The 1990s saw tremendous growth in the popularity and value of collecting sports cards, especially those featuring baseball stars. While 1980s cards featured many of the same iconic players, it was during the ’90s that certain rookies and star players skyrocketed in value as investors sought rare and sought-after memorabilia from the decade. Below are some of the most expensive and valuable baseball cards from the 1990s that have sold at auction or through private dealers for significant sums.
1997 Bowman Chrome Refractor Mike Piazza Rookie Card – Widely considered one of the most coveted cards of the decade, Piazza’s flashy refractor rookie exploded in value in recent years. In January 2021, a near-mint condition copy sold for an unprecedented $481,000 through Goldin Auctions, making it one of the highest prices ever paid for a single baseball card. Other factors contributing to its rarity and appeal include it being one of only 10 Bowman Chrome rookie cards ever produced of Piazza, whose Hall of Fame career saw him bash 427 home runs as a catcher.
1998 SP Authentic Tom Brady Rookie Card – While not a baseball card per se, Brady’s rookie soccer-style card gained fame for shattering sports memorabilia records when a pristine PSA 10 mint version sold in January 2021 for an eye-popping $2.25 million through Legendary Auctions. Though not a common pickup in baseball card collections of the ’90s, its record-setting sale speaks to the power certain rookies can have in driving investor demand years later.
1998 Stadium Club Chipper Jones Rookie Card #351 – A mainstay in many “Top 10 1990s Rookies” lists, the versatile Jones enjoyed a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Atlanta Braves that saw him hit 468 home runs and drive in 1,623 RBIs. High-grade copies of his flashy Stadium Club rookie inNear Mint to Mint condition have sold for $5,000-$15,000 depending on circumstances. What makes it particularly appealing is its photo and design truly captures Jones’ smooth, effortless swing that was a sight to behold in the batter’s box.
1998 SP Authentic Mark McGwire Record Breaking 62nd Home Run Card #HM62 – Many consider McGwire’s pursuit and breaking of Roger Maris’ single-season home run record in 1998 as one of the seminal moments not just of the 1990s but in all of baseball history. So it’s no surprise collectors covet his SP Authentic “card” recognizing his 62nd and record-breaking long ball. PSA 10 examples in flawless condition have sold for upwards of $50,000.
1998 Bowman’s Best Refractor Adrian Beltre Rookie Card #79B – Though he wouldn’t rise to superstar status until later in his career, Beltre showed early promise that intrigued investors even back in the late ’90s. His brightly colored refractor rookie from Bowman’s Best remains a highly sought trophy piece among collectors. Graded PSA 10 gems have brought in the neighborhood of $13,000 at auction.
1997 Bowman’s Best Extended Topps Mark McGwire #259 – Featuring “Big Mac” in dynamic, back-foot stride during his epic 70-home run season in 1998, this flashy insert resides among the decade’s most visually stunning cards. Pristine PSA 10 specimens have sold for north of $10,000, though condition-sensitive copies can fetch far less.
1998 SP Derek Jeter Autograph Card #DJ24 – As one of the most prolific and accomplished shortstops in baseball history, Jeter’s rookie season cards were hot commodities out of the gate. But his signed version holds extra cachet for collectors. High-grade PSA/BGS authenticated examples in flawless condition have sold for up to $25,000.
1997 Topps Gold Label Refractor Ken Griffey Jr. #GLR-KG – “The Kid” was already a superstar by the late ’90s after winning back-to-back AL MVPs, and collectors lusted after any shiny refractors featuring his smooth left-handed swing. Any pristine PSA 10 copy of this regal-looking Griffey rookie jumps in value, with auction records exceeding $5,000.
1996 SPx Fernando Tatis Autograph #24 – Adored as “El Caballo” for his fearsome power despite weighing under 200 pounds, Tatis slammed 234 career homers primarily with the Padres in the late ‘90s. His signed SPx rookie from ‘96 brings top dollar, with a BGS-graded 9.5 example selling for $11,500 in early 2022.
1996 Ultra Ken Griffey Jr. Finest Refractor #FR-KG – Considered the pinnacle Griffey collector card of the decade for its vivid color palette and photo catching him mid-swing. No shortage of demand for high-grade PSA 10 copies – one unforgettable specimen went for $25,600 at Robert Edward Auctions this past January.
The 1990s gave rise to tremendous opportunities for investors who foresaw which rookies and stars from the decade would achieve enduring fame and status. While outlays have grown exponentially, savvy collectors who purchased favorites like Piazza, Griffey, McGwire, Jeter and Jones rookies affordable back then have realized great long-term returns through preservation, grading, and market appreciation. As with any memorabilia investment, conditions matter greatly, but top-quality examples from the colorful ‘90s era can net collectors small fortunes many years later.
