The 1990 baseball card season featured some of the most iconic and valuable cards of the late 80s and early 90s era. While 1989 is often hailed as the peak of the “Junk Wax” era that flooded the market with mass produced cards, 1990 still had its fair share of memorable rookies and star players that have stood the test of time. Let’s take a look at some of the best baseball cards from the 1990 season that have retained value and nostalgia over 30 years later.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (Upper Deck #1) – Widely considered one of if not the most iconic rookie card of all time, Griffey’s 1990 Upper Deck card is still one of the most sought after cards on the vintage market. Featuring “The Kid” in his sweet swinging motion, the photography and design of this card is timeless. Graded PSA 10 copies have sold for well over $10,000. Even in lower grades, this card still commands a premium due to Griffey’s legendary career and status as a fan favorite.

Frank Thomas Rookie (Fleer #336) – While not as valuable as Griffey’s rookie, “The Big Hurt’s” 1990 Fleer card is still a highly desired piece for Sox and rookie card collectors alike. Thomas went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie remains iconic from the Fleer set that year. PSA 10’s have reached over $3,000.

Roberto Alomar Rookie (Bowman #144) – Alomar enjoyed a long, successful career and his 1990 Bowman rookie has become an important part of the vintage set. Like Thomas, it’s not in Griffey territory but graded gem mint 10’s have still topped $1,000 showing its staying power.

Chipper Jones Rookie (Bowman #91) – Jones was one of the game’s biggest stars throughout the 90s and 2000s for the Braves. His rookie card from Bowman in 1990 is highly sought after, especially in top grades. A PSA 10 just sold for over $4,000, proving this rookie has some serious cache.

Sandy Alomar Jr. Rookie (Donruss #383) – The catcher’s 1990 Donruss rookie has gained steam in recent years as a key Indians/rookie card to own. Alomar enjoyed a long career and his card remains iconic from the classic Donruss design of that era. PSA 10’s have crossed $1,000.

Tom Glavine Rookie (Donruss #350) – One of the best pitchers of the 90s, Glavine’s rookie card stands out from Donruss in 1990. While not in the same conversation as the above rookies, graded mint 10 copies have still reached $500 due to Glavine’s stellar career and status as an Atlanta legend.

Ken Griffey Jr. Traded (Bowman #T93) – While the Upper Deck rookie gets all the hype, Griffey’s traded card from Bowman in 1990 might be even more visually stunning. Featuring him in full swing wearing a Mariners uniform for the first time, this card is truly iconic from the classic Bowman set. PSA 10’s have crossed $3,000.

Nolan Ryan Express (Donruss #1) – Arguably the most famous card from the 1990 Donruss set, this action shot of “The Ryan Express” throwing a heater was iconic of that era. While not a huge rarity, any true vintage collection needs this legendary card in its archives. Even low-grade copies retain $50-100 of value.

Jose Canseco (Fleer #119) – One of the biggest stars of the late 80s, Canseco’s card from 1990 Fleer perfectly captures his musclebound, slugging persona during his peak Oakland years. While his career took a downturn, this card remains a highly collectible and memorable piece from the early 90s boom.

Rickey Henderson (Upper Deck #91) – The 1990 Upper Deck set is best known for Griffey, but Rickey’s card might be the most dynamic photo from that historic release. With his arms outstretched stealing a base, it’s no wonder this action shot has become one of the set’s most iconic cards outside of the rookie. Even in lower grades it retains $50-100 of value.

Those represent some of the most notable, valuable, and iconic baseball cards from the 1990 season. While production was high during the “Junk Wax” era, certain rookies and star players from 1990 like Griffey, Thomas, Alomar, Jones and more have proven to stand the test of time due to their on-field success and memorable card designs from sets like Upper Deck, Donruss and Fleer. The 1990 season will always be remembered as one of the great vintage years.