Mark McGwire is one of the most prolific home run hitters in baseball history. During his 16 year career playing primarily for the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals, McGwire smashed 583 home runs, which places him 10th on the all-time home run list. He famously hit 70 home runs during the 1998 season, breaking Roger Maris’ single season record of 61 home runs. McGwire’s record-breaking season captivated the nation and generated a lot of excitement around the sport.

Given his prolific home run hitting and record-setting seasons, it’s no surprise that some of McGwire’s best and most valuable baseball cards come from his record-breaking seasons in the late 1990s. Here are some of the most notable and valuable Mark McGwire baseball cards from his career:

1987 Topps Rookie Card (#526) – McGwire’s rookie card is one of the key cards from his collection. The 1987 Topps set marked McGwire’s debut in Major League Baseball after being drafted by the A’s in the 1st round of the 1984 MLB draft. While not overly rare, graded high-end copies of his rookie card in mint condition have sold for over $1,000. This remains one of the more affordable options for collectors looking to add an early McGwire card to their collection.

1989 Fleer Update #U-70 – In 1989, McGwire hit 33 home runs and drove in 95 RBI while establishing himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters. His 1989 Fleer Update card captured McGwire in an Athletics uniform during this breakout season. Higher graded copies have sold for $500-800 depending on condition.

1990 Score #709 – The 1990 Score set featured McGwire sporting his familiar handlebar mustache. He hit 36 home runs and 102 RBI during the 1990 season. Mint condition copies of this McGwire card in a PSA/BGS 10 Gem Mint grade have sold for over $1,000.

1992 Upper Deck #329 – McGwire’s 1992 Upper Deck card stands out for its vivid photography and colorful design. He launched 33 home runs during the 1992 season for Oakland. Well-centered, near-mint to mint copies typically sell in the $150-300 range.

1993 Fleer #364 – McGwire’s 1993 campaign saw him club a career-high and A’s franchise record of 52 home runs. His 1993 Fleer card captured the raw power and excitement he was generating. High-grade versions have sold for $400-600.

1998 Stadium Club Chrome Refractors #14, #SCR-14 – McGwire’s record-breaking 70 home run season in 1998 was one of the most anticipated and watched single season performances in baseball history. His ultra-short printed Stadium Club Chrome Refractor parallel captured the peak of McGwire mania. Only 25 of the #SCR-14 parallel were produced, making high-grade versions among the most valuable McGwire cards on the market today. Near-mint PSA 9 copies have sold for over $10,000.

1998 Bowman’s Best Refractors #BB-MMG – Similar to the Stadium Club Chrome cards, McGwire’s 1998 Bowman’s Best Refractors captured the peak of the home run chase in dazzling refractors. Only 15 of the #BB-MMG parallel were produced, making them the most coveted and valuable McGwire card for collectors. A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy recently sold for a record $57,000, highlighting the card’s rarity and significance.

1999 Fleer Tradition #13 – McGwire’s 1999 campaign saw him club 65 home runs to finish second to Sammy Sosa in the home run chase. His 1999 Fleer Tradition card stands out for its artistic design and photography of McGwire in a Cardinals uniform, his new team after being traded from Oakland following the 1997 season. Near-mint PSA 8 copies typically sell in the $150-250 range.

2000 Upper Deck MVP #8 – McGwire’s 2000 season would be his last with more than 30 home runs as injuries began taking a toll. His 2000 Upper Deck MVP card featured a clean design highlighting his accomplishments. Near-mint PSA 8 versions sell for $75-150.

While PSA/BGS gem mint 10 graded copies of McGwire’s key rookie and record-breaking season cards command the highest prices, there are still many affordable options for collectors even in lower grades. Cards like his 1987 Topps rookie, 1990 Score, 1993 Fleer, and 1999 Fleer Tradition capture McGwire during some of his best offensive seasons and remain collectible at reasonable price points. For the elite collectors, McGwire’s ultra-rare 1998 Stadium Club Chrome and Bowman’s Best Refractors stand out as the true crown jewels among his baseball card portfolio.