The 1990 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Produced by the Donruss company, the 1990 set marked a return to the classic Donruss design aesthetic that made the brand so popular during the 1970s and 80s. Featuring simple yet bold photography and minimal design elements, the 1990 Donruss cards captured the essence of the players and teams from that era in a truly memorable way.

While not quite as valuable as some of the early Donruss flagship sets from the 1970s and some of the ultra-premium 1990s sets like Finest and Ultra, the 1990 Donruss issue does contain several highly valuable rookie and star player cards that can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars in top grades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key cards that drive the value and collector interest in the 1990 Donruss set over 30 years later.

Perhaps the most iconic and valuable card in the entire 1990 Donruss set is the Kirby Puckett rookie card. Puckett would go on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Minnesota Twins, winning six Gold Gloves and being named an All-Star 10 times between 1984-1995. His infectious smile and elite play in center field made him a fan favorite. In pristine mint condition, Puckett’s rookie card can sell for well over $1,000. Even well-centered near mint copies still command several hundred dollars. The Puckett rookie is truly the crown jewel of the 1990 Donruss issue.

Another hugely valuable rookie card is that of Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ben Rivera. Rivera had a short but effective career between 1990-1995, posting a career ERA+ of 112 across six seasons before injuries derailed his career. His rookie card is one of the most coveted among collectors due to its scarcity and Rivera’s solid big league performance. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $800, with NM-MT copies bringing $300-500. Even in lower grades, it remains a key card.

Star slugger Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie is also a major highlight, though not quite as valuable as the Puckett or Rivera cards. Still, a PSA 10 Junior rookie can sell for $500-600. His smooth left-handed swing and athleticism made him a fan favorite from the start. The 1990 Donruss Griffey rookie is iconic in its own right.

Other valuable rookie cards include those of Dmitri Young, Randy Myers, and Gregg Jefferies. Young had a solid 13-year career mostly with the Tigers, Reds, and Nationals. His rookie consistently sells for $100-200 in top grades. Myers was an elite closer who saved over 300 games between 1988-2000 for five different teams. His rookie trades for around $75-150. Jefferies was considered a can’t-miss prospect but injuries derailed what could have been a huge career. Still, his rookie remains quite popular at $50-100 PSA 10.

In addition to those valuable rookie cards, several star veterans from the late 80s/early 90s also have cards in the 1990 Donruss set that hold significant value. For example, Nolan Ryan’s card can reach $150-250 in top condition despite being nearly a decade into his historic career at that point. The charismatic “Ryan Express” was still dominating hitters into his 40s.

Ryne Sandberg’s card is also very desirable, reaching $100-200 in top grades. The smooth-fielding second baseman was a perennial All-Star and Gold Glover for the Cubs in the late 80s. Ozzie Smith’s defensive wizardry made his 1990 Donruss card a hot commodity as well, valued around $75-150. And power hitter Mark McGwire’s card settled into the $50-100 range in top shape due to his prodigious home run power on display in Oakland.

While not the most valuable vintage set overall, the 1990 Donruss baseball card issue remains hugely popular with collectors due to its memorable photography, design elements drawing from the classic 1970s Donruss aesthetic, and roster of valuable rookie cards and star veterans from that era. Keys like the Puckett, Rivera, and Griffey rookies can be true crown jewels for any collection, while numerous other prospects and established players round out a highly collectible and historically significant release. Graded gem mint examples still command impressive prices decades later.