Cal Ripken Jr. had one of the most illustrious baseball careers of all time, playing in the major leagues from 1981 to 2001 exclusively with the Baltimore Orioles. As a shortstop and third baseman, Ripken established himself as one of the greatest defensive players ever while also being a consistently solid hitter for over two decades. He famously played in 2,632 consecutive games, breaking Lou Gehrig’s supposedly unbreakable record of 2,130 straight games played.

Ripken’s incredible career and accomplishments have made many of his baseball cards quite valuable, especially his early rookie cards from the 1980s. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key Cal Ripken Jr. cards that can be worth a significant amount of money depending on the grade and condition of the particular card.

1981 Fleer #91 Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card

Considered one of the true holy grails of baseball cards, the 1981 Fleer Cal Ripken Jr. rookie is arguably the most valuable of all his cards. In pristine mint condition with a grade of PSA 10, this rare rookie has sold for over $100,000 at auction. Even well-centered examples in excellent near-mint to mint condition (PSA 8 or 9) can fetch thousands. The design features a young Ripken in an Orioles batting stance. The 1981 Fleer set had poor quality control and many cards were printed off-center, which hurts their value. Still, for such an iconic rookie card from one of the game’s greats, it remains highly sought after.

1982 Topps #138 Cal Ripken Jr.

Ripken’s true “flagship” rookie in the much larger 1982 Topps set, which had wider distribution than 1981 Fleer. Still a key piece of any serious Ripken PC collection. High-grade copies in PSA 8-10 condition can sell for $500-$2,000 depending on exact centering and condition qualities. Even well-worn but identifiable copies in PSA 5 or 6 grade still hold value around $100-200 for collectors. The design shows a headshot of Ripken in an Orioles uniform. Overall one of the more affordable Ripken rookies to acquire in nice condition for most collectors.

1983 Topps Traded #82T Cal Ripken Jr.

Considered Ripken’s “traded” rookie card since it was from the special 1983 Topps Traded set inserted in wax packs that year instead of the base set. Only produced his rookie season and thus quite scarce in high grades. PSA 10 copies have reached $5,000+ at auction. Even PSA 8s still hold value around $500-1000 depending on centering. Shows Ripken taking batting practice. An important Ripken piece for serious collectors to own in the best condition possible.

1983 Donruss #132 Cal Ripken Jr.

Ripken’s first major card produced by Donruss. While not technically a “rookie” since he had prior cards in 1982, it was still early in his career and the Donruss design and production quality make it a key card. PSA 10s have reached $2,000. PSA 8s are around $300-500 still. Depicts Ripken swinging a bat. Fills out an important piece of Ripken’s early career representation across the main card producers of the time.

1983 Topps #630 Cal Ripken Jr.

Ripken’s main rookie card produced in the gigantic 1983 Topps flagship set. As one of the most widely produced cards of his early career, high grades are still quite tough to come by. But PSA 10s can still reach $1,000 due to the card’s iconic status. PSA 8s are $200-300. Even worn PSA 5-6 graded copies retain value around $50-100 due to the card’s place in Ripken collecting history. Shows Ripken taking batting practice like the ’83 Traded card. An absolute must-have for any Ripken PC.

1984 Fleer Update #U8 Cal Ripken Jr.

One of Ripken’s scarcer early update/special issue cards. Only produced during 1984 in limited print run. Depicts Ripken swinging a bat. High grades remain elusive, but a PSA 10 could reach $500-1000. Even PSA 8s have sold for $150-300 showing the card’s cache among Ripken collectors. Fills out his early career representation across the main producers in the mid-1980s.

1987 Topps Traded #2T Cal Ripken Jr.

Commemorates Ripken winning the 1987 AL MVP and batting title. Only produced for that year’s Topps Traded set inserted in wax packs. PSA 10s have reached $800 due to the card’s scarcity and subject matter. Even PSA 8s hold value around $150-300. Depicts Ripken swinging with MVP trophy in background. Key card for any Ripken PC and one of his higher end 1980s/early career issues.

1991 Topps #1 Cal Ripken Jr.

Marks Ripken breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played streak in 1995 on the front. The back details his record-setting achievement. PSA 10s have sold for $1,500 and up. Even well-centered PSA 8s reach $300-500. One of Ripken’s most iconic modern issues outside of his rookies. An absolute cornerstone for any collection of his cards.

1996 Upper Deck #1 Cal Ripken Jr.

Commemorates Ripken breaking Gehrig’s record in 1995 with a photo from that game. Highly sought after by Ripken PC collectors. PSA 10s have reached $800-1000. PSA 8s are $150-300. Key modern Ripken card celebrating one of his most famous career achievements and milestones.

2000 Topps #1 Cal Ripken Jr.

Marks Ripken’s final season and career in 2000. PSA 10s have reached $500. PSA 8s hold value around $100-200 still. Even worn but identifiable PSA 5-6 copies retain value at $20-50. Iconic modern Ripken send-off card to close out his Hall of Fame playing career.

In conclusion, Cal Ripken Jr.’s legendary baseball career and accomplishments have made many of his vintage rookie cards and key issue cards highly valuable, especially in top grades. His 1981 Fleer rookie regularly tops auction prices of $100,000 in mint condition. But there are also many affordable Ripken cards that commemorate his achievements which can be had for $100-500 even in nice near-mint state. Overall, Ripken remains one of the most popular players for collectors to build full sets and collections of due to his status as an all-time great.