The 1990 Fleer Update baseball card set holds considerable nostalgic value for many collectors and fans of the late 80s and early 90s baseball era. Originally released as a supplement to Fleer’s flagship full-sized 1990 card issues in July 1990, the Update set featured photographic and statistical updates for many of the game’s top players from the first half of that MLB season. While not one of the larger or more iconic vintage card releases, the 1990 Fleer Update does feature some interesting variations and chase cards that continue to attract attention from collectors today.
The 1990 Fleer Update set contains just 36 total cards but includes photographic or statistical updates on many of baseball’s biggest stars at the time like Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Jose Canseco, Don Mattingly, Roger Clemens, and Wade Boggs. The photo and stats are updated to reflect the players’ performances through around the All-Star break of the 1990 season. The set also featured Chicago Cubs rookie sensation Jerome Walton on the front which captured the excitement around his fast start that year before injuring his leg and never fully realizing his early potential.
Generally speaking, the most basic common cards from the 1990 Fleer Update set in near mint to mint condition can be acquired fairly inexpensively today, with PSA/BGS graded versions often selling in the $5-15 range. There are a few notable exceptions and chase cards that command significantly higher prices. For example, the Griffey Jr. and Ryan cards are almost always in higher demand due to their star power and typically sell in the $30-50 range even for common versions. The Jose Canseco ‘Bash Brother’ era Athletics are also perennial fan favorites.
Some key higher value variations and chase cards to watch out for in the 1990 Fleer Update set include:
Parallels and Printing Plates: The set included parallel issues like ‘Gold Sharpie Signature’ parallel cards signed by the player pictured and limited serial numbered printing plates that are highly coveted by advanced collectors.
Error Cards: A manufacturing error led to one Ricky Jordan card being accidently printed with Juan Samuel’s biography on the back. This is an extremely rare error that has sold for over $1,000 in the past.
Auto or Memorabilia Patch Cards: Special “StarSticker” and “Diamond Kings” parallel subsets featured autographs or memorabilia swatches of the biggest stars that command four-figure prices.
Walton Stampede Promo: Issued as a giveaway to promote Walton, it features a different photo and is very scarce, grading a PSA 10 sold for over $500.
Missing Signed Parallel: A Wade Boggs ‘Gold Sharpie Signature’ parallel is known but rumored to only one was ever produced making it the holy grail for collectors.
Superstar Rookies: The 1990 Update was the first released card for players like Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Gregg Maddux, and David Justice. Finding their rookie cards from this set in pristine condition is highly sought after.
In addition to the scarcer parallel and error cards, iconic rookie cards or particularly well-centered, sharp examples of the main stars can also push values higher for this set. A PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 graded 1990 Fleer Update Ken Griffey Jr. regular base card in the $100-200 range isn’t unreasonable. And a true perfect black label PSA 10 of his rookie could realistic bring a few thousand due to his legendary status.
While not among the most expensive vintage sets to collect, there remains strong nostalgia and collector interest in the 1990 Fleer Update issue due to the stars and moments it captured from that baseball season. For those looking to add a set with true scarce variations, fun player lots, or iconic young star rookies to their vintage baseball card portfolio – the 1990 Fleer Update provides affordable options with solid long-term holding potential. With smart shopping and a little patience, a complete common base set can usually be acquired for well under $100 total. And the thrill of the chase for the rarer parallel and error cards makes exploring this 1930s release a engaging collecting experience for many.
Three decades later the 1990 Fleer Update baseball card set continues attracting collectors both casual fans and serious investors due its affordable prices, nostalgia factors, and potential to house valuable variations. While the everydaycommon cards can be acquired for under $10-20 each, this 36-card issue diversifies portfolios well with options across varying price points – from budget stars to true high-end scarce chase cards. As interest grows around the players and teams featured, values on whole sets and particularly sharp graded examples appear well-positioned to appreciate steadily for years to come.
