Cal Ripken Jr. had an iconic career with the Baltimore Orioles spanning from 1981 to 2001. As one of the most durable and consistent players of all time, Ripken holds the record for most consecutive games played with 2,632 straight games played over 16 seasons. This incredible streak along with his batting prowess and defensive skills at shortstop made Ripken extremely popular among baseball fans. As a result, Ripken’s rookie cards and cards from his playing career are some of the most sought after and hold significant value today. Let’s take a deeper look at Cal Ripken Jr. baseball cards and get a sense of their current prices.

Ripken made his MLB debut in 1981 but did not have any rookie cards until the following season in 1982. One of his key rookie cards is the 1982 Topps Traded #124T card. In near mint to mint condition, this coveted rookie card in a PSA 10 gem mint grade can fetch upwards of $2,000. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or Beckett Graded Services 8.5, the card still demands $300-500. Another highly valuable rookie is the 1982 Fleer #526 card. Like the Topps Traded, graded PSA 10 examples of the Fleer rookie can sell for over $1,000 with PSA 8s in the $300 range.

Moving into Ripken’s breakout seasons of 1983-1985, his cards start gaining more value given his rising star status. The 1983 Topps #474 is a standout from this period. PSA 10s trade hands for $500-800 while PSA 8s go for $150-250. Ripken’s 1984 Donruss #34 also holds steady value, with a PSA 10 at $350-500 and a PSA 8 at $100-150. Then in 1985, Ripken started receiving more attention for his durability as he played in all 162 games for the first time. His 1985 Topps Traded #124T and 1985 Fleer Update #U-CR commemorate this feat. PSA 10 examples of each card can reach $300-500 depending on the market.

The late 1980s saw Ripken enter his prime and become one of the game’s premier stars. His 1987 Topps #632 captures him winning the 1987 All-Star Game MVP and is a highly collectible card from this era. PSA 10s trade between $150-250 with PSA 8s at $50-100. Ripken’s offensive numbers really took off in 1988 when he hit .307 with 27 home runs and 102 RBI. His 1988 Topps Traded #124T and 1988 Score #587 highlight this breakout season. A PSA 10 of either in near-perfect condition would sell for $150-250.

Entering the early 1990s, Ripken’s cards reflected his status as a perennial All-Star and one of baseball’s top talents. The 1991 Upper Deck #1 is considered one of his most iconic cards from this period. High-grade examples still demand big money today with a PSA 10 at $500-800 and a PSA 8 at $150-300 given the card’s aesthetics and rarity in top condition. Ripken’s pursuit of Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record also started gaining steam. His 1991 Score #602 and 1992 Topps #632 pay tribute to his streak. PSA 10 copies can reach $150-250.

In 1993, Ripken shattered Gehrig’s record by playing his 2,130th straight game on September 6th against the Angels. His accomplishment was immortalized on several special release cards. The ultra-rare 1993 Leaf Limited Logo Swatch #LLR-CR contains an actual uniform swatch and patch. Just a handful are known to exist, with ungraded examples selling for well over $10,000. The 1993 Upper Deck MVP Medal Collection Gold #MVP-CR features a 24k gold-plated medal honoring Ripken’s streak. PSA 10s have sold for upwards of $2,000. Other highly valuable 1993 releases commemorating the record include Fleer Ultra Gold Medallion #GM-CR, Score Elite #SE-CR, and Topps Gold Medallion #GM-CR.

Ripken’s consecutive games streak cards from 1994-1996 remain very collectible as well. The 1994 Topps Gold Medallion #GM-CR, 1995 Fleer Ultra #166, and 1996 Topps #645 highlight his dominance during this three year span. PSA 10 examples can reach $150-300 depending on the specific card and year. In 1995, Ripken won his second AL MVP award. His 1995 Leaf Limited #LLR-CR lists this accomplishment and has sold for over $1,000 in PSA 10 condition given the brand’s rarity.

As Ripken neared the end of his playing career in the late 1990s-early 2000s, his cards paid tribute to his incredible longevity and status as a true Iron Man. The 2000 Upper Deck #50 recognizes his chasing 3,000 hits. PSA 10s trade between $75-150. His final season was 2001. The 2001 Topps #632 marks Ripken waving to fans in his last at-bat. Near-mint PSA 8 copies sell for $50-100.

In summary, Cal Ripken Jr.’s legendary consecutive games streak and excellence at the plate and in the field for over two decades makes his baseball cards among the most sought after from the 1980s and 1990s. Highlights include his rare 1982 rookie cards, iconic 1991 Upper Deck, and numerous 1993 releases commemorating his breaking the Iron Man record. Whether you collect Ripken cards from his early years, prime, or later career, they remain sound long-term investments for any baseball card portfolio.