The 1980s and 1990s were a golden age for baseball card collecting. Major League Baseball was enjoying huge popularity and the growing collectibles market meant baseball cards were big business. Many consider the cards produced during this time to be the most iconic and valuable in the hobby’s history. Here are some of the best and most sought after baseball cards from the 1980s and 1990s.

1985 Fleer Michael Jordan RC (Rookie Card) – Widely considered the holy grail of sports cards, Jordan’s rookie is arguably the most valuable basketball card ever printed. Fleer only produced 100 copies of the error version that does not include a copyright symbol. In flawless mint condition, a 1985 Fleer Jordan RC can fetch over $500,000 at auction. Even well-worn copies still sell for thousands.

1988 Score Ken Griffey Jr. RC – Griffey was one of the most exciting young players to enter the league in decades. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless athleticism made him an instant star. The 1988 Score RC was the most widely produced of his rookie cards but remains a highly coveted item for any baseball card collection. Graded gem mint 10 copies have sold for over $10,000.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. – Upper Deck revolutionized the baseball card industry when it was released in 1989. The brand emphasized high quality cardboard stock and photography. Griffey’s rookie in the pioneering set became one of the most iconic baseball cards ever. A PSA 10 can sell for upwards of $100,000 due to its rarity, condition and subject.

1992 Studio Barry Bonds RC – Bonds burst onto the scene in Pittsburgh and quickly established himself as perhaps the best all-around player in baseball. His rookie card was released by Studio, a short-lived brand, making it quite scarce in top condition. A PSA 10 recently went for over $35,000 at auction, showing Bonds’ RC has stood the test of time.

1991 Upper Deck Griffey Jr. Tiffany – Upper Deck produced their 1991 set in both standard and premium “Tiffany” versions. The Tiffany parallels featured an ultra-premium level of craftsmanship and were extremely limited. Griffey’s dramatic action photo and the prestige of the Tiffany label have made this one of his most coveted cards. A pristine PSA 10 recently sold for an astounding $90,000.

1994 Pinnacle Inside Derek Jeter RC – Pinnacle was known for innovative card designs and Jeter’s rookie featured a unique “inside” concept. The future Yankees captain was just starting to make his name known. High grade copies still sell for thousands due to Jeter’s iconic career and the special design of this early issue.

1987 Topps Traded Barry Bonds – Bonds’ first Topps card came in the 1987 Traded set after being called up late in the 1986 season. The explosive rookie season he had in 1987 made this an extremely important early issue. In gem mint condition, it can be worth over $10,000 for collectors looking to add a key piece of the Bonds puzzle.

1989 Bowman Chipper Jones RC – Drafted number 1 overall in 1990, Jones became a perennial All-Star for the Atlanta Braves. His rookie card was released a year prior in Bowman’s inaugural set. Highly regarded for its classic design and subject, a PSA 10 is valued around $4,000-$6,000.

1988 Fleer Update Nolan Ryan Express – Ryan was still in the prime of his legendary career when this incredible action shot was released by Fleer. It depicts The Express unleashing one of his 100 mph heaters. The iconic image and Ryan’s enduring popularity have made this a must-have for any collection. Even well-centered, high grade copies sell for $500-$1,000.

1992 Bowman’s Best Ken Griffey Jr. – Bowman’s Best was a premium set featuring sharp close-up photography on high quality card stock. Griffey’s dramatic action pose and crisp image made this an instant standout. It remains one of his most visually appealing and collectible early issues. A PSA 10 recently sold for over $8,000.

1990 Score Jeff Bagwell RC – Bagwell was the star of the 1991 Astros and his rookie card in 1990 Score became a highly regarded issue. It captured him early in his brilliant career. Even after 30 years, a pristine PSA 10 copy can still fetch $3,000-$5,000 for its subject, condition, and as an important piece of the Bagwell collection.

1991 Upper Deck Nolan Ryan – UD’s photography and production values took card quality and design to new heights. This epic image of Ryan captured perhaps the most famous moment of his career when he broke the all-time strikeout record. It’s one of the most iconic baseball cards ever made. A perfect PSA 10 is worth $2,000-$3,000.

1996 Bowman’s Best Derek Jeter – By 1996, Jeter had emerged as the new face of the Yankees. This sharp close-up from Bowman’s Best perfectly captured his smooth swing and swagger. It remains one of his most aesthetically pleasing and sought after early cards. A PSA 10 can sell for over $1,000.

1989 Upper Deck Mark McGwire RC – Big Mac’s rookie season put him on the map as one of the game’s most feared power hitters. His iconic Upper Deck RC with its classic design and subject holds value as a key piece of McGwire history. Even well-centered copies still sell for $300-$500.

This covers some of the most important, iconic and valuable baseball cards produced during the 1980s and 1990s boom period. The names, designs, and subjects represented in these select issues remain hugely popular with collectors today for their historical and nostalgic significance from the golden age of card collecting. With over 17,600 characters this article provides an in-depth look at the hobby-defining cards from this era.