The 1990s were a hugely popular time for baseball cards. Players like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Frank Thomas were among the most collectible during that decade. With the rise of the internet and trading online, baseball cards experienced a renaissance in the ’90s. Here’s a look at the top 100 most valuable and sought-after baseball cards from the 1990s based on condition, scarcity, and player accomplishments:
1997 Bowman’s Best Ken Griffey Jr. Refractor #B-RG – This rare and prestigious Griffey Jr. rookie refractor is the crown jewel of ’90s cards. In PSA 10 gem mint condition, it has sold for over $100,000 at auction. Griffey was a megastar and this is his true rookie card in the highly sought after refractor parallel format.
1992 Topps Todd Van Poppel #646 – Though Todd Van Poppel didn’t pan out as a big leaguer, his scarce rookie is popular in the vintage investment world. In top PSA 9-10 condition they have brought over $10,000 at auction due to the rarity of this printed-on-card autograph issue.
1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. #1 – Considered the true first Griffey Jr. card, this debut is remarkably scarce in high grades. A PSA 10 sold for over $32,000 in late 2019, showing this remains highly valued among collectors seeking iconic early Griffey cardboard.
1998 Upper Deck SP Authentic Derek Jeter Patch #166 – One of the most attractive patch cards ever made, with multiple game-worn patches from Jeter’s iconic pinstripes. Top PSA 9-10 copies have gone for well over $10,000 in recent years. Jeter was the biggest star of the late ’90s.
1998 Upper Deck SP Authentic Mark McGwire #70 – McGwire’s monster 70th home run ball patch card remains stunning and historically significant from that magical 1998 season. Near-mint to mint condition cards have topped $5,000 at auction.
1997 Bowman’s Best Mariano Rivera #B-MR – Considered the true Mo Rivera rookie card since it’s from his first premium rookie set, it’s also highly attractively designed. Premium PSA 10s eclipse $2,500.
1998 Stadium Club Chrome Refractors Ken Griffey Jr. #121 – Widely regarded as one of the most visually appealing cards of the decade, depiciting Griffey Jr. in action shot and encapsulated in highly collectible chrome paper. PSA 10s go for over $2,000.
1999 Upper Deck MVP Refractors Chipper Jones #MVP23 – Jones’ starring rookie season culminated in this desirable short print refractor parallel that’s incredibly scarce in pristine condition. Near-mint have hit $2,000.
1998 Stadium Club Chipper Jones #172 – Jones’ true mainstream rookie card from his stellar first year. Higher grade PSA 9-10s have reached over $1,500. Jones was one of the decade’s best third basemen.
1990 Leaf Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie #90 – An earlier Griffey rookie before his true 1991 debut with Seattle. It remains quite scarce in Mint+/Gem Mint condition, where prices top $1,500.
1998 Topps Chrome Tony Gwynn #154 – A superb on-card action shot of Mr. Padre in the scintillating Topps Chrome product. High grades around PSA 9 have brought over $1,300.
1998 Topps Chrome Ichiro Suzuki Rookie #265 – Ichiro’s first American card was a huge success. Premium condition PSA 10 examples sell for four figures. He was an instant superstar upon arriving from Japan.
1992 Upper Deck Barry Bonds #144 – Bonds’ rookie cards remain hugely popular. High graded examples command over $1,000. He was on his way to all-time greatness at the start of this decade.
1994 Ultra Platinum Medallion Insert Ken Griffey Jr. #UMB49 – A highly coveted parallel issue of Griffey that’s scarce in pristine condition. Near-mint have crossed $1,000. Part of the super-premium Ultra set.
1997 Donruss Preferred Cal Ripken Jr. #58 – An outstanding Cal Ripken on-card autograph that’s one of the finest signed imaging options from that incredible 1996 season. Top grades easily top $1,000.
1996 Finest Refractor Sammy Sosa Rookie #90 – Sosa’s breakout star turn began here. High graded versions have brought as much as $800 at auction in recent times. A trueRefractor rookie of immense eye appeal.
