The Donruss brand has produced some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards since the company began making cards in 1981. From rookie cards of future Hall of Famers to unique parallels and inserts, here are the top 20 most coveted Donruss baseball cards:

1992 Donruss Series 1 Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card – Widely considered the finest rookie card in the modern era, Griffey’s iconic 1992 Donruss rookie is one of the most valuable cards ever printed. High grade copies in PSA 10 condition have sold for over $100,000. Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing made him an instant star and his rookie card caught lightning in a bottle for collectors.

1987 Donruss Jose Canseco Rookie Card – As one of the original “Bash Brothers” alongside Mark McGwire, Canseco helped usher in the steroid era of the late 1980s and early 90s. His explosive rookie season and Donruss cardboard captured helped spark the baseball card boom. PSA 10 examples have topped $20,000 at auction.

1990 Donruss Barry Bonds Rookie Card – Few players displayed the pure talent and dominant play that Bonds did during his career. His rookie card certainly didn’t predict his eventual Home Run King status but it remains a key piece for completionists. High grade versions can attract four-figure bids.

1986 Donruss Mark McGwire Rookie Card – Next to Griffey, McGwire’s rookie is arguably the finest looking from the 1980s set. It’s a clean and iconic design that highlighted “Big Mac’s” huge physique and raw power. Near-mint copies have sold for over $5,000 when grading merits.

1991 Donruss Chipper Jones Rookie Card – As a hometown kid who spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves, Jones’ rookie remains a popular regional card. It marked the beginning of one of the best switch-hitters in MLB history. PSA 10s have cracked $3,000.

1992 Donruss Andy Van Slyke Rookie Card Parallel – Van Slyke had a solid 13-year career but his true claim to cardboard fame is one of the earliest parallel variations ever produced. His 1992 Stars & Stripes parallel offers vibrant red, white, and blue coloring on a star design. High grades have hit $1,000.

1994 Donruss Collector’s Choice Smiling Derek Jeter Patch Card #13/25 – One of the key early patch cards, this Jeter features a smiling photo and game-worn pinstripe swatch. As one of Jeter’s premier rookie year inserts, PSA 9/10 condition cards have reached $4,000.

1994 Donruss Juan Gonzalez Rookie Materials Patch Card #8/10 – The “Slammin’ Samoan” had two MVP awards despite PED suspicions later in his career. This ultra-rare patch card pulled straight from his Texas Rangers uniform made him a hot rookie prospect. Only a few high grade examples remain.

1987 Donruss Travis Fryman Rookie Debut & TriStar Parallels – The Detroit Tigers third baseman had a durable 16-year career but collectors love these obscure early parallel variations showcasing alternate photos on specialized stock. High grades command $500-700.

1988 Donruss Greg Maddux Rookie Card – One of the finest pitchers ever who would rack up 355 wins and 4 Cy Young Awards. His rookie introduced “Mad Dog” to the hobby before his breakout 1989 NLCS performance. PSA 10s have reached over $1,500.

1991 Donruss Tom Glavine Rookie Card – Another destined-for-Cooperstown left-hander, Glavine’s rookie sports vibrant colors and teased his excellence on the mound. His clean mechanics translated perfectly to cardboard. Near-mint condition examples linger around $400-500.

1991 Donruss Frank Thomas Rookie Card – “The Big Hurt” launched the White Sox back onto the map with his mammoth home runs. His dominant rookie campaign translated to strong cardboard demand. PSA 10s have cracked four-figures.

1989 Donruss Ken Griffey Jr. Extended Rookie Debut – An exciting pre-rookie teaser of the future Hall of Famer in action. Griffey mania was already underway just two years into his career. High grades have exceeded $2,000 sales prices.

1991 Donruss Collector’s Best List Refractor Parallel #119/199 – Griffey appears again in one of the earliest mainstream refractor parallel insert sets. Colorful and striking compared to the drab base issue. Near-mint have reached $1,000+.

1990 Donruss Mark McGwire Rookie Debut – Another prized McGwire pre-rookie teaser leading collectors on a multi-year chase. His hulking physique and pro debut thrilled Oakland fans. Near-mint copies command $300-400 prices.

1989 Donruss Mark Grace Rookie Card – A workmanlike 16-year career didn’t stop collectors enjoying Grace’s rookie that celebrated his NL Rookie of the Year win. Clean and affordable for Cubs PC builders at $50-100 in near-mint.

1994 Donruss Elite Series Scott Rolen Rookie Card – Overshadowed entering the pros, Rolen emerged as one of the games premier third basemen. His rookie entered the high-end Elite parallel subset to recognition. PSA 10s approach $1,000.

1993 Donruss Collector’s Choice Derek Jeter Patch Card #113/125 – A follow up to the 1994 patch, this features an alternate pinstripe swatch. Early Jeter game-used relics remain career highlights. Near-mint exceed $2,000.

1991 Donruss Collector’s Choice Refractor Craig Biggio #114/199 – Houston’s Hall of Famer gets the refractor treatment in a prized parallel career insert set. One of the most beloved Astros stars for collectors. PSA 10s have hit $1,000.

1992 Bowman’s Best Sammy Sosa Rookie Card – Nearly upstaged by teamate Bob Hamelin, Sosa’s explosive career translated to big bucks for early cardboard. High grades command $300-500 recognition for one of the 90s most feared sluggers.

The Donruss brand produced some truly iconic rookie cards, parallels and relics from the 1980s and 90s boom era. Load your collection with any of these 20 top cards to assemble Blue Chip holdings from the long-running tobacco brand’s rich cardboard history. Savvy collectors know that Donruss brands built a reputation for innovation that endures to this day.