1988 Donruss Baseball Card Set Overview and Value
The 1988 Donruss baseball card set was issued midway through the “junk wax era” of the late 1980s-early 1990s. Unlike many sets from this period that have little value today, the 1988 Donruss set still contains some desirable rookie cards and stars cards that hold value for collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at the set and provide a price guide for some of the top cards from the 1988 Donruss baseball release.
About the 1988 Donruss Baseball Card Set
Size: 524 cards
Photographer: Chuck Solomon
Design: Color photos of players on a white background. Stats and career highlights on the back.
Rarity: Very common, mass produced set from the junk wax era.
Notable Rookies: Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, David Justice
The 1988 Donruss set featured color photos of every major league player on white borders. Statistics and career highlights were printed on the back of each card. Chuck Solomon took the pictures used for the set. Like most Donruss releases of the time period, quality control and centering varying greatly from card to card.
While production numbers were enormous due to the sports card speculation boom, there are still some stars and popular rookie cards that hold value for collectors today. Let’s examine prices for some of the top 1988 Donruss cards over 15,000 characters:
1988 Donruss Price Guide for Top Cards
Roger Clemens RC #1 – Even though Clemens was already an established star by 1988, his rookie card remains one of the most sought after from the set. In PSA 10 gem mint condition, the Clemens RC has sold for over $1,000. Most raw or low-grade copies still fetch $20-50.
Greg Maddux RC #234 – Another future Hall of Fame pitcher’s rookie, the Maddux RC has gained value in recent years as his career has been recognized. PSA 10’s have topped $400 with most graded 8’s or 9’s still $100-200. Raw or low-grade copies $10-30.
David Justice RC #421 – The powerful outfielder’s rookie has found increased interest from Braves fans and 92 Dream Team Olympic collectors. PSA 10’s have reached $100-150 range with $20-50 for most raw or lower grade copies.
Tom Glavine RC #474 – A workhorse pitcher who was just beginning his stellar career in 1988, the Glavine rookie holds value similarly to Maddux. PSA 10’s have sold for $300-400 recently with $75-150 for other grades and $10-30 for raw cards.
Barry Bonds #80 – Even as a young star in 1988, Bonds’ dominance and eventual single season HR record give this card lasting appeal. High grade 88 Bonds cards have crossed $100 with most $20-50.
Ken Griffey Jr. #253 – One of the most popular players of the 1990s, the Junior rookie sells more on name recognition. PSA 10’s over $150 recently, $30-75 other grades, $5-20 for raw.
Ozzie Smith #268 – A fan favorite and elite defender at short, high grade Smith cards still desired. PSA 10’s routinely $100-200, other grades around $30-75 range.
Kirby Puckett #311 – Star center fielder of the Twins glory years, Puckett cards remain sought after. Graded cards $30-100 dependent on condition with raw versions $5-20.
Wade Boggs #325 – Hall of Famer and career .328 hitter had another big year in 1988. Top graded Boggs cards have crossed $75 with raw copies $10-25.
Dwight Gooden #364 – “Doctor K” was already a true superstar at age 23 in ’88. BVGs 9’s over $100 recently, others $20-60 depending on grade, $5-15 raw.
Mike Schmidt #430 – Late stage Hall of Fame third baseman, graded Schmidt cards $20-80 based on condition. Raw $5-15.
As you can see, while 1988 Donruss produced cards in insane numbers, there remain certain star players and popular rookie cards that fans continue to desire and drive values upwards. Condition is still very important for the graded populations of these cards, while raw copies provide affordable alternatives for most collectors budgets. I hope this breakdown of stats and prices helps shine some light on the appeal and value propositions available from the 1988 Donruss baseball card release over 30 years later. Let me know if you need any details on specific cards from the set.
