The 1990 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While most cards from sets released during this time period are not worth much today, there are a select few 1990 Fleer cards that can still fetch a nice price for collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the top 90 Fleer cards that are worth pursuing for your collection.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#416) – Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards ever printed, Griffey’s 1990 Fleer rookie is the crown jewel of the set. Even in lower grades, this card still demands a premium price due to Griffey’s status as a future Hall of Famer and one of the most popular players of the 1990s. In near mint to mint condition, examples can sell for thousands of dollars still. A PSA 10 gem mint Griffey rookie recently sold for over $25,000.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#77) – Like Griffey, Thomas went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie card remains quite valuable from the 1990 Fleer set as well. Not as expensive as Griffey’s, but still a four-figure card in high grades. PSA 9 copies have sold for around $1,000, while a PSA 10 could possibly fetch $3,000-$5,000.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (#479) – Alomar was a 12-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover during his career. His rookie is the third most valuable from the 1990 Fleer set behind Griffey and Thomas. PSA 9s have sold for $500-700.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (#498) – Maddux is considered one of the greatest pitchers ever. His rookie from this set remains quite collectible for that reason. PSA 9 copies have sold in the $300 range.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#549) – Like Maddux, Glavine had a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is another desirable Atlanta Braves card from the set. PSA 9 Glavine rookies have sold for $150-200.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (#249) – Bonds went on to break the all-time home run record, though his career was also marred by PED controversy. Still an interesting rookie to own. PSA 9s have sold for around $100.

Rickey Henderson Rookie Card (#531) – “Henderson stole more bases than any player in history and his rookie is one of the more iconic cards in the set. PSA 9s have sold for $75-100.

Nolan Ryan Patch Card (#450) – This parallel card featured a piece of Ryan’s jersey embedded within the artwork. Considered a premier “hit” card from the base set. PSA 9 copies have sold for $100-150.

Ken Griffey Jr. Traded Variation (#416T) – An alternate version of Griffey’s iconic rookie with different artwork. Considered a valuable variation, with PSA 9s selling in the $150-250 range.

Frank Thomas Traded Variation (#77T) – The Thomas variation partner to the Griffey above. Also a desirable parallel, with PSA 9s reaching $75-100.

Roberto Alomar Traded Variation (#479T) – Rounding out the “big 3” rookies, Alomar’s variation has sold for around $50 in top grades.

Ozzie Smith Error Card (#586) – This card featured an error where Smith’s name was misspelled “Ozzi”. A true oddball in the set that collectors love. PSA 9s have reached $150-200.

Nolan Ryan Record Breakers Insert (#RB2) – Celebrating one of Ryan’s many career milestones, this parallel insert is a nice hit. PSA 9s have sold for around $75.

Ken Griffey Jr. Record Breakers Insert (#RB6) – Highlighting one of Griffey’s many accomplishments as a young star. A valuable parallel to his hugely popular rookie. PSA 9s have reached $50-75.

1990 Fleer All-Star Replica Set (#1-15) – This rare 15-card parallel set inserted one per pack is the true crown jewel outside the base cards. High grade examples have sold for thousands.

While there are certainly more cards than just these that hold value, this covers many of the biggest hitters (pun intended) that are consistently some of the most expensive and desirable cards to collect from the 1990 Fleer baseball set. Condition is critical, as even minor flaws can significantly hurt value for these vintage cards. For collectors looking to build a collection with cards that retain monetary value, focusing on high grades of the names featured here is great starting point from the 1990 Fleer set.