The 1990 Upper Deck baseball card set was truly groundbreaking and introduced exciting new designs and features that captured the attention of collectors. While not the most extensive release compared to other years, it featured several iconic rookie cards and players that have stood the test of time. Let’s take a look at the 10 most valuable cards from the 1990 Upper Deck set based on their current average PSA 10 gem mintprices.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – $12,500
widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards of all-time, Griffey’s 1990 Upper Deck rookie is the undisputed crown jewel of the set. His rookie season was one for the ages as he hit .303 with 16 home runs and led the league in stolen bases with a rookie record 56 steals. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless athleticism made him an instant fan favorite. Years of dominant play cemented his legacy as one of baseball’s all-time greats and his rookie card price has reflected that enduring popularity among collectors. PSA 10 examples routinely sell for well over $10,000 with a few recently cracking the $12,500 mark, making it the most valuable card in the set by a wide margin.

Vladimir Guerrero (#105) – $1,500
Regarded as one of the greatest hitters of his generation, Guerrero made his MLB debut in 1996 but is best remembered for his prodigious power and ability to hit any pitch. His 1990 Upper Deck rookie card was one of the more overlooked issues at the time but has gained significant traction in recent years. As Guerrero’s Hall of Fame induction draws near, interest and prices for this sought-after rookie card have risen considerably. In a PSA 10 gem mint state, it currently sells in the $1,000-1,500 range, making it one of the most expensive cards outside of Griffey Jr.

Jeff Bagwell (#197) – $800
The 1990 National League Rookie of the Year, Bagwell wasted no time making his mark in Houston. He put together a 15-year career that resulted in over 400 home runs and 1500 RBI while hitting over .297. His lethal lefty swing and status as the face of the Astros franchise for over a decade has kept his 1990 Upper Deck RC in high demand. A PSA 10 of Bagwell’s rookie is in the $700-800 range currently, reflecting the great career and popularity of one baseball’s most dominant first basemen.

Todd Helton (#243) – $650
One of the finest hitting first basemen of his era, Helton established himself as the rock of the Colorado Rockies franchise over 17 seasons. His career .316 average, over 350 home runs and countless clutch hits made him a fan favorite. His rookie card from 1990 Upper Deck gained traction as Helton’s hall of fame caliber play unfolded. PSA 10 examples routinely sell between $600-650, quite high considering Helton was far from a household name in 1990.

Moises Alou (#314) – $500
The son of fellow MLB star Felipe Alou, Moises broke out in the 1990s as one of the game’s top outfielders and perennial .300 hitters. He launched over 300 home runs for his career split between the Expos, Astros, Cubs and other clubs. While not a superstar name like the cards above, Alou had an excellent 16-year MLB tenure and his 1990 Upper Deck RC has found renewed interest from collectors. PSA 10s command around $400-500 currently.

Edgar Martinez (#376) – $450
One of the greatest designated hitters in baseball history, Martinez put up Hall of Fame quality numbers while rarely playing the field. His sweet left-handed swing and ability to work the count made him a nightmare for pitchers throughout the 1990s. As a result, interest in his 1990 Upper Deck rookie has remained high after his induction into Cooperstown in 2019. PSA 10 examples range from $375-450.

Tom Glavine (#397) – $400
One of the most dominant left-handed pitchers of the 1990s and 2000s, Glavine racked up over 300 wins and two Cy Young awards split between the Braves and Mets. His craftiness and pinpoint control kept batters guessing for decades. As a testament to his great career, his 1990 Upper Deck RC still fetches $350-400 for top-graded versions, quite pricey considering he had yet to make his big league debut when the card was issued.

Randy Johnson (#426) – $375
The “Big Unit” more than lived up to his huge 6’10” frame and dominated batter after batter in the 1990s and 2000s. His record 5 Cy Young awards and over 300 wins cemented his status as arguably the most fearsome left-handed pitcher ever. While not his true rookie card, his 1990 Upper Deck issue shows a fiery young Randy. Nearly 30 years later, top PSA 10 copies still routinely sell for $350-375.

Walt Weiss (#478) – $300
A slick-fielding shortstop who made his mark with the Athletics and Rockies, Weiss played 16 seasons in MLB. While never a big name, his longevity and two World Series rings have kept interest high in his 1990 Upper Deck RC. In a PSA 10 case, it fetches $275-300 nowadays.

Tim Salmon (#534) – $250
Known as “The Salmon Bomber,” Tim Salmon established himself as one of the game’s top power hitters during his 14 seasons with the California/Anaheim Angels. He smashed over 300 homers despite playing his home games in a massive pitcher’s park. His prodigious pop and status as an Angels icon have helped his 1990 Upper Deck rookie maintain brisk demand. PSA 10 examples sell in the $225-250 range.

While not the largest set from 1990, Upper Deck featured many rookie gems that have stood the test of time as those players cemented Hall of Fame caliber careers. From Ken Griffey Jr’s true RC to young stars like Glavine, Johnson, Guerrero and more, it remains one of the most recognized and collected issues from the early 90s. Very few complete sets remain, making high-grade singles the realistic target for today’s enthusiasts. With many veterans still playing and popular on the Hall of Fame ballot, prices for the top rookies should remain supported for years to come.