The 1990 baseball card season featured several rookie cards and veteran player cards that have grown in value over the past 30 years. While not every single card from packs and sets that year is worth a significant amount, there are certainly some 1990 baseball cards that collectors covet and are willing to pay top dollar for if in pristine conditioned. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most valuable 1990 baseball cards on the market today according to PSA/Beckett grades and recent sales data:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Upper Deck #1) – Without question, the crown jewel of the 1990 season is Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie card issued by Upper Deck. Often referred to as “The King” by collectors, this card has appreciating exponentially in value since the start of Junior’s Hall of Fame career. Near mint to gem mint PSA 10 copies in auction have sold for over $100,000 in recent years. Even PSA 9 examples still fetch thousands. At the height of the trading card boom in the 1990s, this card could be acquired for under $100 but is now out of reach for most collectors.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (Bowman #83) – Like Griffey, Frank Thomas also had an illustrious big league career and his rookie is one of the most coveted from 1990 Bowman set. PSA 10’s have sold for as much as $15,000. Prior to recent years, this card was fairly affordable but strongThomas demand has seen values rise significantly, with PSA 9’s now $1,000+.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Bowman #233) – Alomar was a star from the outset of his career and his rookie remains a key chase card from the ’90 Bowman issue. High-grade PSA 10’s have crossed the $5,000 mark in auction. PSA 9’s can also pull in thousands.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Bowman #151) – While not as valuable as the Ultra Grade issue, Griffey’s more common Bowman rookie from the same year remains a premier card. PSA 10 holders have brought over $3,000. Even well-centered PSA 9’s still sell for four figures.

Greg Maddux (Bowman #73) – Maddux blossomed into one of the best pitchers ever and his rookie card from Bowman has climbed up due to his Hall of Fame enshrinement and Atlanta Braves connection. Near-perfect PSA 10 copies have exceeded $2,000. PSA 9’s still demand $500-700.

Randy Johnson Rookie Card (Bowman #110) – “The Big Unit’s” dominating career has lifted values of his rookie over the years as well. PSA 10’s have cracked the $2,000 range. PSA 9’s are above $500 in today’s market. His Dominance as one of the all-time strikeout kings has collectors clamoring for this card.

Bobby Bonilla Rookie Card (Score #632) – Bonilla had impressive power numbers over his long career and collectors enjoy chase his rookie from Score. Crisp PSA 10’s have sold between $800-1000. PSA 9’s still demand over $200.

Jesse Orosco Rookie Card (Donruss #97) – Orosco holds the all-time record for most games pitched and his iconic rookie from Donruss has been gaining ground. Excellent PSA 10 quality editions now reach the $400-500 range. PSA 9’s still sell for $100 or more.

Juan Gonzalez Rookie Card (Bowman #107) – “Juan Gone” hit a ton of homers as a Ranger and Indian. His Bowman rookie has found new life with steroid era collectors. PSA 10’s have reached as high as $600-700. Clean PSA 9 copies exceed $150.

Jeff Bagwell Rookie Card (Bowman #262) – Bagwell was a consistent slugger for Houston and his rookie card from Bowman is the crown jewel from that set outside the stars already mentioned. Top-grade PSA 10’s have fetched close to $500 while PSA 9’s cross $150-200 depending on day.

Cecil Fielder Rookie Card (Score #683) – Big Bad Cecil burst on the scene as a Tiger slugger and collectors remember his 50 HR campaign fondly. Near-mint PSA 9 Fielder rookies have sold between $250-350 in recent times on hobby boards due to Fielders huge home run totals.

Andre Dawson Rookie Card (O-Pee-Chee #79) – Dawson’s Canadian issue rookie from O-Pee-Chee garners steady attention and his Hall call has buoyed prices. Excellent PSA 10 cards have sold for over $300. Clean PSA 9’s also attract $150. Dawson was one of the most complete players of the 1980s.

While there are certainly more expensive cards than what was mentioned here, this covers many of the most historically significant and collectible 1990 baseball cards on the modern market based on player performances and career accolades attained after their rookie seasons that have lifted enthusiasm and demand. Condition is critical, as the smallest edge flaws can destroy value quickly for these highly conditioned-sensitive vintage and rookie cards. But for collectors willing to patiently hunt the populous 1990 rookie class and sets, there remain finds to be had—even after 30+ years.