The year 1990 saw some all-time great baseball stars in their prime and rookie cards of future Hall of Famers. While not quite as memorable or valuable as the late 80s rookie card boom, 1990 still produced several highly collectible and expensive baseball cards. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 1990 baseball cards that still hold significant worth over 30 years later.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rated Rookie (#111) – Arguably the most desired and valuable 1990 baseball card is Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie from Upper Deck. Widely considered one of the greatest five-tool players of all-time, Griffey was already showing superstar potential in his rookie season with the Seattle Mariners in 1990. His beautiful swinging stance and effortless power made him a fan favorite from the start. In top grade of PSA 10, Griffey Jr.’s 1990 Upper Deck rookie has sold for over $25,000 in recent years. Even in PSA 8-9 condition, examples can fetch $2,000-$5,000.

Frank Thomas (#89) – Another star about to enter his prime, Frank Thomas’ 1990 rookie from Score holds immense value. As “The Big Hurt” would go on to dominate the league for over a decade while winning back-to-back American League MVPs, his rookie captivated collectors. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $10,000. Even in lower grades of PSA 8, Thomas’ 1990 Score RC can sell for $1,500 or more.

Roberto Alomar (#163) – Alomar had established himself as an All-Star caliber second baseman by 1990 with his stellar defense and high batting average. His rookie from Fleer is highly regarded and can reach $1,000+ in top condition.

Chipper Jones (#163) – Jones debuted for the Atlanta Braves in 1995 but collectors could get his rookie card as early as 1990 thanks to Fleer. While not quite as valuable as others, high grade Chipper Jones rookies still sell for $500-$1,000 today as the future Hall of Famer remained a star for two decades in Atlanta.

Nolan Ryan (#45) – At age 43, Ryan was still dominating hitters for the Texas Rangers in 1990. His salute action shot card from Upper Deck is coveted by collectors. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $5,000 showing Ryan’s lasting popularity and legend status.

Barry Bonds (#259) – Entering his physical prime, Bonds was establishing himself as arguably the game’s top player by 1990. His impressive statistics and abilities made his rookie card from Bowman highly sought after. Graded examples in the $300-$500 range still prove this was an early indicator of Bonds’ greatness.

Roberto Clemente (#336) – Sadly, Clemente died in a plane crash on New Years Eve 1972 at age 38 after a brilliant playing career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His 1972 Topps is one of the most iconic baseball cards ever. In 1990, Fleer paid tribute to Clemente with a special insert card that collectors love holding onto for its historical significance.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#55) – By 1990, Ripken was already an All-Star and Silver Slugger winning shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles. Always beloved for his work ethic and ironman consecutive games played streak, his Donruss card is a favorite of Ripken collectors. Higher grades can sell for a few hundred dollars.

Sandy Koufax (#52) – One of the greatest pitchers who ever lived, Koufax had amazingly already been retired for over 15 years when this popular 1990 Leaf tribute card was released. Hologram technology made his windup pose truly jump off the card raising eyebrows.

Mark McGwire (#111) – Big Mac was establishing himself as a premier home run hitter for the Oakland A’s by 1990. His rookie card from Score shows why sluggers loved him and collectors still do chasing the long ball. Higher grades can reach $100-$200.

Cecil Fielder (#39) – After transferring his power abilities from Japan to the major leagues, Fielder broke out with a 51 home run season for the Detroit Tigers in 1990 captivating the baseball world. His rookie from Score gained recognition and value over the years selling in the $50+ range.

While the 1990 rookie class and stars of the day didn’t end up defining an entire decade of collection like the late 80s, there is still tremendous nostalgia and demand for these baseball icons when they were entering their primes. When found in pristine condition, the Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Barry Bonds, and Chipper Jones rookies especially show why 1990 baseball cards remain an important part of the vintage era.