Donruss has been producing baseball cards since 1981 and over the decades they have featured some of the game’s biggest stars and rookie cards. While Topps is considered the premier brand in the baseball card industry, Donruss cards from the 1980s and early 1990s in particular have developed a strong cult following. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best and most valuable Donruss baseball cards from over the years.
One of the most iconic and valuable Donruss rookie cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. from 1989. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Griffey’s rookie card showcased his smooth left-handed swing and potential for greatness. While production numbers on Griffey rookies were high for the time at around 900,000 copies, demand has always been exceptional given his legendary career. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples often sell for well over $10,000 today. Even low-grade copies in PSA 6-8 condition can still fetch $100-500.
Another hugely popular 80s Donruss rookie is the Barry Bonds from 1985. Bonds went on to break the all-time home run record and though he was surrounded by steroid controversy late in his career, his early Donruss rookies remind collectors of his pure talent and skills before bulking up. High-grade 1985 Bonds rookies in PSA 10 are worth $3,000-5,000 but can climb higher given his status as one of the game’s true five-tool stars. Like Griffey, even low-grade Bonds rookies hold value due to his iconic career.
Two other 80s Donruss rookies that regularly demand four-figure prices for top grades are the Roger Clemens from 1984 and the Mark McGwire from 1986. Clemens won a record seven Cy Young Awards pitching for Boston and the Yankees, while McGwire smashed home run records before admitting to steroid use. A PSA 10 Clemens rookie brings around $2,000-3,000 while a McGwire can reach $1,500-2,000 in the same grade. Both players were superstars that had huge impacts on the game.
The late 80s and early 90s produced some truly legendary Donruss rookies as well. The Frank Thomas rookie from 1991 is a perennial favorite, showing “The Big Hurt” unleashing his powerful left-handed swing. High-grade Thomas rookies in PSA 10 can reach $1,000-1,500. Chipper Jones’ 1993 Donruss rookie as an 18-year-old phenom for the Braves is also highly sought after. A PSA 10 Jones rookie commands $800-1,200. Both Thomas and Jones had Hall of Fame caliber careers and their early Donruss cards remain highly collectible.
Two other star-studded 90s Donruss rookies are the Alex Rodriguez from 1994 and the Derek Jeter from 1996. A-Rod burst onto the scene with incredible power and defense for Seattle, while Jeter established himself as the Yankee captain and “Cooler.” PSA 10 examples of the Rodriguez rookie have sold for as much as $2,000 while a Jeter in the same grade brings $800-1,200. Even though production on 90s cards was much higher, these players’ legendary careers and iconic rookie cards keep demand high.
While the above Donruss rookies are among the most valuable and recognizable, there are several other star players whose early cards hold significant collector value as well. The Cal Ripken Jr. rookie from 1982 that captured his smooth skills at shortstop can reach $500-800 in a PSA 10. The Greg Maddux rookie from 1986 showing off his pinpoint control is worth $300-500 graded perfectly. And the Tom Glavine rookie from 1987 of the Hall of Famer’s smooth wind-up routinely sells for $200-400 in top condition.
There are also some key Donruss rookie variations that have collectors on high alert. The ultra-rare Ken Griffey Jr. “black back” variation from 1989, where the card back is printed on black cardboard instead of the standard gray, has sold for over $20,000 in high grades. The Derek Jeter “Bat-Down” variation from 1996, where his bat is pointed down instead of up on the image, can reach $2,000-3,000 in top condition as well. Variations like these make already valuable rookie cards even more key for advanced collectors.
While rookies tend to dominate discussions of the best Donruss cards, there are also several superstar players’ early and career-defining Donruss cards that remain highly collectible as well. The Nolan Ryan cards from the late 70s and early 80s before and during his record-setting no-hitter streak are iconic in the hobby. A PSA 10 copy of his 1978 card in an Astros uniform can reach $1,000. The Ozzie Smith backflip defensive wizard card from 1982 showing off his skills at shortstop for the Cardinals is worth $500-800 in top condition as well. And the Rickey Henderson “stealing home” card from 1984 highlighting his base-running brilliance can reach $400 PSA 10. These cards perfectly captured these players’ unique talents.
While Topps baseball cards may lead the industry, Donruss has produced some true gem rookie cards and player issues over the decades that any collection would benefit from owning. The iconic Griffey Jr., Bonds, McGwire, and Jeter rookies from the late 80s and 90s will likely only continue climbing in value as the years pass. And stellar condition early cards of all-time greats like Clemens, Ripken, Ryan, and Henderson remain highly collectible as well. For dedicated collectors, finding high-grade examples of these Donruss classics is a lifelong quest. The brand’s cards succeeded in highlighting baseball’s biggest stars and their best Donruss issues will remain prized possessions.
