The 1995 Topps baseball card set was released at the height of the baseball card boom in the mid-1990s. With more than 700 cards in the base set and inserts featuring some of the game’s biggest stars, the 1995 Topps release contained several keys that have held significant value long after the boom went bust. Let’s take a look at the 10 most valuable 1995 Topps baseball cards as prices have fluctuated over the decades since:

Ken Griffey Jr. #1 – Griffey was baseball’s most popular star throughout the 1990s and his rookie card from 1989 was one of the hottest commodities of the boom. In 1995, Topps paid tribute to Griffey by making him the #1 card in the set. This prestigious placement caused high initial demand that has kept the card’s value elevated. PSA 10 gem mint copies have recently sold for around $150-200.

Cal Ripken Jr. #138 – Ripken’s incredible consecutive games played streak was one of the most impressive feats in sports history. His 1995 Topps update card highlighting the streak at 2,000 games caught the attention of collectors. PSA 10 examples have sold for $200-250 reflecting Ripken’s star power and this milestone moment being immortalized in cardboard.

Roy Halladay (#293) – Halladay was just starting to emerge as one of baseball’s best pitchers in 1995. Little did collectors know he’d go on to throw a perfect game and post-season no-hitter later in his career. His rookie card from 1995 is fairly scarce in high grades and has been selling in the $250 range for PSA 10s in recent years.

Chipper Jones (#372) – As a highly-touted prospect in the Braves system, Jones’ 1995 rookie card gained popularity. He went on to a Hall of Fame worthy career mostly with Atlanta that has kept collector interest in this early issue high. PSA 10 Jones 1995 Topps rookies have sold for as much as $300.

Nomar Garciaparra (#660) – Garciaparra’s superb rookie season in 1997 made him an immediate star and collector favorite. His 1995 Topps card was one of the first widely available issues showing promise of what was to come. High graded copies in PSA 10 condition have moved for $350-400.

Rickey Henderson (#667) – One of the game’s true icons, Henderson’s playing career stretched into the mid-1990s. His 1995 Topps update card paid tribute to his then record for stolen bases. Icon status plus an ultra-short print run have created scarcity driving PSA 10 prices up near $500.

Alex Rodriguez (#685) – A-Rod was just a promising Seattle Mariners prospect in 1995 but collectors saw his immense talent. After his record breaking career unfolded, his 1995 Topps rookie became ultra desirable. PSA 10s now bring in the $600-700 range and remain climb due to Rodriguez’s still polarizing legacy in the sport.

Derek Jeter (#680) – As a rookie sensation leading the Yankees resurgence, Jeter’s star shone brightly in the mid-90s. His Topps rookie from 1995 is one of the most iconic in the hobby’s history. High grades remain elusive pushing PSA 10 prices up over $1,000 in today’s market.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#90) – While the #1 card captured initial hype, Griffey’s base card became the long-term blue chip. High quality specimens have reached as high as $2,000 due to Griffey’s iconic playing career and broad mainstream appeal that transcended baseball fandom.

Mariano Rivera (#415) – The 1995 Topps update card featuring Rivera’s then-record season saves total has become one of the most coveted in the set. Only a small number were printed and grades of PSA 9 have sold for over $10,000 in recent auction. PSA 10 examples are truly elite, exceptionally rare trophies that could potentially break records if they ever trade privately or at auction.

The 1995 Topps release remains an iconic baseball card set holding tremendous nostalgia for players who came of age in the mid-90s. Keys like Griffey, Jeter, and Rivera have proven to be long-term standouts for value due to their sustained collectible appeal tied to all-time great playing careers. For condition-sensitive investors, high numbered cards in pristine mint grade can still offer considerable upside potential given the finite supply and widespread demand.