Diamond Kings was a baseball card brand produced by Donruss Playoff from 1991 to 1997. While not one of the major brands like Topps or Fleer, some Diamond Kings cards have gained value over the years due to short print runs or star players featured on the cards. Let’s take a deeper look at some Diamond Kings cards that could be worth money to collectors.

1991 Diamond Kings #1 Ken Griffey Jr. RC

The 1991 rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. from Diamond Kings is one of the most valuable cards from the brand. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie cards from all brands are highly sought after by collectors. The 1991 Diamond Kings Griffey RC is considered the rarest of his rookie cards due to the much lower print run compared to Topps and Fleer cards from that year. In high grade it can fetch over $1000 raw or $2000 graded gem mint by PSA or BGS. Even in lower grades it maintains value well over $100 due to Griffey’s popularity and status as a true rookie card from his first MLB season.

1992 Diamond Kings #1 Barry Bonds

Barry Bonds’ career took off in the early 90s and his 1992 Diamond Kings card showcasing him in a Pittsburgh Pirates uniform is one of his key early career cards. While not technically a rookie card since Bonds had already played in 1987-88, the 1992 DK card captured him at the start of his rise to superstardom. It also features one of the better photos in the set with Bonds swinging the bat. High grade versions have sold for over $500 and it remains quite valuable even in lower grades due to the rarity of Diamond Kings sets from this era. Any card featuring a young Barry Bonds in Pirates garb holds collector interest.

1993 Diamond Kings #1 Frank Thomas RC

Frank Thomas burst onto the scene in 1990 and had established himself as one of baseball’s best hitters by 1993. His rookie card from Diamond Kings that year is the only true RC of “The Big Hurt” from Donruss Playoff. While not as iconic or valuable as his rookie cards from Topps or Fleer, the 1993 Diamond Kings Thomas RC is still a key piece for any collection of his early career memorabilia. PSA Gem Mint 10 copies have sold for over $1000, showing strong demand. Even well-centered lower grade examples in the PSA 8-9 range still pull $100-200 prices. This card remains affordable for most collectors looking to add a Thomas rookie to their collection.

1994 Diamond Kings #1 Jeff Bagwell RC

The 1994 season was Jeff Bagwell’s true rookie year that cemented him as a star for the Houston Astros. While he had played a few games in 1991, his rookie card is properly considered to be from 1994 releases like this Diamond Kings issue. High grade PSA 10 copies have reached the $1000-1500 range showing the strong collector interest in a Bagwell rookie. Even in lower grades it maintains substantial value compared to most non-flagship brands. Any collector looking to add a Bagwell rookie to their PC would be well served to target this affordable Diamond Kings issue before prices rise further.

1995 Diamond Kings #1 Derek Jeter RC

Derek Jeter’s legendary career and status as a New York Yankees icon make any of his rookie cards hugely desirable. While the 1995 Topps and Bowman rookie cards are the true iconic issues, his 1995 Diamond Kings rookie holds substantial value as well for a non-flagship brand. PSA Gem Mint 10 grades have reached the $2000-3000 range, but there is strong demand even for lower graded copies in the $300-500 range. Any Jeter collector would be remiss not to pursue this card as a key piece of his early career memorabilia before prices climb much higher. Even for budget-minded collectors, it remains one of the more affordable Jeter rookie options available.

1996 Diamond Kings #319 Ken Griffey Jr.

While not a true rookie card, the 1996 Diamond Kings #319 Ken Griffey Jr. card stands out as one of his best and most visually striking early career images. It features Griffey in classic uppercut swing wearing a vibrant Seattle Mariners uniform in front of the Kingdome. High grades have reached the $400-500 range showing strong collector interest beyond just rookie cards. Even well-centered lower grades still pull $100-200 prices. Any Griffey PC is incomplete without this iconic action shot card capturing him in his Mariners prime before injuries derailed his career. It remains one of the most affordable ways to add an essential Griffey card.

1997 Diamond Kings #1 Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter’s star continued rising in 1996 and 1997 and this Diamond Kings issue from his 1997 season is also considered a rookie/early career card by some collectors. While not his true rookie, it holds substantial value due to the Jeter name. PSA 10s have reached the $500-700 range, but there is still demand even for lower graded copies. At the $150-300 price level, it remains an affordable option for any Jeter PC looking to add a key early career piece. The photo captures Jeter’s emergence as a franchise player for the Yankees and his growing popularity as one of baseball’s biggest stars. This 1997 Diamond Kings Jeter is an essential pickup.

While not in the same league as flagship brands Topps and Fleer, Diamond Kings from the early 90s produced some valuable rookie cards and early career images of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Bonds, Bagwell, Jeter, and Frank Thomas. For budget-minded collectors, cards like these Diamond Kings issues remain affordable compared to more established brands yet hold substantial collector value recognition. With the players featured only increasing in popularity over time, these Diamond Kings cards worth money today will likely continue appreciating for dedicated collectors.