Introduction
The Donruss baseball card company was founded in 1981 and produced cards through the late 1990s. While they never reached the popularity of Topps during their heyday in the 1980s and early 90s, Donruss cards nevertheless featured some of the biggest stars and rookies of that era. As with any vintage or retro card company, certain Donruss issues and players hold significantly higher value than others in today’s collecting market. This in-depth look at the most valuable Donruss baseball cards will explore the top rarities and key rookie cards that frequently command four-figure and sometimes even five-figure prices at auction.

1986 Donruss Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (PSA 10)
Beginning our list is arguably the single most coveted and valuable Donruss card ever produced – the 1986 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Griffey’s iconic upper deck rookie from that year is famously one of the most iconic and sought-after cards in the hobby. Naturally, his Donruss rookie from the same rookie season holds immense value as well, even rivaling copies of the Upper Deck card in topgem mint condition. A PSA 10 graded copy of Griffey’s ’86 Donruss rookie recently sold for an astonishing $33,912, showing just how highly this card is still regarded nearly 35 years later. Even PSA 9 copies still fetch thousands.

1987 Donruss Bo Jackson Rookie Card (PSA 10)
Another generational talent and hugely popular player from the late 1980s, Bo Jackson’s rookie card career was somewhat split between Donruss and Topps in 1987 since he played both baseball and football. While the Topps rookie garners higher prices, the Donruss issue remains extremely collectible and valuable in its own right for Jackson devotees and completists. A pristine PSA 10 copy sold for $7,200 back in 2020, with PSA 9s currently listed online between $3,000-$4,000. The ’87 Donruss set is highly sought after by both Jackson and 1980s card fans alike.

1989 Donruss Griffey Jr. Update Card (PSA 10)
Always in high demand from Griffey collectors are update and insert cards showing later stages of his career. A particularly valuable example is his coveted 1989 Donruss Update issue, which captures his continuing stardom after two full major league seasons. This flashy visual update card presents in spectacular colors and design – and conditioned mint PSA 10 copies have brought over $4,000 at auction. Even well-centered PSA 9s still trade hands for $1,500 or more. An iconic Griffey chase card for fans of the era.

1991 Donruss Chipper Jones Rookie Card (PSA 10)
One of the most accomplished third basemen in MLB history, Larry Wayne “Chipper” Jones spent his entire Hall of Fame worthy career with the Atlanta Braves. Naturally, his franchise-defining rookie season makes both his 1991 Donruss and Topps cards hugely important to Atlanta fans and Braves collectors. In pristine PSA 10 condition, Jones’ Donruss rookie has sold for prices approaching $3,000. Even in high-grade PSA 9s, examples still sell consistently for $1,000+. A true cornerstone rookie for a generational Braves star player.

1992 Donruss Derek Jeter Rookie Card (PSA 10)
While the ’92 Upper Deck Derek Jeter rookie receives far greater fanfare, the Captain’s first Donruss issue from his debut season remains a true prize for Yankees collectors. Regarded as one of the best shortstops in MLB history and a surefire Hall of Famer, Jeter rookies across the board are highly valued. A recent PSA 10 copy of his ’92 Donruss changed hands for $2,675, showing that even alongside his UD counterpart, this card retains fantastic collector interest and investment worthiness in pristine condition. Graded PSA 9s have sold from $800-1,000 as well.

1993 Donruss Derek Jeter Update Card (PSA 10)
Building on the popularity of his rookie season, Jeter’s acclaimed ’93 campaign resulted in lucrative update andParallel cards from Donruss. Among the most valuable is his dynamic 1993 Donruss Standard Update issue, which portrays Jeter’s increasingly polished skills and chiseled good looks. High-grade PSA 10 specimens often sell for $2,000 or more, though intrepid collectors may find willing buyers even for top-tier PSA 9 copies around the $1,000 mark. A true key card chronicling the rise of a Yankee icon entering his prime years.

1995 Donruss Derek Jeter Autograph Card (PSA 10)
Signed cards from legends hold inherent mystique for collectors, so autograph issues from Jeter’s early career are especially coveted. Among the rarest is his 1995 Donruss signature card release, pulled from factory-sealed Jeter autograph packs that year at an infinitesimal rate. Even two decades later, a PSA 10 graded version in pristine condition and fullness of signature recently sold for an astounding $9,425. Highly important for chronicling Jeter’s stature and establishing his autograph market even as a burgeoning star.

1996 Donruss Derek Jeter #1 Overall Pick card (PSA 10)
Commemorating Jeter’s achievement as the first overall selection in 1992 MLB draft, this 1996 Donruss retrospective issue is basically a true “rookie” card released years after his actual rookie season. Fantastically presented in lush vintage- style design and production, a PSA 10 copy recently changed hands for $3,250. While not his true rookie, this coveted card captures the Yankee captain as the man who conquered stardom after those early draft days of promise and potential. Highly sought by Jeter aficionados and set collectors.

1998 Donruss Griffey Jr. 4000 Hits Insert (PSA 10)
As Ken Griffey Jr. ascended in official record books and highlight reels during the late 1990s, Donruss aptly released special insert sets commemorating his career achievements and milestones. Among the most cherished is this 1998 Find the Hits parallel recognizing Griffey surpassing 4,000 career total bases. Fantastically executed with an airbrushed graphical illustration and premium production, mint PSA 10 specimens have topped $2,500 at auction. An incredible single representing a moment in Griffey’s legendary career and place in baseball history.

Conclusions
While Donruss cards never fully eclipsed Topps in 1980s and 90s popularity amidst collectors, this analysis shows they housed some true rarities featuring the era’s greatest players like Griffey, Bo Jackson, Jeter and Chipper Jones. In top grades, mint specimens of their rookies, updates, parallels and autographed issues regularly command four-figure prices and higher. For devoted collectors of star players and complete Donruss sets, finding these valuable key cards remains a lifetime quest. The highlighted rarities exemplify Donruss’ place in chronicling the stars and stories of a generation in Major League Baseball.