1992 Upper Deck Alex Rodriguez Rookie #1 – A-Rod’s first issued card came here as an 18-year old prospect. Near-mint to mint PSA 8-9s hover around $700 range in today’s market.
1998 Metal Universe Refractor Mark McGwire #57 – An extremely rare parallel issue in refracting metallic printing. Keys to sets where McGwire smashed his record 70 home runs. PSA 10s eclipse $600.
1991 Studio Barry Bonds #39 – One of Bonds’ finest “rookie” card designs in the early days of Studio. Near-mint PSA 8s crack six figures. It has incredible graphics and photography for its time.
1995 Select Derek Jeter Rookie #247 – Perhaps Jeter’s premier rookie after his true Bowman. High graded copies in the $500 range at auction are not uncommon. Depicts an emerging star.
1997 Topps Gold Label Derek Jeter #GL26 – A delightful parallel short print of the Yankee captain. Pristine examples command $500+. Jeter was becoming the face of the late ’90s Bronx Bombers.
1995 Pinnacle Inside Dennis Eckersley #316 – A tremendous triple-patch card of Eck’s uniform, cap, and jersey. PSA 10s far surpass the $500 mark. Outstanding vintage patch memorabilia piece.
1996 Finest Refractor Randy Johnson #100 – “The Big Unit’s” terrific refractor rookie remains a classic. Higher graded copies push $400 value. He was dominant in the late ’90s.
1998 Finest Retail Exclusives Cal Ripken Jr. Medallion #RE41 – Extremely scarce parallel issues that Ripken is depicted turning the 3,000th hit milestone. Near-mint have gone for nearly $400.
2000 Topps Prospects Andrelton Simmons #P39 – Considered a true “hit” prospect card. PSA 9s have climbed above $400 of late as his career has blossomed. A stud defender for Atlanta and LA Angels.
1997 Donruss Crusade Andruw Jones Orange Refractor #CR15 – Among the most visually striking Jones rookies. High grades command $350-400 range from ardent Braves collectors. He won 10 straight Gold Gloves.
1999 SP Authentic Alex Rodriguez All-Star Patch #88 – Early A-Rod memorabilia featuring a game-worn material triple relic. Near-mint have sold for $300-350 showing steady investment fascination with the future superstar before his prime Yankees tenure.
1996 Pinnacle Zenith Refractors Chipper Jones #181 – A stunning short print parallel of the emerging star third baseman. Pristine PSA 10s top $300 with ease. At the height of Pinnacle’s premium refractor run.
1994 Select Derek Jeter Rookie #709 – One of Jeter’s finest early issues during his rise to become team captain. Perfect condition copies break $300. Portrays an eager prospect poised for greatness.
1998 Stadium Club Chrome Refractors Mike Piazza #165 – One of the finest ’90s catchers was Piazza. Chrome technology here makes for an ultra-highly regarded card of his Dodgers period before trade to Mets.
1995 Metal Universe Refractors Cal Ripken Jr. #MU10 – Precious metal technology meets an Iron Man great. Near-mint have eclipsed $275 showing steady collector fascination. Part of the regal Ultra brand.
1996 Finest Refractors Chipper Jones #280 – A highly coveted debut season Refractor issue of Jones. Higher grades bring well over $250 consistently. He posted over 400 total bases as a phenom rookie.
1999 UD Extended Players #126 Cal Ripken Jr. – Epitomizes Ripken’s enduring popularity in the late ’90s. Immaculate PSA 10s top $250. Displays his consecutive games streak achievements.
1996 SP Steve Finley Refractor #42 – One of the rarest highly valued Finley cards from his sole All-Star season with Houston. Near-mint have crossed $225 threshold.
2000 Playoff Prestige Adrian Beltre #27 – Among Beltre’s earliest star potential portraits. Top condition copies break $200 quickly due to short print factors. He posted 40+ HR seasons soon after.
2000 Topps Opening Day Edgar Martinez #OD-22 – Martinez was a late ’90s batting champion and one of the
