mint Puckett 1990 Donruss cards sell for $10-15, with a PSA/BGS 10 reaching $50-75.

Roger Clemens was in his pitching prime in 1990 with back-to-back Cy Young awards already under his belt. “The Rocket” would go on to win four more Cy Youngs and a record seven overall. His intimidating stare down delivery made him a fan favorite. Near mint Clemens 1990 Donruss cards sell for $8-12, with a PSA/BGS 10 potentially reaching $50-75.

While not as iconic or valuable as the flagship Topps and Fleer sets of the late 80s, the 1990 Donruss baseball cards remain a fun and affordable vintage release for collectors. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Bagwell and Thomas hold the most value, but 1990 Donruss cards for other stars like Griffey, Ryan, Ripken, Puckett and Clemens remain popular with fans. Graded gem mint examples can significantly increase in value. For collectors on a budget, raw near mint copies provide an affordable way to add classic 1990s baseball cardboard to a collection.