The 1990 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s era. While it did not have the same cultural impact as the iconic 1987 and 1989 Topps sets, the 1990 Donruss set featured some major stars and rookie cards that have stood the test of time in terms of collectibility and value. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key 1990 Donruss cards that hold significant value for collectors today.
One of the most notable rookies from the 1990 Donruss set is Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie card. Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey was a huge star from the very beginning of his career. His rookie card from the 1990 Donruss set, while not quite as iconic as his upper deck rookie, is still one of the most sought after rookie cards from the junk wax era. In near mint to mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 Donruss rookie will fetch prices upwards of $150-200. Higher graded versions in the PSA 8-10 range can sell for $300-1000 depending on the market. The card captured Griffey at the beginning of what became a surefire hall of fame career playing center field in Seattle.
Another star rookie from 1990 Donruss is the card of Roberto Alomar. Alomar went on to have a stellar career primarily with the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays, winning multiple Gold Gloves at second base and being elected to the Hall of Fame in 2011. Alomar’s 1990 Donruss rookie card isn’t quite as valuable as Griffey’s, but it still holds solid value for collectors. In near mint to mint condition it can sell for $50-100, with higher graded PSA/BGS versions reaching $150-300. The card features Alomar as a member of the San Diego Padres organization before he was traded to the Blue Jays.
In addition to star rookies, the 1990 Donruss set also featured major active players that were entering their primes or coming off all-star caliber seasons. For example, the card of Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco from the set carries value, likely due to his status as the first player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in the same season just a few years prior in 1988. Canseco’s 1990 Donruss card in near mint to mint condition sells in the $15-30 range. Higher graded versions can reach $50-100. Another Athletics star, Mark McGwire, also has a solid card from the 1990 Donruss set. Known for breaking the single season home run record just a few years later, “Big Mac’s” 1990 Donruss sells for $10-20 in top condition.
Two of the biggest stars of the late 1980s and 1990s that have valuable cards from the 1990 Donruss set are Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith. Ryan was nearing the end of his legendary career but was still considered one of the most intimidating pitchers in baseball. His 1990 Donruss card sells for $10-15 in top shape. Higher graded versions can reach $25-50. And Ozzie Smith, known as the best defensive shortstop of all time and a huge fan favorite, has a card from the 1990 Donruss set that sells for $8-12 in top condition. PSA/BGS gem mint versions can reach $20-30.
The 1990 Donruss set is also notable for featuring star players who were just starting to emerge nationally. For example, the card of slugging first baseman Mark Teixeira as a member of the Texas Rangers organization holds value. Teixeira went on to have an 8 time all-star career, and his 1990 Donruss rookie sells for $5-8 in top shape, with higher graded versions reaching $10-15. Another example is the card of pitcher Tom Glavine, who was on the cusp of a hall of fame career primarily with the Atlanta Braves. Glavine’s 1990 Donruss sells for $4-6 in top condition, with PSA/BGS gem mint copies reaching $8-12.
While not quite as iconic as some other late 80s/early 90s sets, the 1990 Donruss baseball card release featured rookies and stars that have proven to stand the test of time in terms of collectibility and value. Key cards like Ken Griffey Jr, Roberto Alomar, Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith continue to attract attention from collectors. With the popularity of the players and the set itself, prices of high grade versions of these stars are likely to remain strong for years to come. The 1990 Donruss set serves as an example of how even in the midst of the junk wax era, certain releases featured durable cardboard that maintains significance for collectors decades later.
