The 1990s was a transformative decade for baseball cards. After the junk wax era of the late 80s, the baseball card market corrected itself and rookie cards again became highly sought after by collectors. Many future Hall of Famers made their MLB debuts in the 90s and their rookie cards remain some of the most valuable in the hobby today. Here are some of the best and most valuable baseball rookie cards from the 1990s:

Ken Griffey Jr. (Upper Deck, 1989) – Widely considered the finest and most valuable baseball card of the 1990s, Griffey’s Upper Deck rookie is iconic. With its crisp photography and clean design, it set the standard that others tried to emulate. Griffey was already a huge star as a rookie and this card captured his talent and charisma. PSA 10 examples routinely sell for over $10,000, making it one of the most expensive modern-era cards.

Chipper Jones (Leaf, 1991) – As the number 1 overall pick in the 1990 draft, expectations were high for Jones coming into the decade. He lived up to the hype with a stellar 19-year career, mostly with the Atlanta Braves, and is a likely future Hall of Famer. His 1991 Leaf rookie card, with its flashy design and photo of Jones in a Braves uniform, is one of the most iconic and valuable from the early 90s. Graded PSA 10 copies sell for $3,000-5,000.

Derek Jeter (Bowman, 1993) – One of the most famous and accomplished players of his generation, Jeter’s stellar career and popularity as the longtime Yankees shortstop make his 1993 Bowman rookie extremely desirable. It features a clean photo of the young star and has remained a mainstay in sets ever since. High-grade PSA 10 Jeter rookies have cracked $10,000 at auction.

Nomar Garciaparra (Bowman, 1996) – In 1997, Nomar burst onto the scene with a batting title and Rookie of the Year award, announcing himself as the next great Red Sox shortstop. His 1996 Bowman rookie, which captured him as a prospect in the minors, skyrocketed in value and popularity. PSA 10s now sell for $3,000-5,000 due to his iconic status in Boston in the late 90s.

Randy Johnson (Bowman, 1988) – One of the most intimidating and dominant pitchers ever, “The Big Unit” struck fear into hitters for over 20 years. His 1988 Bowman rookie, which shows a mustachioed Johnson glaring at the camera, has become one of the most iconic pitcher cards from the junk wax era. High-grade copies in PSA 10 condition crack $1,000.

Mike Piazza (Leaf, 1990) – Originally drafted as a first baseman, Piazza reinvented himself as arguably the greatest hitting catcher of all time. His 1990 Leaf rookie, which pictures him as a Dodger prospect, took on new life as his Hall of Fame career developed. PSA 10s have sold for over $2,000.

Sammy Sosa (Bowman, 1989) – Sosa’s prodigious home run feats with the Cubs in the late 90s made him one of the game’s biggest stars and his rookie cards some of the most sought after from the decade. The 1989 Bowman issue shows Sosa as a young Cub and PSA 10s have reached $1,500.

Ivan Rodriguez (Bowman, 1991) – “Pudge” Rodriguez established himself as the greatest defensive catcher ever over a 21-year career. His 1991 Bowman rookie of him in a Rangers uniform is one of the most iconic from the early 90s. High-grade copies have sold for over $1,000.

Greg Maddux (Bowman, 1986) – Maddux quietly put together one of the greatest pitching careers ever, winning 4 Cy Young awards between 1992-95. His 1986 Bowman rookie, which pictures the young righty as a Chicago Cub, has gained appreciation from collectors. PSA 10s have sold for over $800.

John Smoltz (Donruss, 1989) – One of the most dominant pitchers-turned-relievers ever, Smoltz’s Hall of Fame career started as a starter for the Atlanta Braves. His 1989 Donruss rookie shows a mustachioed Smoltz and PSA 10s have reached $600.

Chipper Jones, Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, and Nomar Garciaparra headline the best and most valuable rookie cards from the 1990s baseball card boom. High-grade copies of their iconic rookie issues remain some of the most sought after investments in the hobby. The decade also featured the debuts of many other future Hall of Famers whose rookie cards retain significance and popularity with collectors to this day.