Donruss has been producing baseball cards since 1981 and over the decades has featured some of the game’s all-time great players. While Donruss cards may not carry the same cachet as Topps or Upper Deck issues from the same era, there are certainly some highly valuable and desirable Donruss cards out there. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and sought-after Donruss baseball cards from different years.
1981 Donruss #1 Nolan Ryan: The very first Donruss baseball card features Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, making it quite significant. In top graded gem mint condition this card can sell for over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint copies trade hands for $1,000 or more. As the inaugural Donruss issue, the 1981 #1 Nolan Ryan understandably holds cachet with collectors.
1986 Donruss #107 Roger Clemens: Clemens’ rookie card from Donruss’ 1986 set is highly coveted by collectors. A pristine gem mint 10 copy recently sold for close to $15,000. Most near mint or better examples still demand $1,000-$3,000 on the current market. Clemens went on to have a legendary career and his rookie card remains quite valuable, especially for a Donruss issue.
1989 Donruss #1 Ken Griffey Jr.: Junior’s rookie card was the lead card in Donruss’ 1989 set and it’s become arguably the most iconic Griffey rookie. High-grade copies in gem mint 10 condition have sold for north of $10,000. Even well-centered near mint 9 examples can still pull in $2,000-$4,000. The card captures Griffey at the beginning of his Hall of Fame career and remains a must-have for any collection.
1992 Donruss Elite #36 Derek Jeter: This scarce parallel issue features Jeter’s first Donruss card from his rookie season of 1996. Pristine mint copies have sold for over $20,000 in recent years. Even well-centered near mint copies typically sell for $4,000-$8,000. As one of the hobby’s most beloved players, Jeter rookies hold significant value, especially from elite parallel sets like 1992 Donruss Elite.
1993 Donruss Studio #1 Ken Griffey Jr.: This parallel issue features an innovative “studio” photography style. High-grade copies remain exceptionally rare and have sold for upwards of $30,000 when in pristine condition. Even well-centered near mint examples command $5,000-$10,000 prices. Featuring one of the game’s most charismatic stars, this innovative parallel card holds a special place in the hobby.
1994 Donruss Elite #111 Derek Jeter: This scarce parallel issue features Jeter’s second Donruss card from his breakout sophomore season. A recent near mint graded sale fetched over $15,000. Even well-centered raw copies sell in the $3,000-$6,000 range. Jeter’s star power and the rarity of 1994 Donruss parallel issues makes this card a true key in any collection.
1997 Donruss Preferred Stock #1 Ken Griffey Jr: This parallel issue features a unique “stock certificate” design on high-quality card stock. Pristine mint copies have sold for upwards of $50,000 in recent years. Even well-centered near mint examples still demand $8,000-$15,000 prices. Featuring one of the most charismatic players on innovative “stock” design makes this one of the true Grails for any Griffey or 90s collector.
2000 Donruss Class 1 #1 Derek Jeter: As Jeter’s career was peaking, this parallel issue captures him on perhaps his most iconic card design. Pristine mint 10 copies have sold for over $30,000. Even well-centered near mint examples still pull in $5,000-$10,000 prices. Featuring one of the most accomplished players on a truly classic design, this parallel card remains a true key piece for any collection.
While not as storied as other brands, Donruss produced some truly iconic and valuable rookie cards, parallels and serial numbered issues over the years. Featuring the games’ biggest stars like Griffey, Jeter and Clemens on innovative and classic designs helps make high-grade examples of these Donruss cards among the most valuable and desirable around. Whether you’re a vintage collector, Griffey/Jeter enthusiast, or 90s/2000s fan, these Donruss cards are must-owns for any collection.
