The 1990 Fleer baseball card set was issued at the tail end of the “junk wax” era and holds nostalgic appeal for many collectors who were kids in the early 1990s. While the set does not contain any true “gem mint” cards that can fetch thousands due to rarity, there are still several stars and rookie cards from the set that maintain value among collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards and what they are currently selling for in near mint to mint condition.
The cover athlete for the 1990 Fleer set was Oakland Athletics slugger Jose Canseco, coming off his 40/40 season in 1988 when he became the first player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single year. Canseco’s star power made his base card one of the most sought after in the set. In a PSA 9 or BGS 9 grade, Canseco’s card in pristine condition can sell for around $15-20. For the average near mint PSA 8 or BGS 8 copy, values are $8-12.
Another Athletics star, Mark McGwire, also has strong demand from collectors given his iconic home run chasing seasons later in the 1990s. McGwire’s 1990 Fleer base card in top grades of PSA 9 or BGS 9 will sell in the $12-18 range. Near mint PSA 8 or BGS 8 copies go for $6-10. McGwire also has an action photo variation card in the set that is slightly rarer and can fetch a $3-5 premium over the base card in top condition.
Rickey Henderson’s 1990 Fleer is one of the most valuable cards from the set. As arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer of all time, Henderson maintained strong collector interest throughout his Hall of Fame career. His 1990 Fleer base card in PSA 9 or BGS 9 condition can sell between $25-35. Near mint PSA 8 or BGS 8 copies sell in the $15-25 range. Henderson also has an All-Star variation that carries a slight premium.
One of the top rookie cards from the 1990 Fleer set is Ken Griffey Jr. Coming off his stellar rookie campaign with the Seattle Mariners in 1989, Griffey was already one of baseball’s brightest young stars. His rookie card in PSA 9 or BGS 9 condition consistently sells in the $80-100 range. Near mint PSA 8 or BGS 8 copies go for $50-75. Even in lower grades of PSA 7 or BGS 7, Griffey’s rookie maintains a strong $30-50 value.
Another highly sought after rookie is Frank Thomas’ 1990 Fleer issue. Thomas would go on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Chicago White Sox, winning two MVP awards. Top grades of PSA 9 or BGS 9 for “The Big Hurt’s” rookie card sell in the $60-80 range. Near mint copies in PSA 8 or BGS 8 condition go for $40-60. Like Griffey, Thomas’ rookie retains value even in lower grades.
Sandy Alomar Jr.’s rookie card is also popular among collectors given his strong 12-year MLB career primarily as a catcher. Alomar’s 1990 Fleer RC in top condition of PSA 9 or BGS 9 sells between $30-50. Near mint PSA 8 or BGS 8 copies go for $20-30.
While not quite as valuable as the stars above, there are still several other 1990 Fleer cards that maintain respectable values. Ozzie Smith’s defensive wizardry made his card a fan favorite. A PSA 9 or BGS 9 fetches $15-25, while a PSA 8 or BGS 8 goes for $10-15. Dodgers star pitcher Orel Hershiser, coming off his record 59 consecutive scoreless innings in 1988, has a PSA 9 or BGS 9 value of $10-15 and a PSA 8 or BGS 8 worth $6-10. And Reds star Barry Larkin, on his way to a Hall of Fame career at shortstop, has a PSA 9 or BGS 9 value of $8-12 and a PSA 8 or BGS 8 valued at $5-8.
While it lacks true gem mint treasures, the 1990 Fleer baseball set remains a nostalgic favorite for many collectors of the early 1990s. RCs and stars like Griffey, Thomas, McGwire, Canseco, Henderson and others maintain strong collector demand and respectable values, especially in pristine near mint to mint condition. For fans of the era, searching through unopened wax packs from 1990 still offers the chance to uncover a valuable star rookie or insert waiting to be discovered.
