The 1990 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic releases from the company in the late 1980s and early 1990s era. While it lacked some of the superstar rookies and cards of high series like ’88 and ’89, the 1990 Topps set still contained many valuable and desirable cards for collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from the ’90 Topps set and what they may be worth today.
The biggest star and most valuable regular card from the 1990 Topps set is #1, Nolan Ryan of the Texas Rangers. In 1990, Ryan was still in his late career with the Rangers but was still one of the most feared and respected pitchers in baseball. His 1990 Topps card, which pictures him mid-windup for the Rangers, has always been one of the key chase cards for the set. In gem mint condition, graded a PSA 10, Ryan’s ’90 Topps card can fetch over $1,000. Even in excellent near-mint to mint condition, uncertified examples can sell for $150-$300 depending on the market. #1 Nolan Ryan remains the most iconic regular issue card from the ’90 Topps set.
Another star pitcher and key card is #379 Orel Hershiser of the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 1988, Hershiser had his legendary 59 consecutive scoreless innings season and won the Cy Young and World Series MVP. By 1990 he was still an ace for the Dodgers. High grade copies of his ’90 Topps card in PSA 10 can reach $600-$800. In mint to near-mint condition uncertified, Hershiser still demands $50-$100 due to his star power in the late 80s.
Rookie cards are always favorites for collectors and the 1990 Topps set featured some future Hall of Famers. The obvious headliner is #1 Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners. Griffey was already expected to be a superstar and he did not disappoint. His superb athleticism and explosiveness made him a fan favorite and one of the most collected players of the 1990s. High grade PSA 10 copies of his ’90 Topps rookie can reach into the thousands of dollars. Even well-centered near-mint uncertified examples sell for $150-$300 based on condition.
Another notable rookie is #468 Chuck Knoblauch of the Minnesota Twins. Knoblauch enjoyed several All-Star seasons as a sparkplug second baseman throughout the 1990s. His 1990 Topps rookie, while not in the ultra-high demand of Griffey’s, has found increased collector interest in recent years. PSA 10 examples can reach $400-500. Most uncertified nicely centered near-mint copies retail for $75-150.
Star pitchers featured on early ’90 Topps cards include #15 José Rijo of the Reds, #59 Bret Saberhagen of the Royals, and #111 Roger Clemens of the Red Sox. All three were aces in the late 1980s and consistent producers. High grade PSA 10 versions of Rijo, Saberhagen, and Clemens can reach $300-400 each. Ungraded near-mint copies usually sell in the $50-100 range based on eye appeal.
Switch-hitting superstar Ryne Sandberg of the Cubs is spotlighted on card #87. Though in the latter stages of his brilliant career by 1990, Sandberg remained a fan favorite and one of the game’s top talents. Mint PSA 10 Sandberg rookie pressures can exceed $500. Most NM-MT copies trade hands between $75-150.
One unique aspect of the 1990 Topps set is the inclusion of Players Weekend black border parallel photo variations. Occurring August 11-17, 1990, Players Weekend saw participants wear team-colored or nickname-featuring uniforms for select games. Topps inserted black border parallel photos showcasing these alternate looks. Superstar parallels like the black border #1 Nolan Ryan or #379 Orel Hershiser parallel are in high demand. PSA 10 examples can reach $500-800. Even well-centered near-mint uncertified copies usually sell for $150-300.
Beyond singles, the 1990 Topps set featured some sought-after short prints that added to the chase. Cards like #450 John Smiley, #500 Lee Smith, and #550 Doug Drabek were scarce pulls at a rate of around 1 per case. High grade PSA 10 examples of these hot short prints can reach $300-500. Even well-preserved near-mint uncertified copies typically sell in the $75-150 range.
While it didn’t have the true rookie gems of 1988 or 1989 Topps, collectors still flock to the 1990 set for its stars, parallels, and short prints. Key regular issues like Nolan Ryan and Orel Hershiser remain cornerstones. Rookies like Ken Griffey Jr. and Chuck Knoblauch add to the appeal. When found in pristine mint condition encased by services like PSA or SGC, classic 1990 Topps cards can still realize impressive prices commensurate with the players and their iconic cardboard representations from that era. For budget-minded collectors, even excellent near-mint copies certified or raw provide affordable opportunities to obtain memorable pieces from the turn of the decade. The lasting popularity of the 1990 Topps baseball card set ensures its individual standouts and variations retain collector value for years to come.
While not the highest valued set from the late 1980s/early 1990s, the 1990 Topps baseball card release still features many stars, rookies, and variation cards that achieve solid prices when found in top-notch near-mint to pristine mint condition. Key chase cards tend to be superstars like Nolan Ryan and Orel Hershiser, but rookie gems like Ken Griffey Jr. and Chuck Knoblauch along with tough SPs and black border parallels add collecting interest and demand. When properly graded and preserved, the best 1990 Topps cards can realize prices comparable to other classic series from that coveted era.
