The 1988 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the late 1980s. This was the height of the baseball card boom period and Donruss cards were some of the most popular on the market. While there are no extremely rare rookie cards in the 1988 Donruss set that can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, there are several cards that can still hold significant value today, especially in top grades.
One of the most valuable 1988 Donruss cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most hyped rookie prospects ever and living up to expectations with an outstanding career. His iconic swing and athletic abilities made him a fan favorite. While Griffey’s rookie cards from other sets in 1988 like Fleer and Upper Deck can demand thousands in top condition, his Donruss rookie is still highly sought after as well. In a near-mint to mint graded gem mint condition, Griffey’s Donruss rookie has recently sold in the $300-$500 range. For a raw ungraded copy, expect to pay over $100 still.
Another rookie card with great value from 1988 Donruss is Roger Clemens. Already establishing himself as one of the game’s dominant pitchers, Clemens went on to have a legendary career winning multiple Cy Young awards. His Donruss rookie card also holds value, with graded examples selling between $150-$300. Raw copies usually sell for $50 or more. Mark McGwire also had a highly anticipated rookie season and his Donruss rookie card follows suit. Mint copies have sold for over $150 while raw versions sell around $30-$50 typically.
In addition to rookie cards, 1988 Donruss contained the playing cards for many baseball icons who were in their prime or nearing the end of outstanding careers. One of these valuable veteran cards is Ryne Sandberg. The 1984 and 1985 MVP was arguably at the peak of his ability in 1988 and remains one of the most respected second basemen ever. His Donruss high grade cards have sold for $80-$120. Another star from that era, Ozzie Smith, likewise remains a fan favorite for his defensive wizardry at shortstop. His 1988 Donruss gem mint copies have sold for $60-$90.
Two other veteran stars with strong 1988 Donruss card values are Wade Boggs and Mike Schmidt. Boggs was in the midst of his amazing hitting streak seasons and on his way to a career .328 average. Schmidt stood out as perhaps the greatest third baseman ever. Both players’ pristine graded ’88 Donruss cards have sold for $50-$80. With Hall of Fame careers cementing their legends, these core veterans from the late 80s/early 90s retain lots of nostalgia and demand. Other notable veteran ’88 Donruss cards that can reach $30-$50 in top condition include Kirby Puckett, Tony Gwynn, and Nolan Ryan.
Aside from rookies and stars, a few valuable oddball or short print cards exist in the 1988 Donruss set too. One is the Cal Ripken Jr. All-Star card variation, which is noticeably different from the base card with a blue tint and glossy coating. Higher grades have reached $80. Also sought after are any/all Frank Viola cards, as the 1988 AL Cy Young winner signed an exclusive deal with Donruss that year limiting his appearance in other sets. Mint Viola ’88 Donruss cards can achieve $50-$70. Other short prints like the Dave Righetti or Orel Hershiser manager cards hold $30-40 value as well.
While the 1988 Donruss set lacks the true ultra-high end cards found in other flagship sets from that boom period, there are still several rookie and star player cards that retain fantastic nostalgia and collector demand decades later. With Hall of Famers like Griffey, Clemens, McGwire, Boggs, Schmidt, Puckett and more, ’88 Donruss ensured its collection of future legends would stand the test of time. For today’s avid collectors and investors, a complete master set in top condition or individually graded gems remain worthwhile holdings appreciating in value every year.
