The 1988 Donruss baseball card set marked a pivotal year for the brand as it transitioned away from its traditional design approach. The set featured several rookie cards that have grown significantly in value in recent years. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key things collectors need to know about Donruss 1988 values.
Donruss had produced baseball cards since 1981 using a similar design approach each year with a photo on the front and stats on the back. In 1988 they made some major changes, moving to a horizontal card format with action shots and adding team logos. This set the tone for their “Diamond Kings” era that would last through the early 1990s.
The design overhaul was mostly well received by collectors at the time. It gave the cards a modernized look compared to the more traditional vertical style used by competitors like Topps. The changes also meant the 1988 Donruss rookie cards didn’t necessarily stand out aesthetically in the same way as some previous years.
One of the most notable rookies in the set is Ken Griffey Jr. who had one of the longest and most successful careers of any player from the late 80s/90s. In PSA 10 gem mint condition, the Griffey Jr. rookie has risen to over $2,000 in recent years. Even well-centered, sharp copies in PSA 8-9 grade sell for several hundred dollars. This reflects Griffey’s iconic status as a fan favorite and his sustained popularity among collectors.
Another star from the 1988 rookie class is Mark McGwire. Prior to the steroid era revelations, his rookie was a strong seller given his record-breaking home run prowess. High-grade PSA 10 McGwire rookies have reached over $1,000. His card values took a hit following the steroid admissions and have mostly stabilized in the $200-400 range for top copies.
Greg Maddux, who would go on to win 4 Cy Young awards, also has a rookie card in the 1988 Donruss set. Considered one of the best pitchers of all-time, a PSA 10 Maddux rookie can net $500-600. More common PSA 8-9 versions are $100-250. Despite strong on-field performance, his cards have never reached the heights of Griffey or McGwire due to a less flashy playing style.
In addition to star rookies, the 1988 Donruss set featured several young talent who went on to have solid careers like Lenny Dykstra, David Justice, and Barry Larkin. Their rookies in top grades are $50-150. The set also included veterans like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Nolan Ryan who maintained strong collector interest. Higher grade copies of these veterans can reach $30-75 depending on the player.
Beyond individual cards, there are a few key things that impact the overall set value. The 1988 Donruss baseball set has 660 total cards and was widely produced. As such, most common cards are only worth $0.25-1 in played condition. There is strong demand for complete near-mint to mint sets, which in graded PSA/BGS Slabs have reached $2,000-3,000 depending on average grade. Partially complete sets will sell for considerably less.
While production numbers limit the upside of most 1988 Donruss cards, the star rookie class led by Griffey, McGwire and Maddux gives the set lasting relevance and collector interest. Strong condition copies of these rookies as well as select veteran cards continue to appreciate over time. The set as a whole makes for an iconic release from the late 80s era and remains a staple for vintage baseball card collectors.
