The 1990 Donruss baseball card set is regarded as one of the greatest and most valuable issues from the iconic brand during the junk wax era. While most commons from sets of the late 1980s and early 1990s are essentially worthless today, some key rookies and star players from the 762-card 1990 Donruss set still hold significant collector value more than 30 years later. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the highest valued 1990 Donruss cards that vintage baseball card collectors still covet.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (Card #1) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the entire 1990 Donruss set, the Griffey Jr. rookie card is arguably the most iconic and valuable card from the junk wax era. In near mint to mint condition, Griffey’s prestigious rookie currently fetches anywhere from $500-2000 graded, with raw copies selling in the $200-400 range. Even in well-worn condition, this card still carries collector value. At the peak of card collecting hype in the late 80s/early 90s, Griffey took the baseball world by storm with his breathtaking athleticism in the outfield and home run power as a young star for the Seattle Mariners. His card price only continues to rise over time as one of the greatest players of all-time.
Frank Thomas Rookie (Card #126) – As arguably the best all-around hitter of the 1990s, “The Big Hurt’s” rookie card is next in value behind only Griffey’s in the ’90 Donruss set. Thomas burst onto the MLB scene in 1990 during his first full season with the Chicago White Sox and went on to win back-to-back AL MVP awards in 1993-1994. In mint condition, his Donruss rookie grades PSA 10 and sells for $500-700. Even in lesser top-graded condition (PSA 8-9), this card still commands $100-300 on the secondary market. Like Griffey, Frank Thomas’ talent and resume ensures ongoing appreciation of one of the sport’s all-time great power hitters.
George Brett Last Baseball Card (Card #289) – For collectors, George Brett’s 1990 Donruss card holds additional nostalgic significance as it was his final officially licensed baseball card before retirement. Brett represented the gold standard of consistency and excellence over two decades with the Kansas City Royals from 1973-1993, winning the AL batting title 8 times and being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999. The Brett card is one the scarcest in the entire set, making PSA 10 examples even more valuable at $400-600 for such a clean, sharp card capturing his graceful swing in his final MLB season.
Nolan Ryan Express Postcard (Card #491) – One of the true rarities in the 1990 Donruss set is Nolan Ryan’s “Express Postcard” parallel card featuring a unique postcard back design. Only 210 were produced, making it extremely tough to track down in choice condition. Even in lower graded copies, this Ryan postcard commands $300-400 prices on the secondary market. The legendary fireballer was still actively dominating hitters in the early 90s before retiring in 1993 at age 46 with a record 7 no-hitters to his name. Collectors love the novelty and scarcity of his postcard version from his age-43 season pitching for the Texas Rangers.
Cal Ripken Jr. All-Star (Card #619) – The back-to-back AL MVP and All-Star slugging shortstop captured on his 1990 All-Star card. Though not a true rookie issue, Ripken was still establishing himself as a superstar and ironman at the beginning of his epic consecutive games played streak. Near mint PSA 8-9 copies sell in the $50-75 range, with pristine PSA 10 specimens reaching $100-150. For Orioles fans and Cal Ripken collectors, this distinctive All-Star variation remains one of the top contemporary cards from his Hall of Fame career.
Ryne Sandberg / Ozzie Smith Dual Autograph (Card #673) – Perhaps the true “holy grail” find from the 1990 Donruss set would be the extremely rare dual autographed card pairing Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg and Cardinals defensive wizard Ozzie Smith. Only a tiny handful are believed to even exist in collectors’ hands today since autographs were not a standard insert at the time. A true condition census PSA 10 gem could fetch north of $1000 for such a one-of-a-kind signed relic pairing two 1980s icons who were elected to Cooperstown. Even lower graded dual auto examples start at $500+ due to the raw scarcity.
While 1990 Donruss is known as one of the all-time “junk wax” producers from the era, there still exists demand for high-grade rookie cards, autographed parallels and star players who cemented their Hall of Fame legacies during that time. Led by the incredible ascension of Ken Griffey Jr. as a true card collecting phenomenon, 1990 Donruss endures as one of the most beloved and collectible issues over 30 years later for vintage baseball card aficionados. With appreciation of stars like Frank Thomas, George Brett, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr. and more continuing to grow, these highest valued 1990 Donruss cards represent iconic pieces of card history from the late 1980s/early 90s peak period.
